If we had managed a 0-0 draw yesterday at Wembley, we would be over the moon today.
But a late blunder by Dubravka meant we lost our 13th league game of the season.
Hopefully, there will not be too many more defeats in our final 13 games.
But fans still feel positive today.
Getting Almiron and Barreca in on Thursday has further raised the spirits on Tyneside, and we should be a better team because of the two new lads.
Both have pace and skill and can help Newcastle become a more attacking side in the future.
Even though we lost the game yesterday at Wembley the lads played really well, and they are so committed to Newcastle – it’s just great to see that from all our players.
Jamaal Lascelles – distraught after Spurs’ late goal yesterday
Rafa demands that fighting spirit which is one reason he’s the perfect manager for Newcastle.
Rafa was upbeat after the game, even though we lost and he is looking forward to working with Barreca and Almiron next week.
Here’s some of what Rafa said after the game yesterday:
“It will be good next week with these new players to have time to know their teammates and to train.”
“And to talk – because you have two foreign players who don’t speak much English, so, sometimes to stay around and see what the other players do is helpful.”
“Almiron can help. Barreca too.”
“We now have different kinds of players with pace and when you have competition it is always good for the team.”
I think it has been a good week for the club. To bring in new players, it will be positive for the future.”
“We needed that and hopefully we will see it in the next few games.”
Miguel Almiron will travel to Paris tomorrow and try to sort out all the paperwork for his visa.
He should then be available to concentrate on training ready for our next big test – at Molineux next Monday night.
With Shelvey, Diame, Ki and Dummett all expected to be fit for that game, Newcastle should be able to field a strong team.
And also have a talented bench for the game so that Rafa has some options depending on how the game goes.
This set of players is now what we have for the future, and the manager will be trying to make the team more free-flowing before the end of the season.
And of course, we have another five wins to get to 39 points and potential safety.
Comments welcome.
80 comments so far
RobLeenio
Feb 3, 2019 at 10:52 AM
Comment #1toon 22 “He only spent as he was forced too”
How do you work that out? Nickson was sent to Atlanta at the end of November to start negotiating with Almiron. That smacks of long-term planning and a long desired attempt to back the manager by bringing in his identified top targets.
It’s too little too late, but at least on this occasion Ashley has done the right thing.
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 10:53 AM
Comment #2It was a bad blunder by Dubravka
However
In the first half he made a brilliant
save from Sissoko.If that had gone
in nobody would have criticised him.
.
Swings and Roundabouts I guess
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 10:55 AM
Comment #3Rob
Hiya Justin
😛
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Comment #4Have you noticed how JIB always responds to anything financial/accounts etc ?
Undisclosed Payments JIB
😉
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Comment #5He hasn’t published those accounts as there’s something there he would rather not show people
JIB thinks it’s due to this years fakeover
Hiya KBA
DaveD1000
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:02 AM
Comment #6the Frog and his faith in the HMRC god….financial imbecile
Lindisfarne
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Comment #7Jib
In regard to the owner, despite the amount of supposed evidence you may report, there is no reason why my opinion is more or less valuable than your own. Especially when predicated by his previous actions.
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Comment #8i have to have my tanners worth about Dubraka…
ok he made a mistake yesterday which cost us a point .but how many times has he made important saves many times …
about TOON22 cant agree that Ashley pent money because he was forced to…
going on about Ashley getting a bank loan to fund Almiron is it a precursor to selling up all the times in the past he has ( supposedly ) paid the money out of his own pocket …
all we need now is more points on board . and the most important thing is to get RAFA sign a new contract to make us more attractive to any new buyers …
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #9Can’t have anything anti MA can we ?
MA seems to have had bother with his accounts for a few years now,with a few companies
HMRC are investigating thin and he’s being forced by a court to turn over documents
But there’s nothing too see ?
Hiya KBA
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:06 AM
Comment #10spent #8
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Comment #11Lindy
It would help if you stopped calling Ashley
names like turdboat like a spiteful kid.
Like Hibbit ,if the Chronicle says something
you agree with it’s a fine organ of the press
if it says something you disagree with it’s full
of shit.
Not very mature
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:11 AM
Comment #12toon22 i hate Ashley as much as the next person …
so no i am not pro Ashley i hate the man wish he would f..k off never to raise his ugly head again…
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Comment #13JIB
You defend MA you don’t meet many people who love him
Hiya
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Comment #14Undisclosed Payments JIB
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #15toon 22
Ashley turned over his accounts
(as ordered by the courts) in an
investigation into corporate accounting
months ago.
It had nothing to do with HMRC.
