There were both positives and negatives to take from yesterday’s game in the 3-3 home draw to Brentford.
But the biggest disappointment was that we couldn’t get our first win of the season, in what was our 12th league game of the season.
We cannot afford to be adrift at the bottom of the table and currently, we are rock bottom of the league, 2 points behind Norwich City.
it was a day during which Norwich got their second win in a row, and Aston Villa and Watford both had good home wins against Brighton and Manchester United respectively.
And news just breaking that Manchester United have finally sacked manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
If Leeds win today at Spurs, we could be 7 points from safety – so as we said – we cannot afford to get too far adrift this year before the January transfer window opens.
The owners seemed happy enough with the performance, as co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi tweeted this after the game.
Thank you to all of you for your ROAR. We heard you, the players heard you, the world heard you! We will build and we will win. Thank you to the incredible fight by the squad, we are grateful #nufc @NUFC #thisisourhouse
— Mehrdad Ghodoussi (@ghodoussi) November 20, 2021
One obvious area that Eddie Howe must concentrate on is the defense and picking the right players.
We still think our best two center-backs are Schar and Fernandez, and we’re not sure why Kieran Clark made the team yesterday on the left-hand side of a three-man backline.
Of course, Paul Dummett can play there when he’s fully fit, but once again the local lad has missed the start of a season with another hamstring injury.
It’s Arsenal away next week, and they looked woeful yesterday, in a 4-0 walloping at Liverpool.
They are a bit like Newcastle, good on the attack but woeful in defense, and Eddie Howe will be well aware of that.
They also have this terrible habit of passing the ball around in their own penalty box, and we are sure Eddie Howe will try to capitalize on that next Saturday.
Another defeat would not be good, but we have to remain upbeat.
And it’s possible we can get our first win at the Emirates in the early kickoff game next Saturday – 12:30 pm.
That would be terrific.
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125 comments so far
geordietom
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:10 PM
Comment #1there can be only one
Ketsbaia9
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:13 PM
Comment #2Looks like Man Utd are getting Steve Bruce as an intermin appointment. I think he’d do well there.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:15 PM
Comment #3I posted this yesterday from a article I read incase anyone misses it.
West Brom in 2004-05, Sunderland in 2013-14 and Leicester in 2014-15 all had 10 points at Christmas and stayed up.
All were in 20th place and I’m sure you all remember Leicester went on to win the PL the following year!
Listen to the words of this tune!
https://youtu.be/IOgUaFkpS3Y
sparky55
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:18 PM
Comment #4Agreed…Darlow should have stopped the first two.
Same sentiment as most on here…We played like we haven’t since Keegans era…with the same issue we had in the Keegan era…Poor defending.
if Keegan could have attracted top talent for the back four in his day, we’d have won the league at last twice under his leadership.
So in a very brief summary…I thought that game represented a good start, we should have won it, but didn’t…but the way we played bodes well for the future on the basis we can improve the defence.
No doubt we’ll improve more leading up to the winter break, and no doubt we’ll win at least three and scramble a couple of draws…so I’m positive we’ll survive!
Fingers crossed…onwards and upwards
Sheikh rattle and roll
?
?
Essex Geordie Bill
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:23 PM
Comment #5I’d like to see Joelinton’s slip in more detail, cos I think the defender might have just caught his standing foot causing him to slip. Did VAR even check it.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Comment #6Theres a TV show with the same name as that song which is hilarious.
Kenny footing Powers.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Comment #7EGB
I was looking at his ankle wobble didn’t look for contact.
Essex Geordie Bill
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:26 PM
Comment #8What the news on Schaars and ASMs injuries, be a bit of a worry if ASM is out for a game or two.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:27 PM
Comment #9EGB
Schars pride is hurt but he should survive if he gets a cuddle.
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:33 PM
Comment #10Missed the bus again, sorry for the repost:
My score prediction was 4-1 for yesterday. In hindsight Silly of me really as when you have a defence consisting of Lascelles, Clarke, Ritchie (who is too slow and a winger), Murphy (winger not a great defender) and Darlow as keeper who is so out of sorts in goal at present. With all those in our team we are going to leak goals unfortunately. Why Fernandez has not been chosen is a mystery to me as he is needed big time. I’d even give Hayden a shot at the back. Something needs to drastically change in our defence until we can get new bodies in January.
However, our attack looked good yesterday. St Max and especially Joelinton were good and we played on the front foot. Joelinton was absolutely everywhere all over the pitch and if he’d had scored right at the end instead of loosing his footing would have been a hero but it was not to be but he was still 8/10 and MOTM. Happy for the lad and I do see him getting better and better.
Not sure what is going on with Willock. Could be a confidence thing maybe as he is yet to score this season after last seasons antics. Once the lad gets a goal I hope he can kick on again. He is a decent midfielder and I’m sure Wor Eddie will coach it out of him. We will see him come good soon IMO.
Will be interesting to see who will be selected for Arsenal next week…One thing is for certain we won’t be seeing Darlow. We will have Dubs back which will be huge as we look so much more assured with him in goal.
Does anyone know when Dummett is back at all from injury? I’m concerned and cannot believe he is still injured with that calf injury. Not sure how true but me missus is on Twitter and she read that he may need another operation and if it’s not successful it’s game over for him? Hope it’s just Twitter Rubbish? If we need a player to sort that defence out until January he is the man for me.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Comment #11Haven’t watched eastbound n down in ages OP, what a series that was. Going to watch that again, favourite quote from that show… ” there’s no I in team, but there’s a U in c**t” …sorry if that offends anyone.
theartfuldodger
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:38 PM
Comment #12We seem to 2CB, a FB, a DM and a CF.
