While it was just another late-game cameo, Andy Carroll’s contribution to Newcastle’s win yesterday should not be understated. The big man came in for the final eight minutes plus six of added time to defend like a mad man for his hometown club.
But for a few brief moments, Andy was basically playing as a second right-back and/or fourth center-back depending on the situation. Of particular note was his sliding challenge on Bournemouth’s Arnaut Groeneveld after the Dutchman had juked past DeAndre Yedlin in the box.
Andy also made some timely clearances. He even took a boot to the side of the head going for a ball in the box. It was a compulsory display under the circumstances and similar to what Christian Atsu provided the week before.
While what they brought to each game was different, they both flawlessly did what was crucial under the circumstances. Atsu was a vital outlet late in the game that disrupted any rhythm West Ham was trying to conjure. His decision making when in possession was perfect.
On Saturday, Andy brought his physicality to the side and was not hesitant to put his body on the line to secure the three points. These types of displays are what you hope for from your substitutes.
Carroll’s performance was hailed by one of his teammates after the match. Speaking to nufc.co.uk, midfielder Isaac Hayden had this to say about Andy Carroll’s desire when he came on:
“I always back ourselves to defend well and be a solid unit as a team. When Andy came on, he was in our box heading balls away, and it just shows the character of the team and what they want to do for the team.
“As a striker, he wants to get on the scoresheet, but he’s back in our own box defending. That just shows where we are as a team and as a group. Hopefully, we can only get better.”
That’s high praise coming from another warrior in this Newcastle team. On Saturday, Andy Carroll represented the fight and determination that this team is going to have to continue to display each time they take the field this season.
The big Geordie did everything in his power to keep Bournemouth at bay. If the players continue to fight as they have recently, we could have the makings of a very good side.
Who Was Newcastle's Man Of The Match Against Bournemouth?
- A. Saint-Maxmin (34%, 733 )
- DeAndre Yedlin (24%, 516 )
- Fede Fernandez (15%, 322 )
- Miguel Almiron (8%, 176 )
- Ciaran Clark (8%, 172 )
- Jetro Willems (5%, 98 )
- Jonjo Shelvey (3%, 65 )
- Joelinton (1%, 26 )
- Martin Dubravka (1%, 14 )
- Isaac Hayden (1%, 12 )
- Andy Carroll (0%, 10 )
- Paul Dummett (0%, 8 )
- Christian Atsu (0%, 7 )
- Jamaal Lascelles (0%, 5 )
Total Voters: 2,164
94 comments so far
IrishRob
Nov 11, 2019 at 12:56 AM
Comment #1Dont mind if I do!!
The next Mike Williamson
Nov 11, 2019 at 2:25 AM
Comment #2weve put together a squad of fighters who generally have always given their best and never lost hope. if they can maintain that spirit we should be fine. one or two teams usually lose the plot during the winter so hopefully not us.
toon22
Nov 11, 2019 at 2:49 AM
Comment #3Till next season
When we simply repeat the process
Sell off who can be made a profit on and replace as cheaply as possible
With no ambition or desire to compete
DubaiMicky
Nov 11, 2019 at 3:30 AM
Comment #4I think, now that the clocks have changed, I join the blog during the “Dead zone”, too late for the USA, too early for the UK, just me and an Aussie or two.
Anyone see Yedlin’s instagram of his goal? Shows he has a sense of humour – https://www.instagram.com/p/B4qVFzMh0-w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 5:11 AM
Comment #5Unless you’re very conservative and old fashioned, you should be welcoming VAR. It was about time. It’s been used in the USA since the 70’s.
If you’re a purist and want rules to remain, read this. E.g.We’d still not be allowed to kick a ball forward.
https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/who-we-are/the-laws/
Why the introduction? VAR is a good idea but it needs work. It could cost City the PL. Yesterday, City earn a penalty on one side, not given, Liverpool immediately counter attack and score. The consequent review could NOT reverse the call (disallow Liverpool goal, award City a pen), as there would’ve been riots.
So, how should this be handled in the future? No idea. Have “active VAR” where the incident is being reviewed while the game is in play? (Maybe this exists already? Count both goals, even if second was scored after offense was committed? Don’t know. Tough one.
