Newcastle were worthy winners at Stoke yesterday, and we were the better team for the first 75 minutes of the game, and at that time were ahead from a good goal by Ayoze Perez after 73 minutes.
The goal was set up brilliantly by winger Jacob Murphy who put in a superb cross from the right wing that beat Stoke’s defense, and Perez was there to stab the ball home.
But up to that point, we had wasted too many chances and should have been comfortably ahead.
Stoke came at Newcastle in the final 10 minutes or so, but we defended well and were (very) thankful for two brilliant point-blank saves from goalkeeper Karl Darlow to preserve the win.
Karl was superb in goal for us yesterday and deserves a lot of credit for that display.
If we can get two new strikers in this month that will go a long way to Newcastle winning games like this a lot easier than we are doing at the moment because of missed chances.
Jacob Murphy – played very well yesterday – so creative
But hey – we are not complaining (well not too much) – it was a fantastic team performance from our players.
Newcastle paid up to £12M for Murphy from Norwich in the summer, and he is showing the class he has, and he had an excellent game yesterday and got the assist for the winning goal.
He showed some class and that’s what has been missing from our team this season.
You cannot criticize the effort or pride shown by our players – they are giving everything they have in every game.
This is what Benitez has said about Jacob’s performance yesterday as reported in the Shields Gazette:
“He’s a young player who’s learning how to understand the game, and also learning about the pace of the Premier League.”
“He’s doing some good things, but he still has plenty of room for improvement.”
“We are trying to do our best, and we will see what can happen,” “But now it’s about enjoying the Stoke win and trying to concentrate on the next game.”
“Everyone has to do his job.”
“The fans were really good,” “We have seen the fans away last year and this year, they’re fantastic.”
“When they travel so far away, it’s a perfect day when you win and score and can celebrate in front of them.”
“They will go back home with a smile on their faces.”
“They were giving their support to our players, and maybe that made the players give a little bit more – if that’s possible.”
“I don’t like to see the team defending and not taking the chances that we had on the counter-attack.”
“But if you cannot do that, then you have to defend in the way that we did in the last few minutes.”
“That’s the kind of team spirit that you are expecting from a team that is desperate to avoid relegation and stay in the Premier League.”
Rafa will now be hoping for up to four new players coming in this month during the January transfer window to strengthen the Newcastle squad.
He must be supported by Mike Ashley.
Comments welcome.
150 comments so far
Black'n'White'n'BroonAllOver
Jan 2, 2018 at 10:54 AM
Comment #41We obviously need at least one experienced, proven, quality striker in Jan. Most likely on loan as I don’t think even if there’s an agreement with PCP that we’ll spend the £30-£40m required for such a player.
Two new strikers would be ideal.
After that, what do folk reckon are our top priorities, given we’re unlikely to sign too many players? Both for availability of quality players in Jan and our anticipated limited Jan budget.
For me, it’s an attacking midfielder – doesn’t have to be a no10 IMO, just a quality attacking player. Rafa has historically liked three players supporting a lone striker, I’d be fine with the central player being rotated between Perez (for his workrate and defending from the front) and combinations of Merino, Atsu, even the Hoss! But only if we get another incisive attacker supporting our new striker. Perhaps Walcott could do this role. Or even (whisper it quietly) Townsend. We desperately need firepower, so a top striker supported by a new dangerous attacker, and any of Atsu, Ritchie (if he remembers where he left his form), Aarons, Murphy, would be enough to put away a few more of the chances and make us safe.
After that, a top level keeper. Age 30-plus, so Woodman can deputise and learn from them as no2, without having his path to the first team blocked. Commanding, vocal and experienced. Obviously Reina was Rafa’s no1 choice for this. Never convinced by Caballero but wouldn’t turn my nose up at someone like him. For all Darlow’s heroism yesterday there are still too many weaknesses in his game for me.
A full-back next. Probably a LB given Dummett’s lack of attacking prowess and the fact we don’t have a suitable backup (like many I thought Mbemba filled that role well, but clearly not Rafa’s cup of tea).
