We’ll keep an eye on how we compare with our relegation season of two years ago as a way to gauge how well (or otherwise) we are doing to avoid relegation this season.
That’s job one this season – we must stay in the Premier League.
We are slightly better off after 21 games played with one more point and a better goal difference.
So that’s at least something, and two years ago we beat West Ham at home 2-1 in our 22nd game.
But then lost five of the next six games and won only one – a 1-0 win at home to West Brom.
And that’s when Steve McClaren was fired with only 24 points from 28 games after we lost at home to Bournemouth on 5th March 2016 and in came Rafa.
Rafa Benitez – hopefully he can guide us to safety
We have to hope we can get more points on the board in the next seven games and every game is possible to win – even against the top sides.
We have still to play Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea at home and we can get some points there if we are on form and have some new recruits brought in this month.
[table “70” not found /]Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
toontaff2
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:34 AM
Comment #1Darlow
Yedlin Lascalles Clark Dummett
Diame Shelvey
Murphy Perez Richie
Joselu
Bench: Woody, Manquillo, Mbemba, Hayden, Merino, Atsu, Gayle.
1-5 The Toon, naturally
SPRINGY
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:34 AM
Comment #2Happy new year to all nufc fans,everywhere.
toontaff2
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:40 AM
Comment #3Mitro, Colback, Saivet, Haidara – all should be gone in the next couple of days, if we’re actually doing any transfer business. That still only frees up 3 squad places. It’s not just the fees/wages for the incomings, but we have to get rid of wages for players who are not playing.
geordiemark
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:43 AM
Comment #4happy new year to everyone, lets hope 2018 is a far better year then last year 🙂
geordiemark
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:45 AM
Comment #5going for 2-1 to the toon today
toontaff2
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:47 AM
Comment #6I enjoyed the day we won the Championship – it seems a long time ago, now, but what a great day to be a Toon fan!
Looking forward to the day when that sort of celebration is for winning a cup! 💡
Lindisfarne
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:57 AM
Comment #7We will huff and puff and go down with a whimper in all likelihood. Otherwise another 0-0, although last I heard Stoke had 5 defenders injured which may actually provide an opportunity for us to score. As you can see I am primarily negative about our chances, but ultimately hopeful and if I could, I’d be at the game.
Good times, good voice and a good new year to all nufc supporters.
Nufc-83
Jan 1, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Comment #8Brighton vs Bournemouth today. Draw would be best I guess. A lot of teams battling relegation are playing each other in the coming weeks which makes our next 2 games even more important.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Jan 1, 2018 at 9:29 AM
Comment #9Me
Gone for 0-0
Transfer window 9hrs 23 minutes old and not a scooby – could this be what we are in for until 31st Jan
No one in but a couple out
No take-over
A diddle-squat January
Malta Mag
Jan 1, 2018 at 11:40 AM
Comment #10At this moment in time I’d never start a game without Merino Yedlin Ritchie or Lascelles. They are the heartbeat of the team. As for the left back debate, I’m on the Manquillo bench on this as I think he’s vastly improved and gives you more going forward. Don’t forget the lad’s a right back filling in because of Dummet’s unavailability so that should be taken into consideration. The problems in our team will be sorted with the purchase of 1) Striker with proven goal record. 2) No 10 as we are woeful in this position. 3) Left back to step straight into team 4) Goal keeper
Toon Toon in Rafa we trust