Newcastle have a massive match against Leeds at St. James’ Park on Friday evening. The problem The Magpies could face is that it is also a very important fixture for Leeds, who likewise have yet to pick up their first win and have had struggled defensively.
According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, there was a dressing room inquest held after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. Poor defending was the primary topic of discussion.
Newcastle have conceded 12 goals over our first four matches, which is the most in the league so far. While the defending was better against The Red Devils early, it ended in another lopsided defeat with Newcastle just unable to prevent the opposition from hitting the back of the net.
Leeds have struggled at the back as well and share our -7 goal difference. Though they have had a more difficult start to the campaign with matches against Man United, Everton, and Liverpool.
Bruce will have some decisions to make as Lee Ryder suggests places could be up for grabs, especially at the back. We could see both Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez recalled for Friday. Hopefully, Paul Dummett will be available after a calf injury has kept him on the sidelines since pre-season.
Karl Darlow could also get the nod over Freddie Woodman. Bruce may opt for Darlow’s experience after Freddie made a few mistakes on Saturday. He stepped up and accepted responsibility but it’s another area where a change could be made.
The Chronicle is also backing claims from The Athletic that Callum Wilson will not be risked until October with his thigh strain. This means he’ll miss our next two matches with Wolves on October 2nd being a potential date for his return. The Athletic reckon he may not be back until after the next international break ruling him out for the Wolves match as well.
We’ll also have to wait on news of Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, and Ciaran Clark, who were all forced off with knocks at Old Trafford. Bruce could already be facing an injury crisis early in the campaign.
This season’s start has been calamitous. However, all it takes is a couple of wins to turn our fortunes around. Newcastle really need to find that first win quickly and the match on Friday is of growing importance.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards is suggesting that Bruce’s position is not currently under threat. He is also calling on fans to not be so vocal in their displeasure with things on the pitch.
They are shouting angrily into a wind. Fans called for Pardew to be sacked for months. Didn’t happen. It’s horrible to feel powerless but at what point does it become more harmful to the team than anything else? Interesting debate. Everything will be decided by results in the end
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) September 13, 2021
That may be wishful thinking as Friday’s match could get very ugly. Especially if Newcastle limp out of the gate like against Southampton. The lads really need a quick and positive start. That should be one of the many focus points in training this week.
249 comments so far
NY Mag
Sep 13, 2021 at 11:48 PM
Comment #201Nap,
Townsends goal today wasn’t dissimilar to a couple he scored for us, seems to be a trademark of his.
Dips his shoulder, cuts inside and curls one into the top corner, what made it a bit special today was the placement, no keeper in the world was getting to it.
Nicky the ball tosser
Sep 13, 2021 at 11:59 PM
Comment #202I normally don’t get involved in “disputes” between posters, mainly because it’s no fun and I’m sure no one cares what I think, but I’d like to offer my support to Jane.
I know Lesh has been convinced that Jane is Jib, and that he and Jib have real previous, but Jane seems a decent poster to me.
Maybe not someone who subscribes to the consensus view, but certainly a good contributor to the blog and very much one of us, as is Lesh.
Jane cops a hammering, and but sticks to her guns. Surely that deserves a bit more respect.
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:12 AM
Comment #203Nicky,
I think you’ll find that a lot of people care what you think….you’ll be surprised how much credibility you have on this blog 🙂
Romford mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:19 AM
Comment #204NY
#203
Totally agree !
Goodnight all 🙂
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:42 AM
Comment #205NY Mag,
That was definitely a cracker of a strike by Townsend tonight! And he also provided the perfect cross that Keane headed in the their first goal.
Rafa wanted to bring back Andros to the toon in the January window that we were in the championship, after he left the prior summer (he had a buyout clause in his contract as I recall). And Townsend wanted to come and fat Sam at Palace was willing to let him go, but Ashley would not listen to Rafa. Obviously the Spaniard was/is right about Andros. Ashley not only shot himself in the leg on that one, he shot himself in the tenders, losing Benitez, as most of us know!
Mister Tuff
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:48 AM
Comment #206I do not think Lesh would be culpable for an offence of harrassment as straightaway he would offer a defence of insanity.
He would supply posts from here to his defence team where he has been addressed as a loony leftie, supporter of JC and Dianne.
Clearly sufficient evidence to establish his defence.
Mr Tubbs………………………….OOT
Loony lefties……………………..OOT
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:58 AM
Comment #207Chico,
I can’t disagree with any of that. All makes sense.
However, the one thing I always ask myself is, would I do that.
And I have to say that if I owned a business (any business) would I give complete control to someone else (employee)…I would not do it.
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:03 AM
Comment #208NY
Hello mate! Hope you are well!
I don’t think Rafa wanted or demanded complete control from Mike!