DM after that. Of course if Diame continues his form this wouldn’t be so urgent, but not convinced he will. I like Hayden in many ways but not the finished article and there’s some doubt as to whether he ever will be.
Anything more than that I’d be delighted and amazed. More wingers, proper no10, a second FB… but if we get the above I would be very happy indeed, and would have no worries about relegation.
The biggest worry is if anything happens to Jamaal, since we seem rock-solid defensively when he plays and all over the place when he doesn’t. But we’re well stocked in the CB position so I don’t see another arriving unless something happens to the captain this month.
martoon
Jan 2, 2018 at 10:55 AM
Comment #42Apologies Jesper that was not intentional but my auto correct interfering! I don’t have a problem with our difference of opinion just pointing out it is a bit hypocritical praising people for cleaning up the blog and on the very same topic launching a foul expletive at Jail!
However let’s agree to drop this now and back to football.
Singinginthecorner
Jan 2, 2018 at 10:56 AM
Comment #43Springy
Rafa will be busy this week and next with the fa cup have a bit of leaway to get players in.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 2, 2018 at 10:59 AM
Comment #44Martoon…thank you for your quick reply! It’s appreciated 🙂
Fair enough and point taken!
Singinginthecorner
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM
Comment #45A keeper is a must in the window rafa likes to play it out from the back and neither of the keepers we have are confident enough to do this.
Klatoon
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM
Comment #46I cant be the only that was bawling at Hayden on those 2 last breaks, no ?
catchy in norway
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:02 AM
Comment #47he might of made the goal, but i thought over 90 minutes he was very poor, and that’s what a football game is, a 90 minuet game.
Darlow got man of the match because he did everything he was asked to during those 90 minutes.
Murphy was in hiding for most of the match, just after we scored he had a great chance to slip to ball to Gayle, who was in loads of space, but chose to turn inside.
it’s really great reading all you guys changing history, maybe that’s why people think us fans are deluded.
Stoke are poor. and seem to be a one man team, but here is a fact for you all, this is what you call a premiership team filled with premiership players, isn’t it. there only premiership because you label them, it’s just a label.
i’m pleased for the away fans, making long trips and getting a reward for it, but if rafa can do it for the away games, he needs to earn his money and stop playing like the away team when we are at home, 50thousand fans are not getting anything from his tactics, and the team is not getting points
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:02 AM
Comment #48Blackandwhite broon
Pretty much spot on about positions you mentioned, maybe a cb will be higher up the pecking order if we have an injury this week or mbemba leaves but strikers first,no 10/attacking mid next…then see whats next…..hopefully
Shoulders knees
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Comment #49Jib
Will overseas loans be problematic regarding international clearance?
just wondering as any loanees coming will probably wanting to play for international sides at World cup. suggesting they are not at moment. hence coming for game time.
lesh
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:04 AM
Comment #50Shire, Hibbit, Bambans, Dubai
Any updates on where the takeover’s at?
Come on – your fans’ nails are chewed to the quick and we need to know when we might be freed from our beloved Mr Ashely
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:04 AM
Comment #51I spose if we bring in a quality left back dummett could do as cb if we have injuries or mbemba moves on…i expect a experienced keeper at least on loan as well
Black'n'White'n'BroonAllOver
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:05 AM
Comment #52Jib @ 35 – I like the idea of Kenedy (though TBH I haven’t seen enough of him to really judge). One thing that concerns me is whether he’s good enough straight away, and where he’ll play. Since we’re restricted to two loans from PL teams I’d rather see those loans used on a top striker and attacker, or a striker and a keeper.
Many doubts about Kenedy as a LB, but perhaps he’d be effective on the left of a front three, or even as an attacking wingback – to alternate with Dummett’s more defensive qualities.