Will be hard to get players with PL experience in Jan.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:43 PM
Comment #13Fenham
As we’re away and from what we witnessed yesterday I expect there’ll be a few changes.
Ritchie for Fraser or Lewis
I think he would’ve changed Wilock for Hayden with it being away at Arsenal next anyway, but after yesterday he may change both CMs to give defence more protection.
Surprised he didn’t start with Long and Hayden as he Normally played two Dms at Bournemouth.
Can’t see Schar or Darlow starting, neither did themselves any favours!
Could be 3 or 4 outfield players, depends how he sees the changes working out.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:45 PM
Comment #14Jay
You should have said
“Sorry if that’s offends anyone, you winey little bitches”
In true Kenny style.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:50 PM
Comment #15Haha, brilliant mate… Right I’m off to the beehive for a massive roast dinner. Be back on tonight, have a good one everyone.
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:50 PM
Comment #16OP
I think we will see Hayden back in CM against Arsenal for extra protection for it defence. I’d also like to see Willock dropped to the bench for Arsenal and I know it’s his former club but we need extra stability in midfield which he is not showing at the moment unfortunately, probably a confidence this as per my last post. Anyway Willock can come on and get the winner against Arsenal, we need a change of luck and a good fairytale as we’ve had nowt yet this season. Hopefully that balances out starting next week. 😉
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:53 PM
Comment #17I’m watching Smokey and the Bandit before the F1 starts, getting in the mood.
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:57 PM
Comment #18Mund
I just looked.
Didn’t realise Verstappen got a 5 place grid penalty from qualifying yesterday.
Ignoring yellow flags.
Starts 7th.
martoon
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Comment #19“and we’re not sure why Kieran Clark made the team yesterday on the left-hand side of a three-man backline”
From where I was sitting we played more of a back 4 with Clark at Left Back and Richie further forward. It was only after the substitutions that Richie dropped into Left Back.
I also think we missed Hayden – he would have got his foot in when they were breaking from midfield.
ottawageordie2
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:07 PM
Comment #20Manure getting Bruce on a free. Doesn’t need to be paid because of the fat paycheque he got from us when he left. 🙂
lochinvar
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:16 PM
Comment #21Official now. Bruce in
How deluded are they?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man Utd sack manager with club seventh in Premier League
Essex Geordie Bill
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:19 PM
Comment #22They’ll probably go and win the league now! 🙄
Optimistic prime
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:19 PM
Comment #23🙄
Ron Knee
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:20 PM
Comment #24Joelinton’s equaliser before half-time, his unerring finish a total stranger to the struggles of the past two-and-a-bit years, hinted at the potential for a fresh start. “We’ve seen the quality he has,” Tindall enthused. “He’s going to be a big player for us.” There is still a way to go, with the chance of a potential winner spurned late on as the No 7 took too long to shoot – in contrast with Saint-Maximin’s sublime finish to secure the point, a combination of supreme technique and confidence – but the will was never in doubt. There are no quick fixes but hope has returned. And it means a lot. (Grauniad)
lochinvar
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:21 PM
Comment #25Joelinton needs new boots.
He’s quit a big unit and if he’s using Flash Harry Blades or superlightwright boots that’s why he falls over so much.
Needs to see the club Podiatrist if we have one, get him sorted.
Essex Geordie Bill
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:22 PM
Comment #26Look forward to seeing Darren Farleys take on it.
Mund
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:23 PM
Comment #27OP
Had a nana nap and just woke up to see that on Twitter. Interesting. Could do with him finishing outside the top 3.
DubaiMicky
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:24 PM
Comment #28Sol Campbell wants Bruce as interim manager????
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1524726/Man-Utd-news-Steve-Bruce-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-sacked
sparky55
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:32 PM
Comment #29and I thought Sol Campbell was reasonably intelligent…
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:41 PM
Comment #30Bruce in for Caretaker manager for Manure? Marriage made in heaven. Could you imagine “Well yew kneew” stood on the sidelines of SJP chewing his gums off one last time when we play on December 27th? You couldn’t write that.
Luckily it won’t happen 😉
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:42 PM
Comment #31Ha ha class 😀
https://twitter.com/AshleyJail/status/1462415091337412612?t=xWerN4fBoLpjD_0vpq6biw&s=08
Mund
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:43 PM
Comment #32As if they are parading the World Cup 🙄
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:45 PM
Comment #33Jail,
Haha brilliant!
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:46 PM
Comment #34Oh man, can you imagine the grief he’d get, night time game, everyone on holiday, ha ha
“Cheer up Stevie Bruce” for 90 minutes.
CLINT FLICK
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:47 PM
Comment #35Sparky,
S Campbell’s a tory…zero sense there!
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:48 PM
Comment #36FtC,
Aye, there’s some bloody clever people out there 😀
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:49 PM
Comment #37He would most definitely need a sprout/cabbage proof jacket and a safety helmet with face protection. Along with ear defenders Brucey PPE lol
Not another deJong
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:50 PM
Comment #38https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-eddie-howe-incredible-untouchable-22229969?ds=
In the old days, this would perhaps be an indication he is going to be the first out the door in Janury, to generate some cash.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Comment #39FtC,
I was down at Hull when a John Carver managed team tore them apart, the grief he got that day, it was relentless.
Mund
Nov 21, 2021 at 1:56 PM
Comment #40Newcastle United had more possession than the opposition in just 1 of the 38 league games last season.
Eddie Howe achieved that in his first game in charge yesterday.