Do you think he did?
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:10 AM
Comment #209Chico,
To be honest, I don’t know what went on.
I think it was more about control than an actual amount of money spent.
I think Rafa simply wanted a budget that he could do what he wanted with.
The club hierarchy didn’t want to give a fixed budget.
Just my opinion…no idea whether it’s close to the truth
I’m doing well BTW, hope you are too….looking forward the the next beer in the brewery, or wherever it maybe 🙂
AnyToon in Indiana
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:15 AM
Comment #210I want to know….will Bruce say Everton is a top team and big club when we play them or will he continue to pat his ego and slight Rafa another time. Im hoping he doesn’t only because I hope he is not around by then.
AnyToon in Indiana
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:17 AM
Comment #211I take that back….I hope he is around to soak in the fan reaction.
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:21 AM
Comment #212NY
Would be great having a few pints with you again. Keep me posted if you are ever out west again!
I think your view of Rafa wanting to know how much money Ashley would provide him in each close season is probably true. But Mike did apparently make certain promises about the club getting every penny that it raised. And the fact that Mike gave Rafa almost nothing beyond that first summer following relegation, might have rubbed Rafa as breaking that promise.
But beyond the money Ashley apparently would not let Rafa even pick which players he brought in, even insisting on buying Joelinton, overriding Rafa’s opinion that that was an ill-advised move! I know who’s opinion on the matter I would trust! 😉
AnyToon in Indiana
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:22 AM
Comment #213I think Ashley saw Rafa’s standards as ultimatums and as such a threat to his power and control.
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:33 AM
Comment #214Indiana
Good point!
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:45 AM
Comment #215AnyToon,
There’s probably a lot of truth in that…..wouldn’t you do the same? I think I would
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 1:56 AM
Comment #216Chico,
Of course I would welcome the next pint together (let’s get rid of this pesky COVID 🙂 )
You’re probably gonna hate me for this (and many others as well)
Owners of businesses have the absolute entitlement to operate that business as they see fit.
Do I like or agree with Ashley’s business plan for NUFC, I do not.
Is he entitled to do it…..absolutely
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 2:05 AM
Comment #217NY
Yeah, Ashley has the right to drive NUFC right off a cliff. Unfortunately he has all us fans strapped in as passengers! 😉
NY Mag
Sep 14, 2021 at 2:18 AM
Comment #218Chico,
Yeah, sure he does…but, I’m not sure that he has any concerns about that.
Unused Substitute
Sep 14, 2021 at 3:40 AM
Comment #219NY: I think Rafa was appointed a “manager” not a “head coach.” Generally, a manager manages an operation professionally with a substantial say on mobilizing resources and be answerable for its overall performance. Managing would be impossible with whatever is rammed down the manager’s throat (e.g., Joelinton).
Head coach, on the other hand, is expected to discharge a specific task (e.g., be at 17th place or higher on the EPL points table) to be achieved with resources made available.
When Rafa found he was being treated like a head coach and made to sign off on very questionable player acquisitions (e.g., Joelinton’s) probably to manage his own reputation he left.
ChicoUSA
Sep 14, 2021 at 5:54 AM
Comment #220NY @218
I’m pretty sure Ashley does NOT care a fig for the fans! He can’t be gone soon enough!
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:04 AM
Comment #221I think one of Rafa’s main gripes was that we were cautious about signing older players for fees. I generally agree with this policy and there’s no way I’d let an awful judge of players such as Bruce or Pardew load the team up with older players (I wouldn’t let them.scout younger ones either TBF), but Rafa has proved himself as a manager and as a scout so I’d trust him with the money. But as for handing Steve Bruce 120m of my money, no chance. 23 years as a manager and he’s only had a few successes in the market and even less sold for a healthy profit. His problem is he buys average players who are on the older side with high wages, then he makes them worse more often than not.
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:24 AM
Comment #222I think that Ashley/ Charnley letting us know via Luke Edwards that protests will be ‘like shouting in the wind,’ are more inflammatory than Bruce’s rant. This trick worked last time in quietening the players revolt, but it won’t work again. Last time there were no fans in the stadium, and the big difference between the players and the fans who pay to watch, is that the fans aren’t paid by Ashley so he can’t stomp them down at all. Any misguided attempt to tell them to shut up, will cause uproar.
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:28 AM
Comment #223If I was in Newcastle, and had a season ticket, I’d boo every week. Previously, I’d have only protested if we were already out the game (losing 3-0) as I wouldn’t want to effect the players, but now I’d boo. I’d rather go down because of protests, than sit and wait for Bruce to take us down. And if they brought in another dinosaur, I’d be booing him as soon as his plane or helicopter landed in Newcastle.
Optimistic prime
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:45 AM
Comment #224Will there be a revolt on Friday?
