Newcastle had Bruno Guimaraes back in the lineup for today’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. However, it was too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. Their omission along with the surprise absence of Elliot Anderson handed Eddie Howe limited options up front.
Newcastle needed a spark as ideas in the final third were hard to come by. Anderson would have provided something different from the bench and his youthful determination was sorely missing this afternoon.
Anderson, who was not spotted in Wednesday’s training images, missed the game with what Howe described as a ‘very minor niggle’. Howe stated Elliot would be fit for the October 1st trip to Fulham. We’ll find out if his niggle impacts his availability for the Scotland U21s next week.
Howe also revealed that Wilson is very close to a return. He was not risked today but should be ready to go at Craven Cottage in two weeks. However, the situation with Saint-Maximin is a little murkier as the winger has suffered a setback.
This is what Howe said about his dynamic duo as published in The Northern Echo:
“Callum’s doing very well, we’re really pleased with his progress. He was close for today, but I think we made an early decision that it would have been too big a risk.
“So, we hope that with a bit more time, there’s a chance that the next game could be good for him.
“With Allan, it’s slightly different. He’s had a very minor setback with the physios, so whether or not he’ll be fit after the international break is slightly unclear.
“It’s certainly not long-term, but it’s not clear whether he’ll be fit for our next game yet.”
The injuries to Guimaraes, Wilson, and Saint-Maximin have shown that Newcastle lack strength in depth. Their absences have likely cost valuable points at St. James’ Park. Though they should all be ready to go for the packed October schedule.
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180 comments so far
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:54 AM
Comment #121Brighton, Fulham and Brentford will fall away, we are well on course for a top eight finish.
Not another deJong
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Comment #122Minutes silence was beyond impeccable
https://mobile.twitter.com/LeeDForster/status/1571235839933308934
Munster Mag
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Comment #123Nadj Neves was wrong mate. We do like possession. Eddie wud happily take that. We are not a counter attack long ball team any more. Eddie wud be happy with our possession bit just not with our creativity.
But his frustration about not getting behind them masks the fact that he is putting miggy in a place where he struggles to get behind defences because he always cuts back. It’s going to be intereting to see how Wilson and Isak work out as part of a 3. Id love to have seen Pedro out there instead of Fraser. We saved 30mill, but it will cost us points. Sorry I have a big man crush on Pedro. And I don’t think we didn’t sign him because for the half witted suggestion Tuff made about his young girlfriend and the age of consent 🙂
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:57 AM
Comment #124I’ve said for a while that ASM is very important to us and I really think he’s right up there as one of our most important players in the team. Considering the big drop to his replacement and the lack of an equivalent player on the other flank, the argument could be made that he’s the most important player in our team.
Bruno is a very good player too and may have had some injuries this season but his performances are why I (and many others) said it was premature to brand him as “world class”. Similarly, Willock’s output while on loan with us was spectacular and he hasn’t hit those heights since then.
It shouldn’t be doom & gloom though, we’re playing pretty well, have plenty of possession these days, we are creating an ok number of chances, just need more cutting edge and creativity. The likes of Almiron, Fraser, Longstaff, and Murphy are decent players but only really ASM, Isak, and Wilson who have that quality in the final third. Bruno potentially too, though he’s not expected to be there as much, and maybe Willock can ride to that level.
ASM fighting fit and hopefully another signing in that area in the transfer window would be nice. Shelvey fit would help too.
Munster Mag
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Comment #125Apparently there was some noise during the Forest minute’s silence. Then one guy shouted “shut up you cnut”. Then some other geezer said “he’s got touretts” and fellas were trying not to giggle. 🙂
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Comment #126Brussels@96
When was the last time we had or 73% possession in a game?
