Newcastle center-back Florian Lejeune had a rough afternoon on Saturday. He had trouble keeping up with the pace of Everton’s Moise Kean and Richarlison, especially in the first half.
Bruce tweaked the system to get Almiron over the left, which helped a bit, but it was still a struggle for the Frenchman. While he’s not the quickest of players, Lejeune was starting his third game in a week and second in just 48 hours.
For a player who had not played in over 8 months, it proved too much for the 28-year-old. However, he never gave up and continued to give his all until Steve Bruce brought him off in the 74th minute.
Bruce was very sympathetic towards Lejeune after the match. He had little choice but to start the defender with three other center-backs out injured.
After the game, Florian took to Instagram to give a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support despite him having a difficult time.
This is the message that he posted to the fans.
We don’t think any Newcastle fans would be too harsh on Florian Lejeune. He was a victim of circumstance but did the best he could. He was obviously struggling to play his third game in a week.
We just hope that Paul Dummett or Ciaran Clark can come back into the team on New Years Day to give Florian at least a full week of rest.
Who Was Newcastle's Best Player In 2-1 Defeat To Everton?
- Andy Carroll (38%, 525 )
- Joelinton (15%, 207 )
- Martin Dubravka (13%, 180 )
- Miguel Almiron (11%, 158 )
- Jetro Willems (7%, 94 )
- Fabian Schar (6%, 80 )
- Isaac Hayden (2%, 33 )
- Jonjo Shelvey (2%, 25 )
- Federico Fernandez (1%, 20 )
- DeAndre Yedlin (1%, 16 )
- Florian Lejeune (1%, 12 )
- Dwight Gayle (1%, 12 )
- Christian Atsu (1%, 8 )
- Sean Longstaff (1%, 8 )
Total Voters: 1,378
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85 comments so far
Lindisfarne
Dec 28, 2019 at 11:51 PM
Comment #1Got to go 451 against Leicester, we are running out of fit defenders and do not have enough in midfield.
toon22
Dec 28, 2019 at 11:58 PM
Comment #2You honestly think the traitor has a clue about tactics ?
He not shown that in his managerial career so far
He is a relegation specialist
toon22
Dec 29, 2019 at 12:01 AM
Comment #3What Jabba and by proxy his PR just cant see
Is the simple fact its over for him at our club
We hate him and his goons
Its a downward spiral of his own making
TomaKaThor
Dec 29, 2019 at 12:13 AM
Comment #4So even everyone on motd said it was a penalty, yet var somehow forgot that a blatent push in the back isn’t a foul…freaking joke
TomaKaThor
Dec 29, 2019 at 12:13 AM
Comment #5Is
Ben Afri
Dec 29, 2019 at 12:55 AM
Comment #6Toon 22
I used to think that despite your antics, you’re at least a supporter of the team. But I’ve never seen you ever supporting the team. No fan enjoys the current regime but insisting on referring to Bruce as a traitor just makes me feel like you enjoy the state we’re in more than you actually want a change. Every single one of us loathes Ashley and Charnley and Bruce was nobody’s first, second, or even fifth choice. But we support the team regardless…whether we watch it from the stands or on TV. Bruce is far from the calibre of manager any of us want, but he’s who we have and he’s doing his best
Munster Mag
Dec 29, 2019 at 2:08 AM
Comment #7Perfectly said Ben Afri
Unused Substitute
Dec 29, 2019 at 2:18 AM
Comment #8We lost against Everton in the midfield. Everton always had numerical superiority over 75% of the pitch except perhaps over the second quarter of the match. After a promising star why we had to fall back I don’t know.
Our 2019/20 story has been sticking 8-9 players in front of our goal. They are worried to throw in tackles so close to their own goal. In the confusion it creates and we can’t clear the ball cleanly, concede setpiece after setpiece and eventually concede. Unless, of course, Dubravka’s sharpness sees us through. We never control a large part of the pitch because our passing is inaccurate and the long hopeful aerial balls we launch from our deep positions don’t land in the right place.
With our situation though it will be hard not to be able to sneak in a few more points and avoid relegation. But what I see week in and week out leaves me worried.
Unused Substitute
Dec 29, 2019 at 2:30 AM
Comment #9Ben Afri @6: not “Every single one of us loathes Ashley and Charnley and Bruce was nobody’s first,” it is only a majority opinion. But then the majority also takes the 25 points we have managed so far as an indicator of impressive football. A balanced view would indicate that to be due to our incredible run of luck this season.
Munster Mag
Dec 29, 2019 at 2:35 AM
Comment #10Of ffs Substitute, benafri said Bruce is doing his best. I think that’s fair. Hands tied, Ashley the villain, not an easy job. For those of you who want entertainment, rather than being true supporters, don’t worry, we will get worse and you can smile at your amazing intelligence that SB isn’t a young mourinho.
