In a game we really expected to win at West Brom, Newcastle put in an unacceptable sub-par performance and were well beaten 3-1.
Since we won three games in a row, the 5 games after that streak ended, have produced just two draws, and the inconsistent form is there for all to see.
We were hopeless against Blackburn, solid against Fulham, hopeless at Bolton, solid against Chelsea, and today we were pathetic in the first half at West Brom and recovered only slightly after the break.
But there’s no doubt that West Brom deserved their win today, and we still have no idea which Newcastle is the real team – the hopeless one that turned up today with no fight and no flair, or the side that walloped Sunderland 5-1 and Aston Villa 6-0.
But if inconsistency was Newcastle problem before today’s game, here is another game that we had always done well in – and yet we looked fairly hopeless today with no penetration up front – and it looks Newcastle are badly missing Barton and Nolan.
But this is our squad strength, and we expect players like Guthrie, Campbell and Routledge to be able to come in and get the job done, but today Newcastle were second best in almost everything.
West Brom started by far the more energetic side, which is completely opposite to last week’s game against Chelsea when Newcastle started great, and they had all the possession, and it wasn’t if they were going to score – but when.
Sol Campbell in particular looked very hesitant today, and his bad mistake after 21 minutes almost gave a goal away, when he passed the ball straight to an opposing player, but the other Newcastle defenders were able to cover well.
Newcastle did nothing in the first 25 minutes but defend but from their first corner, an overhead kick by Carroll gave Steven Taylor a half chance but the local lad couldn’t quite connect.
And what seemed like the inevitable goal for West Brom duly arrived on 31 minutes, when Tchoyi got the ball just outside the penalty area, and was allowed a free shot on goal, which gave Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal very little chance.
Half time came with Newcastle lucky to be only one goal down, and Newcastle had none of central midfield whatsoever in the first 45 minutes, and if Chris Hughton ever had a reason to blast the lads at half time – it was this afternoon.
And with Newcastle players late out after the break, we have to hope that Chris told them a few home truths in the dressing room, for a performance in the first half which was simply unacceptable.
Newcastle replaced Ameobi with Lovenkrands in the second half and we suppose we would play 4-5-1 to try to get more of the central midfield, because 4-4-2 just never gave us the ball in that first half – Guthrie is just not strong enough right now in the middle of the park to play that formation with any success.
Newcastle did better in the second half but the killer goal for West Brom came after 70 minutes and it was a gift to WBA from Newcastle – and it’s not even Christmas yet.
Danny Guthrie had the ball just inside his half and he fell and West Brom got the ball, found Newcastle short at the back, and Peter Odemwingie made it 2-0, and this game was over.
Danny seemed to have injured his ankle and he was taken off on a stretcher, and Alan Smith came on, and it was noticeable we had no attacking midfielder on the bench, an area Newcastle will need strengthening in – especially if Joey Barton, who was badly missed today, starts to pick up injuries again.
Newcastle tried to come back, but they looked really very ordinary today – and to say Newcastle had any creativity at all in this game – would be an untruth – at best.
Just to rub it in, Peter Odemwingie got his second, and West Brom’s third on 89 minutes, and then after two minutes of injury time Peter Lovenkrands for a consolation goal for Newcastle – but that was ll it was,
Newcastle looked very poor on this showing, and while we cannot over-react, the fact we now have just 2 points form our last 5 games is worrying.
Since we are playing a team next week we should lose to – Liverpool – we may get some points – maybe – but if we play like this we’ll get buried by Liverpool.
We feel really sorry for the faithful Newcastle fans who travel to see the team, when they turn in displays like this – especially in the first half.
The only difference today between the fans and the Newcastle players today, is that at least the fans turned up for today’s game – but the players didn’t – that was the difference and a good and accurate way to describe today’s game.
The fact that Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling may be back soon is good news, because this squad lacks creativity, and we know Chris says he’s satisfied with his squad he’s got right now, but if there’s a player with any creativity available in January, we should go for him.
Adam Johnson of Man City immediately comes to mind.
Today Newcastle put in a below par performance that didn’t deserve anything at all – which is what they got.
