Yesterday’s FA Cup tie at Arsenal marked the return of our Player of the Season from a year ago, Martin Dubravka. The 31-year-old made some outstanding saves to keep Arsenal at bay the few times they were able to breach the disciplined Magpie defense in normal time.
Dubravka had returned to the bench for the previous two matches after missing four months with a heel injury. In that time, Karl Darlow has taken the gloves as the number one keeper due to his superb displays in the first half of the season.
Yesterday, Martin showed why he was Newcastle’s number one for 88 straight league matches since his debut in February of 2018 against Manchester United. Both keepers are pushing each other to get the maximum out of their ability.
Steve Bruce said the following after the game to NUFC TV about Dubravka’s return:
“It looked as if he had never been away. He made a great save in the first half. It looked as if we were going to keep a clean sheet which we did for 90 minutes, but couldn’t quite hold on.”
Dubravka was also interviewed by NUFC TV after yesterday’s defeat. He was obviously disappointed with how the match turned out. However, he was very happy to be back playing after his long layoff.
The Chronicle have published the following comments from Martin:
“It is disappointing because we were close to penalties but to concede two goals in extra time is a pity.
“It is disappointing, especially for me, because it has been a long time since I have been on the pitch and I didn’t dream the game would be like this.
“I enjoy every minute on the pitch and as I said, it has been a long time.
“Of course, it would have been much better if we won the game and got through to the next round but unfortunately we are not there.
“Finally I am back on the pitch with the other lads and I enjoy every minute of training and on the pitch because I really missed it.
“Obviously losing in extra time is tough but I enjoyed it.”
Newcastle are blessed to have two outstanding goalkeepers in Darlow and Dubravka. Both are signed up long-term so it could be pushing each other for years to come.
However, there’s likely to be another contender soon if Freddie Woodman can continue his tremendous growth as a player over the past two seasons on loan with Swansea.
112 comments so far
Wor B
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:00 PM
Comment #41EGB
“something badly wrong with the voting system?”
The system is fine Bill, it’s clearly the voters.
Prime example, we both voted for a win. š
jazzyp
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:00 PM
Comment #42Say’s everything really
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErZLNDdXMAMorCK?format=jpg&name=small
Munster Mag
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:07 PM
Comment #43Tsunki, we’ve had guys on here claiming rafa signed the good guys but Charnley signed the bad guys. If rafa didn’t want certain players, why did he not resign. This is the rule applied to Bruce – ie if he doesn’t like it he shud have the balls to quit. Murphy isn’t the worst signing but at 10 Mill we haven’t got much of a return. Your friend has been wittering about Townsend but that’s not necessarily relevant. If a manager chooses to spend 10 mill then it doesn’t matter if another guy is available for more. The fact is, he spends 10mill. This goes back to the rafa infallibility principle, tiresome but prevalent on here.
magicmac54
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:08 PM
Comment #44Toon22@36 I agree with every part of your post fella, and my big fear is i am not as confident as a lot of the fans about a takeover by the saudis, i hope to god iam wrong and there is a takeover as i simply cant stand Ashley and the way he is destroying the club, and if there is no takeover we are screwed.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:16 PM
Comment #45Wor B
I always do, obviously a prime factor in the deluded geordie syndrome! š
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:18 PM
Comment #46GP,
“Jetro put a āfingers crossedā at the end of his tweet. Somehow it disappeared”
There’s only one man for the job, get him on the case immediately. Klaxon alert.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:19 PM
Comment #47Magicmag
They still haven’t found that pesky B & W striped Dodo yet!
But don’t give up hope! š
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:21 PM
Comment #48Jail
Are you on the mend, no panic trips to A & E lately?
Wor B
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:21 PM
Comment #49Bill
I’m with you there, sadly more often than not these days it’s more wishful thinking than a prediction.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:22 PM
Comment #50Be interesting to see how the voting for Tuesday goes.
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:22 PM
Comment #51Munster,
The thing that always worried me about Charnley was how much authority he had on transfers without having to run it past Ashley.
If we look back to Deli alli, we refused to pay the extra million, same with Eric Dier I believe. Also PEA but he was bigger bucks.
I just worry we lost out on them due to charnley trying to get a good deal and impress Ashley. What was charnley’s background, club secretary?
We know Ashley heavily incentivises his employees through bonuses.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:24 PM
Comment #52Munster,
That’s a load of tosh, nobody claimed that, there was one signing everyone was wary of after Rafa claimed he thinks he’s a striker and that was Muto, but you since found quotes that said Rafael and his scouts had chased him for a while. Three years and less than half a dozen poor signings. We’ve made about 12 since he left and two of them started the other night, go do that maths.
Tsunki
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:24 PM
Comment #53The WiseVision thing was Nacho Gonzalez, a favour to the agent that as involved in the Coloccini signing iirc.
Tsunki
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:26 PM
Comment #54Could be wrong that was also Google free.
So munster do you think Ā£10m was robbery for Murphy as you used to? Or about right so far given player values?
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:26 PM
Comment #55EGB,
Fully, hoping to get the go ahead off the surgeon to get back to work on light duties during the week.