Unused Substitute
Dec 29, 2019 at 2:46 AM
Comment #11Munster @10: what led you to believe I’ve been smiling when we lost or I proclaime intelligence like many others in this forum explicitly do? Bruce may indeed be doing his best, but others would have done better with the team we have. Finally you need to realize that everyone is entitled to have their own opinions and those which may not align with yours.
ilovetoon8788
Dec 29, 2019 at 5:32 AM
Comment #12Still can’t accept a wee club like Everton living Liverpool shadows have Ancelotti as manager and we have cabbage head.
Ancelotti schooled him yesterday.
Only way we are going to attract a good manager is when the fat f*k leaves.
But it aint ever happening.
Unused Substitute
Dec 29, 2019 at 5:52 AM
Comment #13Actually, we’re in a hole with so many injuries and if anything, the situation is getting worse. Last year our injury situation was also better.
DubaiMicky
Dec 29, 2019 at 6:08 AM
Comment #14One thing I think made a difference yesterday was the subs, Ancelotti put them on sooner rather than later when we were beginning to over run them, gave them precise instruction s and wham, there’s the winner. Bruce dithered, didn’t appear to know what to do, waited too long and, as such, all three were ineffective.
Admittedly he didn’t have a strong bench, but when you go behind and still have best part of 30 minutes left, you really should do better.
ScoopSouthAfrica
Dec 29, 2019 at 6:44 AM
Comment #15WHEN THE GODS ARE AGAINST YOU…..
I am biased I admit it, however it should have been 2-1 to the Toon.
There first goal should not have counted it was never a corner (oh for a rugby TMO) they disallow tries for a forward pass or knock on way back when. We then would have been one up, they would have then equalised.
Then we should have had a penalty for Andy push in the back which hopefully we would have scored, there you have it 2-1 if only the GODS were on our side….. Ah well HWTL’ds
Unused Substitute
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:04 AM
Comment #16I really thought we could maintain the pressure we were applying in the latter part of the first half well into the second half. Unfortunately with Yedlin and Willems our defence is vulnerable against fast wing play. Although Lejeune is getting heat for not containing the left, he hardly received any support from Willems. We were frequently getting into trouble on the right as well with Baines lurking and Yedlin unable to recover from overlaps. Except for Hayden, our midfielders hardly threw in tackles to break the play up. Thus, as soon as we lost control we were generally in trouble. The same old same old stuff. On top of that we were denied two penalties and had to defend a dubious call that eventually led to the first goal. But even that could have been defended better with fewer, better-prepared defenders instead of a confused heap with all legs sticking hopefully into the path of the ball and rebounds going every which way.
With us having still to face so many teams from near the top and the bottom of the table we could be in trouble if we continue with our hopeful and clueless ways.
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:15 AM
Comment #17I’m with SSA on this one
British footy refs are a joke (The SPL refs are shite as well)
There were no British referees at the 2018 World Cup
That’s shameful.
Jack Taylor must be turning in his grave.
There’s so much money sloshing about in the PL you
have to be suspicious – I wonder if the next decade will
see a bribery scandal ?
The next Mike Williamson
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:29 AM
Comment #18It was very risky/ foolish playing Lejeune three times in a week after he’s been out so long and he’s prone to injury. If ever there was a time to experiment with 4 at the back it was Everton.
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:30 AM
Comment #19Sub
‘..hopeless and clueless ways..’
Yeah pretty much describes our foundations.
Come on people.
No good thrashing about bemoaning our bad luck when basically good fortune is what our top ten position is down to pre-Christmas this season.
This is just order restoring itself,nothing more. One of many clichés in football,isn’t it,after all? ..These things even themselves out over a season..
The situation is over a decade,at least, in the making: under-investment,stifling of ambition, focus on everything else but developing the football club. This is what you get.
We lack quality. We stand still or meander around in a world where investment / building is constantly required. Ashley’s focus,as always, is elsewhere than football club development.
Ticket giveaway, to plug the growing gaps. All that remains to be seen is how many of the thousands of 10year discount,loyalty reward (call it what you like) deal renewers decide to sign up for the clubs next enticing offer and go round the block again.
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:32 AM
Comment #20Meanwhile,enjoy the free tickets.
jane
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:37 AM
Comment #21our defense was outnumbered when Everton scored the winner. Bruce said it was because we were pushing for a winner. this suggests he got the balance between defense and attack wrong.
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:39 AM
Comment #22I don’t really blame Steve Bruce. He has been put in front of Ashley as a sheild. He is grateful for the opportunity,Ashley has surrounded himself with that type in the past and received loyalty for it.