Last point, since I’m talking about rules. Penalty should be moved back, to the D. When it was set at 11 paces, players had spindly legs and could not shoot at 90 MPH.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2019 at 5:41 AM
Comment #6Munster,
You are lauding the fact we have replaced a manager that wanted to challenge the owner and wanted to win things with a manager just grateful to be in a job. Before the last manager turned up the place was rotten to the core, do you think it’s a coincidence that this team of fighters who care about the shirt have been largely put together by a world class manager. As for attacking football, without taking anything away from our 11th place spot, we have the least possession, least shots and least shots on target in the division added to the worst goal difference outside the bottom three. Are you conveniently forgetting our most goals outside the top four after the arrival of Miggy last season? Due to a management system that will eventually replace the whole team we have now, sooner rather than later looking at the contract situation, one goal from the forward line they have assembled, I’d hang fire before completely dismissing the efforts of our former world class manager.
Jib
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:17 AM
Comment #7Jail
it’s quite ironic that your last five words are
“our former world class manager”
There nothing currently world class about his
performance in China
Bleatin' n Bruced
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:39 AM
Comment #8Another world class specious comment from jib.
Munster please supply your corroborating list of players who have lined up to mourn the loss of their previous manager.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:41 AM
Comment #9Jail – apparently stats are now banned as they apply badly. Also “fair and balanced” is on hold for Bruce. đ
toon22
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:44 AM
Comment #10JIB
Hiya KBA
Weâre as sick of you as we are of Jabba
Bleatin' n Bruced
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:44 AM
Comment #11In case it’s not clear Munster i mean from other football teams.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:45 AM
Comment #12RIP Fair & Balanced.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:49 AM
Comment #13I thought the genius tacticians who say we are all experiencing Peace in our Time would figure out we are running on the fumes of the last coaching setup – apparently not because stats are suspended atm. đ
Let’s see the season progress and how Bruce imposes his front foot style on the squad as we push for Europe.
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Comment #14Not sure how the season will pan out, but there are serious positives. Rock solid defenders, three speed demons who must be giving opponent coaches a headache, goals from… unlikely sources (let’s say). Two sets of excellent partnerships shaping up on both sides.
Still:
What to do about the CF issue?
I know that that position, especially, is a confidence one, but maybe Joelington should be given a brief rest, with assurances he’s number one. Lift a weight off. Let’s try Andy or Gayle, see what happens.
Because that remains an issue.
As for the other two players, I’m pretty sure goals will come. They’re creating chances and not exactly scuffing them. Hitting the post, a fellow player etc are part of the game and just bad luck.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:02 AM
Comment #15Applies to you as well Jib, I’d wait to see how he does in his first full season before writing the guy off as a has been.
Jib
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:20 AM
Comment #16Cyprus
I know what you mean
It’s probably more important to be in a position to fluff shots
The accuracy can be worked on
21 shots 9 on target is very heartening and something Rafa’s
sides rarely achieved.
His best was in the Champo
22 shots 1 on target vs Burton Albion at SJP
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:31 AM
Comment #17On first paragraph, agreed.
I’ve steered away from the “who is the coach issue”, I recognise that passions are still high. Anyway, as Bennis said, he only accounts for about 20% of performance.
The rest is down to the people actually doing whatever (in this case, the footballers themselves).
Jib
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:35 AM
Comment #18Is that Bennis the Menace ?
đ
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:36 AM
Comment #19Exactly
The next Mike Williamson
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:37 AM
Comment #20While Rafa put this hard working team together, let’s not forget Lascelles role. I think he is as responsible for the togetherness and battling spirit as Rafa was. The team has been united & have given their all since Lascelles took the armband.
I don’t think anybody is surprised we’ve retained this spirit or our defensive organisation. Bruce needs to show he’s doing more than hanging off the back of Rafa’s work, because the part of our team that is unchanged is still first class, and the part that’s been changed is misfiring. Although I’m 100% certain Almiron & Maximin will go further.
At the start of the season I said Rafa’s defence should remain as good as they were for a year, possibly more if not changed. It reminds me of when Wenger took over Arsenal & hung on to Graham’s defence creating the invincibles. Once Adams etc deteriorated it was clear Wenger could never organise a defence like that again. The same happened at Everton when Moyes left. Only Bruce seems to be hanging on to the defence and adding nothing whatsoever. We should have got an all out attacking manager (like Rodgers, Wenger or one of the young German managers) and let him have the benefit of 2 years with Rafa’s defence but with an improved attack (which was never Rafa’s strong point). We could have been a force for a couple of years.
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:44 AM
Comment #21A bit unfair on Wenger. He assembled many a super team long after Graham. In fact, he completely overhauled his philosophy.
cyprus
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:47 AM
Comment #22I do get your point though, good one.