And for every other game starting 5 games ago, Newcastle players have come out and said they’ll make up in the next game for their poor performance in the last one, and it’s odds on we’ll hear the same party line tomorrow.
But we’d prefer they turn up for every game and put in a good shift in every single game, otherwise we could slide quickly down the league table with displays like this.
And Newcastle players picked up 5 yellow cards, but to try to bring in some good news – one of them wasn’t Tiote.
Sorry to be so negative, but this was a surprisingly poor performance by the lads in a game we must have thought we could win, but we were completely outplayed today.
The inconvenient and embarrassing truth for the Newcastle side today, is that this was a disastrous display and a disastrous result for the Magpies, and we have to hope it’s a one off.
And if we were owner Mike Ashley after this game, we wouldn’t know if we had a good team, a mediocre team or a poor team, but today Newcastle were worse than poor – and as we said – we have top hope this is a one off game.
Comments welcome.
Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, S Taylor, Campbell, Enrique; Routledge (Ranger, 73), Guthrie (Smith, 72), Tiote, Gutierrez; Ameobi (Lovenkrands, 46), Carroll.
Subs: Soderberg, Perch, Best, Kadar.
West Brom: Carson; Jara, Scharner, Tamas, Cech; Tchoyi, Brunt, Dorrans, Morrison (Reid, 85), Thomas (Barnes, 77); Odemwingie.
Subs: Myhill, Ibanez, Shorey, Fortune, Cox.
Goals: Tchoyi 32, Odemwingie 71, 89, Lovenkrands 90
Bookings: Gutierrez 20, Enrique 57, Guthrie 62, Smith 75, Campbell 86
Referee: Mike Dean (The Wirral)
Attendance: 23,486
58 comments so far
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Comment #1I am sorry to say this but, if this run of bad form continues – It will be game over for Chris Hughton. Regardless of the good job he has done so far. He seems without a clue at the moment tactically – and in selecting players. Is it the loss of Calderwood ?
Guthrie is by far the worst CM ever to play for NUFC, and this even includes the likes of Smith, Faye… Maybe even Des Hamilton…
Not only has Hughton chosen him consistently but has also made him HOG all the corners, free kicks. He can’t hit a dead ball, and he slows down the attacking pace when he needs to make a decision.
Guthrie also seems to be afraid of receiving the ball, hence he is anonymous – as he does not move into positions which enable his teammates to find him.
His goal giveaway was retarded, and the fact that he stayed down but could look on at the goal makes him a coward. I can’t believe he was injured. He just couldn’t keep himself motivated to be on the pitch when he is obviously Championship average quality. Guthrie to me is as good as a schoolboy in that shirt.
Hughton needs to sort out tactically, and realise that Guthrie cannot play Premier League football. Or he will be sacked for sure.
Hugh Jorgan
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Comment #2After that shite all we can hope for is for West Ham to thrash that pack of inbred no hopers !
Hugh Jorgan
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Comment #3Isn’t it sad that I’ve got to gain pleasure from ¿underl¿nd being beaten ?
After that it’s no wonder
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Comment #4The sad part of the situation is that Hughton does not have a squad currently that enables him to play good football.
Carroll is our most potent weapon, and teams now realise that. In open play, Carroll can be easily contained if the wide players are unable to supply him anything. So they just force Jonas wide on his left (he can’t cross, but is a danger when he cuts in), and get physical with Routledge to mess up his delivery into the box.
Barton remains the best threat when he is around. His set piece delivery is up to standard, and Williamson is extremely underrated in the box.
Hughton does not have a lot of options at the moment. May be made a scapegoat soon, if we fail to register a win.
Howay The Lads
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Comment #5epl, either you’re very young or have a ver, very short memory!
Howay The Lads
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:17 PM
Comment #6^ About Guthrie that is.
Hugh Jorgan
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:17 PM
Comment #7Jeeze …….. were Newcastle dross or what ?
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Comment #8What is it about Guthrie I am inaccurate about ?
He is a weak player, and can’t even stand up to be counted.