Firepower is the biggest priority in anyone’s estimation. While I’d be happy for Kenedy to arrive as one of a bunch of new players, I’d be much happier if we got proven quality in the attacking positions in first.
toontaff2
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Comment #53Sorry Mr. Hearn/Warren/Don King. The 0734 spat is not having a sequel 😉
Black'n'White'n'BroonAllOver
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Comment #54Springy + Singing – yeah an experienced ‘sweeper-keeper’ is the next priority after a couple of goal-scoring attackers for me.
Given Rafa’s undermined efforts to sign someone of that type in the summer, I’m pretty sure it’s one of his top priorities too.
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Comment #55Singing in the corner
Wishful thinkin but would’ve loved to of seen one in today, even a loan…just to show they have been working on things behind the scenes….as we always look weeks behind the rest of the clubs when it comes to signings.
toontaff2
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Comment #56Klatoon, there were a few bawling at everything, behind me!
Nufc-83
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:10 AM
Comment #57A lot of Chelsea fans really rate Kennedy which is good in one way but also a bit of a nightmare as we are likely only being used for his development and no option to buy will be available. Hey beggars can’t be choosers in the current situation so get him in for competition to the wings as may give Richie a kick up the hoop.
I would like to see 2 strikers and a cam brought in and that would be me over the moon and us comfortably safe.
Gk I think we can wait until the summer but want argue if we get one in lol.
toontaff2
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:11 AM
Comment #58Are we still linked with Kiko Casilla?
Rotonda heights
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Comment #59Slank ” The other notable thing was the absence of high and almost always aimless high balls”
Spot on. The inter – changing speed, mobility and movement of Atsu, Perez and Murphy negated the need for hoofs which was very, very refreshing
Black'n'White'n'BroonAllOver
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Comment #60Nufc-83, what position do they rate him in do you know?
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:15 AM
Comment #61Everytime i hear or use the term “kick or boot up the hoop”…stupid i know but just one of them terms makes me laugh! Lol
Nufc-83
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:21 AM
Comment #62An attacking winger is his best position apparently.
Nufc-83
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:22 AM
Comment #63Springy haha
Singinginthecorner
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:22 AM
Comment #64I think we need bring in a couple of experienced players to help the youth. Bringing in a experienced keeper would sort the back four allowing Ritchie to concentrate on atacking instead of looking after yedlin.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:26 AM
Comment #65Jæsper,
I am most definitely not a WUM. I live breathe and sleep NUFC. However if you think I’m a blog idiot then that’s up to you, but please stop footing whining like a little girl when I call you one back.
c-dog
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Comment #66I hope Josiére gets the start at Luton. This will be a good chance for him to show abilities against weaker opposition and if he bags a couple it’ll do his confidence no harm. If he doesn’t then it makes no difference.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Comment #67Singinginthecorner,
I most definitely agree, bringing in a keeper is only second in importance to buying a striker.
Optimistic Panda
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:30 AM
Comment #68I’ve spent the last 12 days drinking my body weight in alcohol everyday and it’s back to reality tomorrow.
All the best in 2018 to all the bloggers and NUFC fans around the world. Hope you’re all well.
Fingers crossed for some decent signings and a new owner asap.
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:33 AM
Comment #69On a bit of a hiding to nothing this weekend against luton….they are in decent form,if we win could breed a little over confidence that could slap us round the chops against swansea the following week,but if we get beat,confidence could get shot and would be match of the days whipping boys and laughing stocks….tricky.. but could really do with a good cup run,but after last few season in all cups…im not expecting much to be honest.
Optimistic Panda
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:38 AM
Comment #70I hope we slap Swansea around the chops, we need max points from those around us.
Reilly
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:41 AM
Comment #71Newcastle and Chelsea have agreed a deal in terms of numbers for Kenedy – the player wants to come but still waiting for Chelsea to sign off. – (via @CraigHope_DM) #NUFC
Bobbybee
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:42 AM
Comment #72Don’t think we should let yesterday’s decent performance and great result take away from the fact that in reality we’re still the worst team in the league on paper.
