Matt Ritchie has not hit his best form in too many games this season; that was after he was terrific for us last term, scoring 16 goals and having 9 assists in 48 games during our promotion season.
Matt scored his first goal last time out against Manchester United at home, and we are hoping he can to chip in with more goals in the final (vital) 11 games of the season.
Matt has one goal and 5 assists in 28 appearances so far this season, and he has been unlucky and hit the woodwork a number of times.
Newcastle’ American right back DeAndre Yedlin gave an excellent performance against the Red Devils, and he has talked today about his team-mate and how important Matt’s first goal of the season was for the club.
Matt Ritchie – after scoring against Man United
This is what DeAndre Yedlin has said in the Chronicle today:
“He’s the kind of player who wants to succeed.” “He was getting a bit frustrated because he didn’t have a goal this season.”
“So for him to get his first goal is great timing for us.” “I think he will really click now.”
“He can now hit top form between now and the end of the season because he’s a great player.”
“We definitely need him and we’re all very happy for him.”
“It just shows you that every point matters and if we can keep collecting wins like that against Manchester United we will be fine.”
“It can’t stop here though.” “We still have a long way to go and we need to focus.”
“It was really important to get a win on the board going into the break especially against a top team.”
“That just shows us we can do it against anybody in this league.” “We will get back on the training field and work hard again.”
“We will prepare for that game at Bournemouth now.”
“They (the fans) fans are unbelievable.” “You could hear them when we were making last-ditch clearances and saves.”
“Every time there’s a good play they are right behind us and even when it’s not going our way they still sing to let us know they’re behind us.”
“As a player, you can’t ask for any more than that.”
Newcastle are at Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, and we can go above the south-coast side with another win.
And depending on other results, we could even go into the top 10 with a win.
Maybe Matt Ritchie can score against his hometown (and former club), but he is unlikely to celebrate if he does score.
But maybe not?
What we don’t want is a defeat, since we are on a high after our great performance and terrific result against the Red Devils.
We have taken 9 points out of our last 6 games.
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
barkel
Feb 21, 2018 at 3:19 PM
Comment #1@Bianconeri on previous
I have us finishing 12th on 41pts
Bottom 3
18 – Stoke 32pts
19 – Southampton 32pts
20 – West Brom 25pts
Essex Geordie Bill
Feb 21, 2018 at 3:29 PM
Comment #2C’mon Matt, bang in 13 goals!! 🙂
Lindisfarne
Feb 21, 2018 at 3:34 PM
Comment #3Kieron Dyer speaking on 5Live starts just after 2pm news:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_radio_five_live
Lindisfarne
Feb 21, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Comment #42.15pm
“Old too soon, smart too late” – his new book.