Toon XI
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Comment #9CH had the same team available that drew with Chelsea. Why is it not his fault when that same team sticks up the joint against WBA? He cannot motivate and plan for matches against the lower half of the table. He has proven again and again this season. I wonder if he thinks his team will win without motivating properly.
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Comment #10Jose wanted to take a free kick at the end of the first half near the left touchline, but Guthrie insisted on taking it
Fluffed it badly
Toon1978
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:20 PM
Comment #11I have lots of words to describe D.Guthrie but i would be banned off this site instantly.
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:21 PM
Comment #12We got lucky with Chelsea mate. That masked the quality of our side – Hughton believed it was sufficient.
They peppered out goal, and we got a lucky one at their end.
Zangwill_Ho
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Comment #13why don’t use R.Taylor,CH!!!??why still use A.Smith!!!! poor poor poor
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Comment #14R.Taylor was taken out by Sol in training. 3-4 months layoff.
Zangwill_Ho
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Comment #15Man of the match (weak man)
D.Guthrie
geordiejohn
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Comment #16I thought Newcastle today did not have a clue and a lot of the players did not seem bothered,i do not think some of them should be payed for what they gave today.
Shame on them.
jarnytoon
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:33 PM
Comment #17I wanted to throttle guthrie!! Get rid!!jonas needs shooting! He runs like linford christie n crosses like my nan!! Useless!
Get ben arfa back, get keane in jan window and gosling into CM!!
bill
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Comment #18We don’t seem to be able to perform against teams expected to struggle. We are pathetic as soon as we lose a couple of players. It all hinges on the spending or should I say non spending of the present owner at the end of last season. We have been very lucky with some of the points picked up and I’m sad to say that I hope Sunderland win today to keep West Ham at the bottom.
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Comment #19Hughton needs to stop relying on long balls to Carroll
That sort of football gets u relegated
Howay The Lads
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Comment #20epl, Guthrie is a weak player and possibly the worst CM in our squad NOW, but ever. No way!
Amdy Faye, Luque, Smith, Marcelino, Viana, Geremi, Butt are all far worse players, in my opinion.
milburn 77
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Comment #21cant agree more about guthrie, shola was worse but i think were all just used to that by now
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Comment #22Its probably hard to spend any cash considering the wage bill Newcastle has – and the bulk to today’s sponsorship money was spent on Michael Owen’s transfer.
Collocini, Barton, Nolan, Jonas, Enrique, Smith are all on big contracts 50k – 70k a week
Out of them – I think only Enrique and Barton are genuinely worth the pay.
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:41 PM
Comment #23Howay,
Have you seen him play for the past few weeks ?
He was lucky to even stay on today, after a lunge on Thomas – almost similar to the one that got him red carded against Hull a couple seasons back.
Guthrie is by far the worst midfielder NUFC has seen. I dare say even Des Hamilton can run him off the park.
Thump
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Comment #24Loven scored one? Nice, I turned off once I saw the open goal for 3.
baro
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Comment #25What the hell happened today? We were just absolutely awful. Really missed Joey Barton. And i have no idea what Danny Guthrie is doing out there. He had a terrific set pieces last year but this season he is just horrific! I don’t know what happened today.
Whitecap
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Comment #26Expected the lack of attacking play today. No surprise that we were unable to generate any positive play out of that midfield. Dorrans, Brunt, Morrisson just outclassed our boys in the middle.
I wasn’t expecting to concede 3 goals. That was the shocker for me. But if you have to rely on long balls because of a lack of creativity in the midfield, you give up possession and allow the other team more chances.
Barton and Nolan, hurry back lads or it will be a disastrous December for NUFC.
Howay The Lads
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:47 PM
Comment #27How was it anything like his red card a few seasons ago?!
One was a rash tackle from behind with no bite (like Guthrie himself ;)) and the other was a massive kick at a player that snapped his leg!
Hardly similar.