He employed Rafa and got himself a total pain in the arse in the process. Rafa had ambition,pushed for things,harnessed fan power,made him look more of an idiot.
He won’t be doing that again in s hurry.
The next Mike Williamson
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:39 AM
Comment #23Here are our winnable home games which fall in the middle of two tough spells. We should get 6-12 points from these games. We need 9 at least or there’s no hope. 13-15 more points needed for safety this year.
h) Norwich
h) Burnley
h) Sheff Utd
h) Villa
h) West Ham
West Ham will change manager so will be much improved unless they go for a dinosaur. I think we’ll lose 6 in a row at present or be not far off it. And we have Liverpool, Spurs, Man City in our last 5 games plus 2 away games so I see us ending on a 5 game losing streak with maybe a draw thrown in if we are lucky.
Of course a few shrewd signings or a change in manager and things could look better.
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:44 AM
Comment #24The tickets aren’t free
You have to pay for an existing ticket to obtain one
Since Everton appointed Marcel Brands, former technical director of PSV as
head of recruitment and TD last winter , you can see the dramatic improvement
in their squad.
He was probably a factor in the Toffees being able to recruit Uncle Carlo.
Steve Nickson is endeavouring to do a similar job at NUFC and has made a good
start , let’s hope it continues over the next few windows.
The next Mike Williamson
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:45 AM
Comment #25We should have pushed for a winner right after the break by taking Shelvey or Lejeune off and bringing Matty on. But we waited too long and they acted quicker and brought Delph & Coleman on to shore things up, and of course scored.
jane
Dec 29, 2019 at 7:51 AM
Comment #26we need to go back to winning lucky.
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:04 AM
Comment #27Jib
Play on words. It’s a giveaway of the untaken seats. BOGOF. The club just tried to shift the responsibility to ST holders.
Lindisfarne
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:11 AM
Comment #28Written by Voltaire21
13h ago
And so the slump begins…let’s be honest the results had always been more impressive then the performances under Bruce which is never a good sign. I have a strong feeling we won’t get a win for the whole of January. Ultimately it’s hard to motivate players who are not sure what they are playing for.
A Europa league place? Not good enough for that…Against relegation?Marginally better then that. But what ever happens we will not finish top half of the table. The slump starts now and Bruce will be there scratching his head(as he’s done so many times before) wondering why he can’t get more out of his players.
Benitez worked wonders because the failure and limitations of a team are in-built into his planning. He is acutely aware that during rough patches you have to ride with game plans which may not flatter the football but eak out the precious points.
Don’t think Bruce will be able to navigate the rough patch aswell simply because he’ll be too reliant on his players(more then his tactics) to get him out of it. He’ll be talking about how he’s gutted for the lads after narrow defeats that he could have avoided with better tactics. And ultimately we will all be reminded of why we groaned when Bruce was appointed.
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:18 AM
Comment #29“Lindisfarne ultimately we will all be reminded of why we groaned when Bruce was appointed.”
I’ll bet you’ve got your fingers crossed that SB fails
Genuine supporter my arse
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:19 AM
Comment #302 decent assists from Ayoze Perez yesterday. Well done young man. Good luck for your future at your ambitious,progressive football club
Lindisfarne
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:27 AM
Comment #31Jib
I have always admitted to being the worst kind of supporter, just as you are the worst kind of human.
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:29 AM
Comment #32https://www.oddschecker.com/football/football-specials/west-ham/next-permanent-manager
Moyes favourite
Rafa Second favourite
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:30 AM
Comment #33Moyes is odds on though
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:32 AM
Comment #34Strange that West Ham do seem about to appoint Moyes!
I haven’t read any of their blogs etc but I can’t see their fans being content with that!?
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:32 AM
Comment #35The west ham way etc?
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:33 AM
Comment #36“Lindisfarne
Jib , just as you are the worst kind of human.”
Typical OTT response from a social media braggart
sing in the corner
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:35 AM
Comment #37Meanwhile the great VAR debate continues.
Armpit offsides
The system needs overhauling ASAP.
Thought it was supposed to be correcting clear / obvious errors not stifling attacking football.
In my opinion touch and go offsides,decided on millimetres,
Lindisfarne
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:36 AM
Comment #38Jib
Being able to recognise somes limitations is not the same as wishing them ill will. But in your case i will make an exception.
Jib
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:36 AM
Comment #39sitc
I think it will be a short contract until summer like last time . to ensure PL survival.
He does steady a ship , and the majority of WH players know him.
They’ll probably appoint Rafa in June
Lindisfarne
Dec 29, 2019 at 8:37 AM
Comment #40#someones