Federico Fernandez scored his first goal for Newcastle United against West Ham on Saturday. For the second straight game, Fernandez came in for the injured Fabian Schar and was able to channel Fabian’s attacking prowess.
Last week it was a dangerous cross that Jamaal Lascelles headed home and this past weekend Fernandez took the glory himself by heading a Jetro Willems delivery into the net.
It has been some return for the 30-year-old who previously was limited to a few late-game substitutions and a lone start in the Carabao Cup.
We would expect that Fernandez will keep his place this coming Saturday at St James Park even if Fabian is ready to return. In fact, we think it will be an unchanged side for Bournemouth before the next international break.
This next match is another opportunity for Newcastle to climb further away from the relegation places. Two wins on the trot makes such a difference in this league.
If the lads can claim another victory this weekend, it could propel them into mid-table as they prepare for the flurry of fixtures coming before the new year.
Fernandez has spoken about the importance of winning consecutive matches in the Premier League. This is what the he had to say as published in the Chronicle:
“For us, we were playing good, in a good shape, especially defensively.
“I think, next week, we have an opportunity to win two games in a row, which would be massive in the Premier League.
“We need to work hard and repeat the performance.
“Every game is different, but it’s important for us. This kind of performance, we need to repeat as much as we can.
“If we can, we will be in a good position.”
It is very important for the lads to keep putting in the performances. After the win against Manchester United, captain Jamaal Lascelles said that they had set their standard.
We saw a new level this past weekend as the lads were able to create loads of chances. If Newcastle can build on that while maintaining their defensive responsibilities, they should be in a good position to continue to push up the table.
7 comments so far
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:00 PM
Comment #1Bill’s
What’s up, not like your own medicine.
You claim not to come on the blog them claim to know what everyone is posting.
Hahahahaha.
Bitter old fool.
Is there shit running down your legs, theres plenty on your chin.
Enjoy beating the dog
Rotonda heights
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:05 PM
Comment #2Bills
”And then you make the stupidest of posts to say ‘the negativity is generated by one man’ and obviously you mean me.”
Jeez you have tickets on yourself. I meant Ashley, you utter cretin. Not the brightest are you.
geordie157
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:07 PM
Comment #3Will be interesting to see what Bruce does when everyone’s back with Lejuene, Ritchie, Schar, Longstaff to come back in.
Only one from Gayle, Carroll and Muto would likely make the bench. I wonder if Bruce will try to offload Gayle and Muto to add some better quality up front.
When everyone’s fit I’d probably go with this, I think Shelvey is just ahead of S Longstaff who I think will take time to get back to the form if last season.
Dubravka
Yedlin, Schar, Lascelles, Lejuene, Willems
Hayden, Shelvey
Almiron, Joelinton, Saint-Max
Darlow, Fernandez, Dummett, S.Longstaff, Ritchie, Atsu, Muto
Could argue Fernandez over Lascelles and bit harsh on Clark.
Bills Son Is Back
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:12 PM
Comment #4OP
The mouse who can’t answer simple questions.
You not half start foaming at the mouth quickly.
You are easier to wind up than a kids toy.
martoon
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:45 PM
Comment #5geordie157 @3 – It is tough to fit them all in when everybody is fit but I’d go with your team except I’d always have Ritchie for his on field presence as discussed last week. Tough on Willems but I’d play Ritchie in his best position of Left Wingback and also I’d have Carroll on the bench rather than Mutu – always a useful option if you’re chasing a game.
RobLeenio
Nov 4, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Comment #6Jib re Tavernier “He’s played 16 times in the Europa League for Rangers and not looked too good”
I think that’s a little harsh – the whole Rangers team struggles in Europe, it’s hard for a single player to shine in those circumstances. If he was over-aggressive going forward, it would leave gaps at the back for the opposition to exploit.
That wouldn’t be the case at NUFC where we have a multitude of solid centre backs to cover him as he went forward.
He’s played every minute of the Rangers Euro campaigns both this season and last – if he was individually struggling then he would have been taken out of the firing line, surely?
Unused Substitute
Nov 4, 2019 at 1:19 PM
Comment #7Avoiding set pieces at dangerous positions and being able to break up play along the middle would be the key against Bournemouth. The tendency of our centre halves and half line to be physical could invite trouble. Winnable game for us though. The next two, I’m not sure of.