Lot of unrest amongst the fans but I’ve seen it so many times before.
Strange feelings for myself, I fear a really dark day Friday for the club and fans.
We should be on ready steady cook instead of Motd as we’re always making the perfect recipe for disaster.
The takeover has done nothing more than magnify all the problems at Nufc and highlighted Ashley couldn’t care less.
Where do we go from here?
Optimistic prime
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:48 AM
Comment #225Are we the most uncompetitive team in the most competitive league in the world?
Surley you’d think they’d want a upgrade.
Surley SD United isn’t a good advertisement for the PL.
Surley the FA can see the damage all this is doing.
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 14, 2021 at 6:50 AM
Comment #226It’s our last home game for a month, so if Bruce can get through it, he’ll have some breathing space.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Sep 14, 2021 at 7:13 AM
Comment #227Townsend and Gray have totally transformed the way Everton play so much more pacy and direct now
It’s funny but we have players who could do that in Murphy, Fraser, Almiron and ASM but rarely do we play wingers in a formation
Must admit its pretty hard seeing Everton joint top of the league and us stuck with Bruce at the bottom. Everton fans didn’t even want Rafa!!!
Optimistic prime
Sep 14, 2021 at 7:35 AM
Comment #228It doesn’t matter what players Bruce has, he’d still play shit unorganised football.
DubaiMicky
Sep 14, 2021 at 7:37 AM
Comment #229I think there was more to the Joelinton transfer than meets the eye, maybe backhanders via fees for agents that ended up in ashLies’s pockets? I don’t know but that stinks to high heaven.
Wor B
Sep 14, 2021 at 7:46 AM
Comment #230Sad, true and funny all at the same time,,,
“We should be on ready steady cook instead of Motd as we’re always making the perfect recipe for disaster.”
Well said OP
🙂
Wor B
Sep 14, 2021 at 7:53 AM
Comment #231Rom
Sorry I missed you yesterday 🙁
Was busy losing golf balls, trying to forget about the misery that is NUFC (and my FPL team 😆 )
TheTinman
Sep 14, 2021 at 8:01 AM
Comment #232Its a shame, but Rafa doesn’t visit St James until 9th February 2022. The home game is 28th December 2021.
The whole of St James Park chanting Rafa Benitez for 90mins would send a huge message. It’s the sort of thing Sky would actually cover as well, as there is no swearing and no malicousness.
Would do far more for our cause than the Ashley out and Bruce out chants
Jail for Ashley
Sep 14, 2021 at 8:07 AM
Comment #233RB post match.
“”Really pleased with the connection between the team and the fans. We are looking to build a fortress here and to show we can compete with anyone”
In the meanwhile we have SB telling us how difficult it is for a club like ours who’s expected to be in the bottom half and your star striker telling you the players were better off without the fans in the stadium.
When will this nightmare end.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 14, 2021 at 8:10 AM
Comment #234I wonder if Munster is still trying to kid himself that Spurs and Arsenal fans would rather their current incumbents than RB 😕
Ron Knee
Sep 14, 2021 at 8:12 AM
Comment #235Willock versus Manure:
https://twitter.com/afcleonn/status/1436980360034848771
Wor B
Sep 14, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Comment #236Just checked the league table.
Rafa’s legacy has gone, we now have the leakiest defence in the league.
Tyran21
Sep 14, 2021 at 9:06 AM
Comment #237Willock and Hayden sitting in front of the CBs is more than enough, if Newcastle attacks more.
lochinvar
Sep 14, 2021 at 9:12 AM
Comment #238Nicky@200
…. the very best atmosphere in England, when the side has its tail up. and yet an owner seemingly intent on destroying it, and I agree, it’s not just the club he’s hurting, it’s also the city, the region and the lives of those who inhabit it. Appalling individual.
So true.
When the club is in a good place and the team is performing well the city ‘bounces’. There’s an atmosphere of posivity and friendly craic abounds, across all generations.
The Welsh have a word for this “hwyl”.
You can’t see it or touch it but it exists as “a stirring of emotional motivation and energy”.
These sort of experiences are outwith Ashleys Teflon coated dumbness. He’s devoid of emotion, devoid of passion and if he was in Wonkas Chocolate factory would be the kid gobbling all the chocolate.
Wor B
Sep 14, 2021 at 9:16 AM
Comment #239Tyran21
It’s a conundrum given our current situation (lack of goals with Wilson injured and a leaky defence).
We need Willock’s 10 goals this season, we won’t get them if he’s sitting in front of the defence. 🙁
Tyran21
Sep 14, 2021 at 9:18 AM
Comment #240I don’t remember Bruce ever inspire the players. It’s always try not to lose and hope to nick a goal or two.