And yes, I have seen him play the last few. I’ve seen him play every game for us and he’s regressed from a good prospect to poor player, but if you honestly think those players are worse than I’ll end the argument as there is no way a human could think that! 😉
Agree about the big-earners though
Irish-Toon
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Comment #28I think today just showed how much we miss Nolan & Barton. There was no creativity in midfield at all. As far as I’m concerned, Guthrie is just a squad player and Routledge is never going to make it at this level. I also have reservations about Jonas, he sometimes seems like a bit of a headless chicken
Fozzy
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Comment #29Danny Guthrie and Shola Ameboi had really poor performances. Andy Carroll wasn’t far off either. I would like to see Leon Best get a crack personally, he’s done everything right since score when he has been playing.
PS. What was hughton doing bringing on Smith when we’re 2-0 down, surely he should of brought on Ranger and Best, it couldn’t of got any worse.
gorskino10
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Comment #30Midfield was a big worry,Wingers non-existant but WE know this happens, Routledge has good then bad much like most nippy wingers (Walcott/Lennon etc..) and Guti was poor couldnt beat his man at all because he needed 1-2’s to move up and Jose was busy defending, the tactics was terrible once again from Chris he set out Midfield to contain the rushing attackings by WBA but keeping them deep at some points you can see the massive gaps between striker to mid to defence, we put pressure onto ourselves for NO REASON, Why was our tactics so negitive? were we scared of WBA attacks! i dunno but once we hurried them they had mistakes and it brought out best plays, if he harrased them like we did at Chelsea we would of atleast got a point from today, Felt a bit sorry for Carrol he has no help and only long balls which he got outnumbered 3 to 1 on most of em, i biggest worry is if Chris is scared of WBA we have big problems! im still not sure what we set ourselves as it wasnt counter attack cause we just didnt counter so it must of been just to defend for the whole game, and with the slowness of our CB’s we cannot afford to do this! Atleast this game showed how poor our wingers CAN be in some games and that Guthrie couldnt do fuck all! Hated him before now hate him even more. the ONLY bright thing was that Tiote WASNT booked (to my knowledge) and he just was AMAZING, granted he made a few little errors but was solid all day long and he showed how we can advance when he had the ball and kicked it long to attack shame everyone else didnt work hard enough for the cause.
Thump
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Comment #31Christ it’s bad times when we’re accusing Kevin Nolan of being a creative player o_o
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Comment #32I think Jonas was signed on these wages with the view of him being a free transfer.
That didn’t work out though, and the club ended up having to pay 6 mil for him + keep him on inflated wages. Sad…
Irish-Toon
Dec 5, 2010 at 4:56 PM
Comment #33Thump, Nolan is a lot more creative than anything we had in midfield today
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM
Comment #34U know what sums up NUFC’s team today ?
The only through pass that split WBA apart was provided by…
Sol Campbell
Moreno
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM
Comment #35Thank God for this! Honestly, for weeks, sorry – months, I have beater on about Guthrie being the worst centre midfielder we have had in years. What has he ever done? We payed a fortune for him and why? Upon what evidence?
I sound like broken record but, he wasted every set piece we have, is hughton blind?
I have been a big hughton fan but after this HUGHTON OUT or wise up fast. It was embarrassing. Lovenkrands tried to make a statement about his goal he is deluded, he we useless until that tap in
Whitecap
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:02 PM
Comment #36Thump, I know what you mean about Nolan. But for me his creativity is most visible when he doesn’t have the ball. The runs (or jogs) he makes creates space for himself and for others. I don’t think there is player at NUFC who does this as well as Nolan.
Irish-Toon
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Comment #37Moreno, what other option did we have but to play Guthrie, perhaps Ranger in between midfiled and forwards, but that would have left us hort with the way WBA play their midfield
eplforecast
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:05 PM
Comment #38I think Lovenkrands was just happy to be off the mark in the premiership this season Moreno.
But I agree, Hughton need to wise up fast. The sack can’t be far away if he loses a few more.
Losses
Blackpool, Stoke, WBA, Blackburn, Bolton
Draws
Wigan, Wolves
Irish-Toon
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Comment #39Wins
Villa, Everton, Arsenal, West Ham
Irish-Toon
Dec 5, 2010 at 5:11 PM
Comment #40Surprisingly I forgot the Mackem victory too