DaveD1000
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:17 AM
Comment #16Frog I’ll be dancing in the streets when Ashley goes.
Your constant “undisclosed payments” is nothing he will get a bill loaded with a premium is all. Same with the courts
which will all be lost in the HoF Evans Sofa.com etc deals get a grip
HMRC is a revenue gathering arm with surprisingly helpful guys working there they are not interested in bringing anyone “down” or “away”
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:17 AM
Comment #17https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/sep/29/peter-kenyon-newcastle-united-mike-ashley
It was the FRC
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:19 AM
Comment #18HRMC wont even go after Ashley …
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:19 AM
Comment #19Whoops
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hand-over-documents-judge-tells-sports-direct-brd6xq3pt
RobLeenio
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Comment #20Jib I appreciated those stats on Longstaff. Bit of an eye opener. This is what happens when you get native Geordies brought through the academy and given the chance to wear the shirt of their heroes.
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Comment #21jib …
when you off on your holiday mate make sure you get good WIFI mate …
jib … you ever had tinto des verano ? is it any good saw it on the tv gonna have a few when i go to golf del sur if its any good that is …
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:27 AM
Comment #22Yes because everything MA does is above board and transparent financially
LoL
You only find that opinion on blogs like this
Hiya
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #23It’s basically just red wine shandy
hibbit
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:29 AM
Comment #24Jib
Feb 1, 2019 at 9:22 AM
Comment #24
I guess if your footy knowledge can
be written on a postage stamp
Having a pop at fellow bloggers is the way to go.
says it all about jib, lashes out at every opportunity sad git
sad git …… A completely ignorant, childish person with no manners. 2. A person who feels justified in their callow behaviour. 3. A pubescent kid who thinks it’s totally cool .
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:31 AM
Comment #25You missed his love of MA and his keen sense of keeping everyone the right side of PR with anything financial
Obviously just your average toon fan
LoL
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:31 AM
Comment #26I’ve a feeling that OGS could face his first
defeat vs Leicester thisafter
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:40 AM
Comment #27Rob
We now have real midfield and
forward variety
which means Rafa can mix up his
formations.
Ki
Diamé
Longstaff
Shelvey
Hayden
Atsu
Ritchie
Kenedy
Perez
Atsu
Almiron
Muto
Rondon
Joselu
geordietom
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:52 AM
Comment #28jib …
fizzy sangria then ?
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Comment #29Pretty much
except Sangria has brandy or rum in it
and loadsa fruit
Jib
Feb 3, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Comment #30Vino de Verano is great with loads of ice on a hot day
toon22
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:01 PM
Comment #31It’s never MAs fault
Rotonda heights
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:04 PM
Comment #32Toon 22
I dont get why you feel the need to repeat yourself ad nauseum.
Essentially most people agree with you and dont believe a word el gordo says either.
Munster Mag
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:17 PM
Comment #33Jib rafa still needs at least 3 players. We can’t become over reliant on almiron and need more speed on flanks and a striker with pace and power to cover for Rondon.
Munster Mag
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:20 PM
Comment #34It’s a shame Toon22 is back. The fact of the matter is that we broke our club record and seem to have signed a gem. Credit to All involved, rafa, nickson, even Fats. We just need to buy guys quicker and develop the club youth system etc.
Pain in the Blog
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:43 PM
Comment #35Toon22,
Can I add my sincere gratitude to that of others expressed on here for your very kind decision to be absent from the blog for what amounted to to several blissful days. What would be really appreciated would be if you left the blog permanently. Thanks in advance.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 3, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Comment #36Credit to Mike Ashley for buying a player!!!
Jail for Ashley
Feb 3, 2019 at 1:00 PM
Comment #37Not just any player though, one that the manager actually wanted, can you imagine if all the other clubs start buying the players their managers want, the game might change forever 😮
Jail for Ashley
Feb 3, 2019 at 1:03 PM
Comment #38Although still very early in the year the award so far for the pot, kettle and black award has to go to the clinically obsessive toonbotherer on his Mike Ashley statement. Wow!!!
lesh
Feb 3, 2019 at 1:03 PM
Comment #39Geordietom
If you’re hoping to get sound advice about Spain and it’s comestibles, forget it – the nearest he’s been to it’s Whitley Bay!
Mind if you’re looking for guidance on interrogating Google, Jib’s your man but while it’s clear he can copy, his pasting leaves a lot to be desired where spacing needs more care!
Lindisfarne
Feb 3, 2019 at 1:07 PM
Comment #40Jib
So I should not call people childish names?
I have been telling you that for years.
The owner is the only person that I bring myself down to your level with.