Tsunki
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:27 PM
Comment #56They were mostly around Ā£4m duffers not Ā£40m
magicmac54
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:28 PM
Comment #57EGB Hi Bill, i never give up hope as without hope we have nothing mate, i hope your very well fella.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:29 PM
Comment #58UT/W,
That Graham Carr interview gave us huge insight, by the sounds of it Ashley signs off on everyone. That’s probably why they take so long, remember how long it took to sign Lejuene and he had a release clause.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:29 PM
Comment #59Jail
That’s good news, although I don’t suppose you are looking forward to getting back onto the rigs too quickly!
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:30 PM
Comment #60Can’t knock old Graham Carr’s ability to spot decent footballers I suppose.
magicmac54
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:30 PM
Comment #61Jail for Ashley
Lets hope you get the green light to start back to work later in the week mate.
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:32 PM
Comment #62I’ll still never forget how quickly Papiss Cisse’s transfer came through. The one time I can remember where we moved sharpish to get someone.
sure it took less than 24 hours..?
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Comment #63I wonder if the Nacho thingy wasn’t a cock-up by Wise as there was another Nacho around who was a very good player.
The other possibility is that some one (Charnley) screwed up the crisps order! š
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Comment #64Sorry, last post was for Jail@58.
toon22
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:36 PM
Comment #65magicmac54
Yep
We are in trouble
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:37 PM
Comment #66Jail,
Aye, I was thinking about that interview, but couldn’t remember the guts of it.
I distinctly remember the Alli interest, we offered 5 and 6 would have got him I think. He would probably be our Captain now. Although he probably would never play for england!
Is Ashley though isn’t it. He knows the price of everything but the value of nothing!
toon22
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:38 PM
Comment #67Why would we trust the turd ?
Hes not done a thing to gain it but has done everything to loose it
Wor B
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:39 PM
Comment #68Haha
The wrong Murphy and the wrong Nachos!!!
He wanted Guinness and a pizza!
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:40 PM
Comment #69GP,
That’s because we’d been quoted Ā£17M for him six months earlier and due to some financial difficulties he became available for Ā£9M Mikey snapped their hands off yet stillwater money on him due to pi$$ poor mismanagement.
Legolas
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:43 PM
Comment #70Jail,
To be fair, I loved Rafa, but he made some shocking signings. Wether or not they were all down to him is another matter.
magicmac54
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:43 PM
Comment #71Jail for Ashley
Your spot on with that assessment its Ashley who authorises every signing nothing gets past Ashlley, every penny has to be accounted for, except when it comes to joelinton, buts thats another story lol
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:44 PM
Comment #72None of our attacking players have delivered goals other than Wilson, none are creating enough, itās not just Joelinton.
We donāt have the possession or play high enough up the pitch for Joel, Almiron, St Max, Fraser etc to show their true attacking worth.
In terms of his defensive work and his ability to bring a ball under control and lay it off and also his fitness and availability heās been very good.
I think we need to factor in the way we have been playing before singling out Joelinton for heaviest criticism.
Iād continue to have him in the 11, look to strengthen appropriately in central midfield and once we’ve truly begun to play with more of the ball and higher up the pitch then I’d mark his card, along with the cards of our other wide and central attacking mids.
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:45 PM
Comment #73Toon22,
I think there could be a proper meltdown on Tuesday night if we don’t beat the Blades. We are the gift though aren’t we.
I’m glad I’ve become apathetic with it all coz I can’t afford another new telly!!!
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:46 PM
Comment #74Still water???
Still lost
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:49 PM
Comment #75Legolas,
Let’s say they all were down to him, after all he had the final say. Who were these shocking signings? And I’ll give you a counter argument. Lazaar and Muto were and still are very poor signings.
Tackle from behind
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:49 PM
Comment #76I can agree with some of that Nicky.
In the Hoffenheim side he got plenty of goals because they had more attacks and more support in attack.
He gets neither here, but as a footballer, he lacks too many credentials. His first touch is usually awful, the ball bounces off him most of the time.
His passing is shoddy and he makes very few useful runs also his positional sense is way off with him often tracking or near colliding with others.
The big question would be can he cut it in the Prem and to risk 40M on that question is suspect at least.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:56 PM
Comment #77Ntbt,
It’s frightening to think that if Gayle hadn’t of got injured we wouldn’t have gone anywhere near Wilson, the way Bruce was bigging Gayle up pointed to all the signs that no-one else was coming in.
Legolas
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:58 PM
Comment #78Ok Jail,
Playing devils advocate here.
Mats Sels,
Grant Hanley,
Jesus Gamez,
Joselu,
Islam slimani,
Ki,
Sorry, if my spelling is off. Also, you could argue Daryl Murphy even though I thought he did very well.
jazzyp
Jan 10, 2021 at 8:58 PM
Comment #79West ham only got half of what they paid for sebastian Haller,So at best that is all we could hope for for Joelinton. Maximin the fee can be justified..But Joelinton not a chance.
Does putting Joelinton with better players all of a sudden make his first touch better, Or his shot selection better..I don’t think so.Let’s face it he is a dud that we would be better off in cashing in now rather than another long winded saga drawn out to he leaves on a free
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 10, 2021 at 9:01 PM
Comment #80Attackers will give the ball away all day long in poor teams that don’t get up in support so I struggle to blame Joel specifically for this, in fact I think he battles away and does bring the ball down and lay it off quite well.
His movement is reasonable when you consider as a unit we seem to have no attacking cohesion or plan.
To me he’s been better than Almiron, on balance as good or better than St Max, Murphy and Ritchie, and Fraser just hasn’t played, but I doubt he’d do any better either.
To me the problem is more in behind and in the way we are set up.