Matty Longstaff was handed a surprise start last night in our 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. It was as difficult a fixture as any for a young player to be thrown into.
However, the 20-year-old, as he often did last season, handled the occasion well and put in a committed performance under the circumstances.
This year has been very difficult for Matty, who has dealt with injuries, a protracted contract saga, as well as receiving very little game time when fit.
But he was not off the pace last night and was one of the better players in a black and white shirt. He’s hopefully done enough to garner more consideration for future starts.
Steve Bruce was asked about the midfielder after yesterday’s match. The Shields Gazette have published the following comments from the head coach:
“He gave a performance which reminded me of why I put him in the team last year.
“He’s obviously had a really, really difficult time in terms of a thigh injury which he really couldn’t shake off. He broke down twice, three times with it, and then he had a case of not being right in himself.
“He’s had to wait patiently. We bided our time with him to make sure he is physically right. He lost a lot of weight during the lockdown for whatever reason. Thankfully he’s got that back, and he’s reminded us what a good player he is.”
It seems that Bruce may have been protecting Matty. It took months for him to recover from his thigh injury and then also struggled last season when returning from lockdown.
Hopefully, he’s ready for a steady string of games. It could be an important month for the young midfielder. If he’s not going to get games the rest of this season, Bruce really needs to consider loaning him out so he can continue his development with first-team football elsewhere.
213 comments so far
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 5:52 PM
Comment #1With all these ‘park the bus’ tactics that the smaller clubs now employ it is definitely making EPL football very boring to watch.
Who knows the big 6 and Masters may be bringing about he their own fall as viewing figures and sponsorship fades and incomes plummet.
Uncertain Toon/World
Dec 27, 2020 at 5:55 PM
Comment #2Dr Ed on the previous thread putting it very succinctly that he doesn’t really agree with Catchy’s viewpoint!!!
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 5:58 PM
Comment #3To be honest I cant read anything that starts “Bruce explains …..” You just know its gonna be bollards
Pottsclock
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:01 PM
Comment #4There’s no manager I despise more than Allardyce. He was only with us 8 month’s but brought in a group of mercanies who were at the end of their career, such as Cacapa, Geremi and Abdoule Faye, and lined the pockets of agents, whilst at the same time sidelining the likes of Solano and Milner. One of the few good things Ashley has done was to sack him and we saw from his bahaviour as England manager what sort of person he is.
JohnJ
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:01 PM
Comment #5I know that Dr Ed was as gutted as I was when Newcastle United lost Rafa as their Boss!
Who knows what the future may bring but if it was a case of Mr Rafael Benitez returning to finish his “Project” I suspect there would be a lot of happy Geordies!
Optimistic prime
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:08 PM
Comment #6I see Rafa back as DOf, overseeing the restructure of the club from top to bottom.
Someone else as manager, I’d include Rafa in that process too.
Ron Knee
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:09 PM
Comment #71-1!
The Ledge
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:11 PM
Comment #8I don’t think Brucie gives two fkus about Newcastle he is a Man U man through and through.
He changes his tune like the wind very mixed up individual a sure sign of a liar.
He won’t walk as he knows this is his last job and as long as there is know one in the stadium he will get a easy ride as the media and pundits wouldn’t dare slag an English dinosaur who is such a nice man (my arse).
He will go down in history as one of the most despised managers in our history and he spouts that crap he will do what’s best for the Club give over a complete and utter Gobshite and nothing more .
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:11 PM
Comment #9super sam 🙁
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:13 PM
Comment #10Agree Ledge – the bloke has more plastic than the worlds oceans – plays the Geordie card when it suits like so many others – dare I say Bobby Charlton
sing in the corner
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:14 PM
Comment #11Well would you credit it?
Bruce, Dyche and fat Sam vindicated then?
hibbit
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:14 PM
Comment #12pool 1 – 1 wba
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:17 PM
Comment #13from the beeb –
“In the second half West Brom have been so much better. Sam did change it at the start of the second half and it has totally changed their attitude. Well done, Sam. They have given themselves a right opportunity.”
Our muppet cant even change it with 5 mins remaining – how often have we been trailing in the last 5 mins and then play the ball sideways or back to the keeper when there are players in the box
Ron Knee
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:19 PM
Comment #14Bruce will be cursing Big Sam.
