Newcastle have dominated the proceedings thus far at St. James’ Park. But like last weekend, have come up empty-handed at the break. Newcastle have had the bulk of possession and 10 shots but have yet to force Ben Foster to make a save.
Eddie Howe set the lads up in a 4-3-3 with a back four of Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, and Dummett. Joelinton, Shelvey, and Longstaff manned the midfield. New signing Chris Wood led the line with Fraser and Saint-Maximin on the wings.
Newcastle started brightly going instantly on the front foot. The lads dominated the opening ten minutes but for a brief spell where Watford won a dangerous free-kick just outside the area after a rash challenge from Shelvey.
In the 10th minute, Newcastle came so near to taking the lead. Fraser whipped in a cross that was deflected high into the box. Joelinton pipped in front of a Watford defender to guide the ball goalward as it clipped the woodwork.
Joelinton came close again and should have scored in the 19th minute. After a corner fashioned on the training ground, the ball was whipped to the back post. Joelinton surged to meet it but his shot was wide of the target.
Wood had a couple of opportunities as he got his head on a few crosses into the box. However, on both occasions, he didn’t quite get it right as the ball looped over the crossbar.
Newcastle continued to apply pressure without finding a breakthrough. Watford were dropping ten men behind the ball and proved very difficult to break down. Newcastle were able to get plenty of deliveries into the box but were yet to get a shot on target.
The quality in the final third has been extremely poor from both clubs. Newcastle have had much better chances but Watford have carried a threat on the break. It is going to an excruciating second half to watch.
315 comments so far
ilovetoon8788
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:56 PM
Comment #1Thank god we didn’t go back for beneitez. He’s finished.
DKillers
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:57 PM
Comment #2Second?
August Landmesser reincarnate
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:57 PM
Comment #3Two midfielders are running about putting tackles in making passes taking shots and the other one is err ummm hmm.
We have a forward who can win the ball in air and hold onto it for midfield runners.
Waste of a player sat in front of CBs
DKillers
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:58 PM
Comment #4ASM needs to stop laying down every time he loses the ball.
Hate that we dominated but couldn’t score.
Adamn_92
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:59 PM
Comment #5We’re at least the better team at the moment. Hopefully we come out second half and create a few more chances. ASM needs to be smarter and move the ball quicker as he’s just getting surrounded instantly. I’m sure we’ll see a change or two somewhere near the hour mark if it’s staying the same. Willock potentially and be nice to see Murphy get on at some stage.
lukes26
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:59 PM
Comment #6Always thought Chris wood was a poor mans alan shearer. which is actually a compliment… a very clever player.
Such a better point man than Callum Wilson. Wilson relished a fight, gave away too many fouls in attacking positions. Chris wood doesnt have to foul, as he’s such a physical presence. Still rate Wilson slight better than Wood…but they are both very good attacking options.
theartfuldodger
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:59 PM
Comment #7Its a game in which everyone is nervous…fans players managers…I think Wilock for Shelvey at 60 mins…Murphy for Fraser a little later…
I think I lost a Kg or two just watching it
toonbrother
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Comment #8We’re going to need ASM to produce individual heroics today
But the fans have criticised him so much he actually appears to have lost his confidence/boldness
Murphy might be our only hope
That or set plays
theartfuldodger
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Comment #9Longstaff done well I think
TheTinman
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Comment #10ASM off
Longstaff off
Almiron and Murphy on. Get Almiron up closer to Wood.
Lascelles passes the ball behind Schar every single time. Slows us down a lot. And it’s the basics. These are under 11 level skills. He’s also getting bullied by King which is surprising
TomaKaThor
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Comment #11Our defence may not be great but it’s alot to do with the shocking midfield or lack of one we have….we really need a quality DM/CM who is athletic can tackle but is also good on the ball and can pass
DKillers
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Comment #12I might take Shelvey off at HT just because he’s on a yellow. He can be rash at times and we can’t afford to go down a man. It would be a disaster.
TheTinman
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Comment #13ASM isn’t fit. Simple as that. Nowhere near as sharp as he needs to be
niafron
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:02 PM
Comment #14Ahahah
What is fun here on match days is how opinions about players are contradictory form a poster to another!
mainemagpie
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:04 PM
Comment #15Shelvey can be such an awful player.
davetoon
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:04 PM
Comment #16I think Watford defended well in the first half. Hopefully they try and take more risks in 2nd half and open up a bit
niafron
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:05 PM
Comment #17Here we go! Howay the lads!
August Landmesser reincarnate
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:05 PM
Comment #18Mitrovich is on fire, another hat trick.
Munster Mag
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:05 PM
Comment #19Asm rarely seems fit Tinman…
Munster Mag
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:06 PM
Comment #203 for Mitro. Great sale by the genius.
DKillers
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:06 PM
Comment #21I still don’t think Fraser provides enough to be on the field for 90 minutes.
SholaShow
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:06 PM
Comment #22I wish we could have another Joelinton to put on the RW.
As good as he’s doing in CM, he looked such a threat on the RW and we saw more of his ability on the ball.
Munster Mag
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #23Maxi goal!!!!
JP...from The Rock
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #24YESSSSSSS ASM SOLO MAGIC!!!!!!!! Wooohoooo!!! Great goal!!
Munster Mag
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #25Go on maxi!!!!!!
davetoon
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #26Get innn Maxxxxy
Scythe
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #27ASM!!!
DKillers
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #28Individual brilliance. ASM!
AnyToon in Indiana
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:07 PM
Comment #29hopefully that puts an extra spark in his step the rest of the match
TomaKaThor
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #30And that’s why he’s our best player..
Tyran21
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #31He almost jumped over Fraser
August Landmesser reincarnate
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #32In the opta stats a player many rate on here is in the bottom three in the squad, one loads are slating is in the top three.
ASM whoop whoop
The Ledge
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #33Yessssss
Adamn_92
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #34I TAKE IT BACK GET IN ASM
TheTinman
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #35YESSSSSSSS
WHAT A FINISH
SholaShow
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #36That’s better lad!
Get in there 😀
At his direct best there, no hesitation or second guessing himself.
Play on instinct!
niafron
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #37OHHH OUIII!!!!!
Mirandinha
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #38Yes! What a goal ASM! Well deserved on balance of play.
Munster Mag
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #39JP I beat you to it!!
Everton all over the place, wish we had rafa as DOF.
Not.
SholaShow
Jan 15, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Comment #40Now.
Relax and play ‘ball lads.