Ron Knee
Nov 11, 2019 at 7:49 AM
Comment #23“We should have got an all out attacking manager (like Rodgers, Wenger or one of the young German managers)”
Doesn’t fit the Ashley blueprint, unfortunately.
Mag52
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:13 AM
Comment #24Mike Williamson,
Bruce âadding nothing whatsoeverâ is a bit harsh isnât it ?
Maximin came in under Bruce and heâs made a big difference to performances. Krafth, while still getting used to the PL, has potential. Mattyâs exciting introduction was made by Bruce.
A little more than ânothing whatsoeverâ, especially when you look at the team spirit in recent games, understandably at a low point with Rafaâs departure, now back to Rafa levels.
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:18 AM
Comment #25Welcome to the nufcblog parallel universe.
if you’re new here and actually watch the games you’ll never recognise what actually happened by the posts on this blog.
Despite hanging on in two very close wins against mid table mediocre teams , some good counter attacks which ultimately ended in nothing suddenly mean we’re a top six team.
Despite having a previously mediocre manager ,we’ve suddenly found ourselves with one of the best where players apparently disliked the previous and love the former ( I know you haven’t read any comments in press but it’s here in posts ). Fans are ecstatic and it definitely wasn’t the Bournemouth fans you heard yesterday , impossible because it was a great Geordie tub thumping atmosphere from start to finish …
After the international break you’ll be able to enjoy complete opposing views next game we lose.
We are definitely not a bunch of bitter old men who actually gate each other .. come on the Geordies … Just not toon22, jail, Munster , jib, etc etc
đ
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:21 AM
Comment #26Mag52 – Bruce had nothing to do with the signings , the jury’s very much out on krafth and Linton ( especially krafth ), Max looks good , just needs to find some composure when on goal
We definitely need a goal scorer , Linton’s currently in jeapordy of being outscored by joselu over a season
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:26 AM
Comment #27Mike Williamson – agreed , unfortunately Rodgers et al would want more say in signings so we’ll never get anybody better than the likes of Bruce , mcClaren , pards – Rafa thought he could change Ashley’s thinking and we all know what happened there
c-dog
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:29 AM
Comment #28Bruce has done a stellar job so far
The front three, awful in front of goal but the rest of their play is the main reason we find ourselves so high up the table. Work rate, running at players and pressing high is top class
Jib
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:33 AM
Comment #29Mindshaft
Mag52 â Bruce had nothing to do with the signings
Neither did Rafa
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:34 AM
Comment #30I think it’s more the fact that other than the top four who have already pulled away , the rest of the league is dire and anyone from 5th down could be relegated, although Norwich ( who thrashed us) look nailed on so only two places left
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:35 AM
Comment #31Jib, I already said that .. read before answering đ
Mindshaft
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:37 AM
Comment #32The difference is that Rafa had final say on them coming in , which is why we didn’t get Linton earlier … The jury is still out on Linton who is clearly not an out and out striker – round pegs , square holes etc
The next Mike Williamson
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:46 AM
Comment #33OK maybe a bit harsh, but our attack has gone backwards so the few things that have been added haven’t amounted to anything yet. There are many managers who could have came in, left the defence as it was for a year or so, and improved on the attack. I personally prefer our attacking options from the start of this season compared to the start of last season. They’re just not gelling yet. And I’m happy Matty got a few games and hopefully Bruce can bring more through. In all Rafa’s time I think Sean L was the only academy player to get his debut in the Premier League. That record must be even worse than his predecessors who weren’t all that good at bringing through players.
Jib
Nov 11, 2019 at 8:55 AM
Comment #34Rafa played Jamie Sterry for his PL debut
He got six minutes vs Spurs last game of
2015/16 season as a sub for Sissoko
geordietom
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:03 AM
Comment #35here we go again
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-gossip-mexican-business-17234967
posada
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:04 AM
Comment #36Bruce won’t be able to rest Joelinton.
If he does the mystery person who signed him ( Carr ? Wise ? Wee Jimmy Krankie ? ) will be straight on the phone to Ashley to kick off and complain.
He/She will be worried that he does not progress as his/her bonus depends on the sell on profit.
IrishRob
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:08 AM
Comment #37He defended so well it would make you wonder would he make a better back than a forward at his age now!
Moonraker15
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:10 AM
Comment #3822
Hopefully Jib will go when his hero, Ashley finally does one!
geordietom
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:12 AM
Comment #39little bit more here …
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-news-live-magpies-17233795
G
Nov 11, 2019 at 9:17 AM
Comment #40Didnt McClown blood Sterry? Or was that a cup match?