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:21 PM
Comment #15So fatsam has stoked the fires for our match against the bindippers – 7-0 looks odds on
Moonraker15
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:21 PM
Comment #16Fat Sam showing what can be done with hard work and planning.
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:23 PM
Comment #17Honestly right now with Sam at West Brom Id say we are 50/50 with them on staying up.
they will only improve with him there although it will be ugly football, he knows how to pick up points.
Fulham have started picking up points too. burnley also.
We are the only one from midtable currently dropping in form with a few below us improving, and with Lpool and Leicester coming next it doesnt look like changing..
simon376
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:24 PM
Comment #18As much as dont like Sam and think he should never be allowed to work in football after what he did, looks like he is about to pull it off again
Ron Knee
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:25 PM
Comment #19Brilliant point for the Albion (damn them)!
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:26 PM
Comment #20Now THAT is an away result to be happy with.
not claiming it a decent performance losing 2-0 away with 12% possession in the 2nd half.
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:31 PM
Comment #21The trouble with the bindipper result is that is justifies the 9-0-1 formation that cabbage heed is so keen of.
Difference is it appears that FatSam had a plan A and B – we dont even have a plan
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:36 PM
Comment #22Top managers make changes during the game to bring about a change – be it a change of personnel or staff or even a tactical change – like play down the right etc.
Brucies never does this – he is alway re-acting to other events / bookings / injuries – never looking to influence the game.
We all know the subs come on around the 65minute mark – Big Andy comes on at 85 mins after all the wingers have been replaced.
DEFEND, HOOF, REPEAT
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:37 PM
Comment #23Let’s play a game..
Managers connected with food..
I’ll go first…..
Steve Bruce……….a big pudding….
BlacknWhiteBarmy
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:39 PM
Comment #24Let’s play a game..
Managers connected with body parts.
I’ll go first…..
Steve Bruce – ARRRRRSEEEEE – Im sure there is at least one other 🙂
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:40 PM
Comment #25Pmsl……..
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:46 PM
Comment #26That’s the end of that game then…….
Ace50
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:56 PM
Comment #27Whilst we are poor, other mid table teams are dropping points too. Brighton don’t look anywhere near as convincing (up front) without Lamptey, and Palace are struggling. I could see both Zaha and Lamptey leaving in Jan and both these teams will struggle. Sad that you have to wish poor fortune on others so we can ‘survive’!! I suppose that would be our ambitions achieved….survival
Munster Mag
Dec 27, 2020 at 6:58 PM
Comment #28Big sam nailed us when rafa bottled it against him team of plodder at St James, in the 1-1 draw. I think the fat bastiid will relegate us again. Every point is vital from now, every single one.
Ron Knee
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:03 PM
Comment #29Keep on trollin’.
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:06 PM
Comment #3010/4 rubberdick..
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:07 PM
Comment #31Duck ffs……..
Ace50
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:10 PM
Comment #32Didn’t know that was your kinda thing Reagan 😉
RUNAWAY777
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:11 PM
Comment #33Not be long before where in the mix with Brighton, Fulham, west brom picking odd points here and there and Burnley won couple of game before there last result.
Ace50
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:11 PM
Comment #34*Regan
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:12 PM
Comment #35FF Post
55 points for me this week. Not the greatest, Salah blanking cost me big time 🙁
Snuck the win vs North in the H2H so thats good, reckon i will drop in the big league though.
come on wolves!!!
GeordieTwo
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:14 PM
Comment #36We don’t want Brucie!
Boom, boom
Boom boom boom!!!!
Regan
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:14 PM
Comment #37Ace50….
Damn. …cat out of the bag….
lesh
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:14 PM
Comment #38So, Big Sam seems to have got WBA worked out and getting that point against the mighty Liverpool will have given his players a helluva a lift.
They’ll start collecting points, more points than we do and as Brucey seems to have wrung any morale out of our players, other sides, probably with the exception of Sheffield United (if they don’t make managerial changes), those below us will start to collect points while Brucey fights a losing battle.
The eight point gap that makes us look safe at the moment, will fast disappear and by then, it’ll be too late to bladder Bruce.
God knows who’s advising Ashley but whoever it is, shouldn’t be anywhere near the club.
sing in the corner
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:15 PM
Comment #39Runaway
Bruce will still be criticising the fans for ‘mass hysteria’ no doubt.
lesh
Dec 27, 2020 at 7:15 PM
Comment #40RUNAWAY777
Though I didn’t see your post @33, snap.