Watching Palace and West Brom this weekend makes me wonder how the hell Rafa is keeping us afloat.
Those wanting him out need to realise he’s the main reason we’re not bottom and cut adrift.
I would defy any other manager to get a better tune out of this busted instrument.
That said, great credit must be given to the players who never give less than 100% for Rafa and the fans. Their effort simply cannot be faulted and if they have a few better, more experienced players around them, some of them might yet make PL players.
The harsh reality right now is our squad simply isn’t PL quality. Great Championship squad, but the gap between that and PL since the big money came in has never been greater.
Instead of whining and moaning, get behind the lads and help bridge that gap.
I just hope Ashley doesn’t return and see we’re surviving without much needed recruits. Not sure young players are the answer either. Experience is required right now, not more potential.
Two or three – two goalscorers and an enforcer will see us through until the takeover. A reliable keeper is needed too but goals are what we’re missing right now.
Survival is all we need this season and then minus Ashley we can kick on.
Not getting too excited by potential new owners, SJH apart all we’ve ever had is bad owners, but just someone willing to speculate will do me.
Hope this post passes the test of the blog sanitising brigade. That naughty step gets a bit boring – although I may not be alone apparently 🙂
Lindisfarne
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:47 AM
Comment #73Luton are not afraid of having a pop at goal:
https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/news-gossip/363127/the-most-entertaining-team-in-england-arent-even-in-the-premier-league/
Bobbybee
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:52 AM
Comment #74Sing, not sure Ritchie does much looking after Yedlin matey. Imo that’s the main reason we’ve been vulnerable down that side – Ritchie not tracking back and leaving Yedders marking two players.
Been disappointed in Ritchie this season Tbf. Dunno what the matter is but he’s not the player he looked like.
Granted the PL is a huge step up, but he is one with PL experience and it hasn’t been obvious this season.
Hopefully it’s just a dip in form because we need him to step up and be a leader. Still like to see him in the No 10 spot. Thought he was going to play there yesterday with Atsu out wide. He’s a more natural finisher after all.
Lindisfarne
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:53 AM
Comment #75My personal thoughts on the Stoke game:
1 – great away crowd really supporting the lads
2 – Murphy din’t let his head go down (crowd not on his back)
3 – after a season and a half Rafa has realised we don’t have a #10 playmaker
4 – the lads can play really well together as a team that balances the lack of quality
5 – need to practice their passing and ball receiving more
SPRINGY
Jan 2, 2018 at 11:55 AM
Comment #76Lindisfarne
Something else….corner and free kick delivery is pretty poor…needs working on as well.
jazzyp
Jan 2, 2018 at 12:03 PM
Comment #77Are Kennedy and Ings the best we can hope for Re signing wise??
Rafa will know what figures he has to play with now and hopefully he has fingers in many pies. One signing a week during the transfer window would be not to shabby for the January transfer window
Tsunki
Jan 2, 2018 at 12:04 PM
Comment #78Been wondering about Ritchie, whether he has an injury issue maybe, but maybe it’s a possibility that he’s found himself in Rafas “Out” tray? Just saying.
Jules
Jan 2, 2018 at 12:04 PM
Comment #79I had to laugh at the audacity of Gaz Neville. A former Valencia manager tutoring a former Valencia manager Benitez a two times La Liga & a UEFA Cup Winner at the club. Neville has some nerve thinking those of us who have watched a fair amount of football will be in agreement as he slates a UEFA Elite Coach about how he should do his job. Almost as hilarious as being lectured by a football and life no mark on how you should conduct oneself on a football blog. Glad I wasn’t around last night to experience the boring waffle. Online was the one bringing the game into disrepute. What arrogant nonsense that he is the arbiter of what’s acceptable.
Happy New Year to the sane NUFC fans around the world.
Rotonda heights
Jan 2, 2018 at 12:05 PM
Comment #80klatoon
hayden was shocking in the 5-10 mins. 3 times in good positions to either assist or score and fluffed his lines horribly on each occasion.