# There was a time when anything above 30% and having 2 shots in goal was seen as a positive…
That’s a fair point but…the good teams have the game wrapped up with that much possession…unfortunately we cant/don’t
Unused Substitute
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:03 AM
Comment #127Some in here are suggesting we couldn’t win because of lack of crosses. What crosses could do if only two or three of our players try getting into the opponent’s box at any point, when they keep four defenders narrow to crowd us out? What crosses could do when generally we’re not good enough on indirect set pieces? I think Eddie is yet to addeess this fully. But he got us to move fast, play an intense one touch football, crowd into opponent’s box and use individual skill. Somehow, we came short on all those counts last evening. Our players didn’t combine. They kept looking around for options to let Bournemouth off the hook. I think we were lucky to even come out with a point.
I wonder whether fan expectation is weighing our players down or getting them into doing things that they can’t. Isak, for instance, is quite a good dribbler. Expecting him to be a target man for aerial balls may do us no good.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:03 AM
Comment #128Nijmegen-toon
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:54 AM
Comment #121
Brighton, Fulham and Brentford will fall away, we are well on course for a top eight finish.
Sorry,but how can we be if we aren’t beating the likes of Bournemouth (no disrespect) at home?
The overrated Frenchman
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:04 AM
Comment #129I think Jonjo will be a good pairing with Isak.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:04 AM
Comment #130We are tenth in the league and have a positive goal difference for the first time since 2012. We have been beaten only once by one of the best teams in the world by a dubious VAR call. We are very much a team in transition and will definitely learn to adapt to teams parking the bus, Brentford, Everton and Villa will do the same. I bet Howe is working out a solution right now and will be working on it tomorrow on the training pitch.
Munster Mag
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:05 AM
Comment #131TDS, huge ongoing investment needed, but that’s just the way of it. The prem spends so much more that other leagues, so we gotta keep spend just to stand still, let alone improve. Will Leicester want to sell Maddison assuming they are bottom 6 in Jan. Will Watford accept losing Pedro if they are top 6.going to be interesting. But either was Eddie has to be left alone.
Munster Mag
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:05 AM
Comment #132*way not was
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:08 AM
Comment #133MoTM? Neto. End of.
What a name for a keeper lol. Still he has played for several European top clubs, Barca, Juve etc. How did he end up in Bournemouth?
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:09 AM
Comment #134TPM – you see, it IS disrespectful to assume that we should beat Bournemouth because football doesn’t work like that. We nearly beat both Man City and Liverpool, including getting a point off City, but would you agree that their fans should just assume they will beat us every time? No! I’d say that’s disrespectful to us and that of course we have a chance to get points from them.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:10 AM
Comment #135Personally, I think we were unlucky today. If we could just move that post 1 inch to the right… would have cruised the game. Therefore I blame groundskeeper Willie.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:12 AM
Comment #136magicmac54
Sep 17, 2022 at 9:12 PM
Comment #11
Repost
Evening Folks
I can see a lot of fans are disappointed and disillusioned with todays result and performance, keep the faith fellow fans as we have only started this journey and make no mistake there will be a few more bumps in the road before we reach our final destination.
Are you a bus driver? Haaaa
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:12 AM
Comment #137Munster – anyone thinking that top 6 this season was the most likely end result must have been basing it on Bruno playing like he did at his peak last season, key players being mostly fit, new signings gelling virtually instantly, and even fringe players being on excellent form.
Of course more investment is required to continue to progress (or even stand still, as you said) but for the most likely goal of a finish between 7th and 10th this season, I think we’ve done enough and I expect we’ll achieve it.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:14 AM
Comment #138If Trippier’s free kick goes in then it’s a completely different game. They came for a point, 1-0 down and they have to chase the game, six noteworthy saves their keeper made. It was one of those days and we’ll learn from it.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:14 AM
Comment #139It wasn’t just the crosses yesterday – had plenty but were poor and none attacked he ball in the box.
Mostly it was we never penetrated their two back lines of of four with a through ball – went sideways from one wing to the tother then back again. tried to go down the sides and cross but when our ‘wingers’ want to cut back on themselves then the move lost momentum
We didn’t have a a player who could thread a pass except for Bruno who was playing to deep, didn’t try a ball over the top to Isak, didn’t have a player to dribble/run at pace at their back lines. Isak time and time pointed to where ha wanted the ball in at his feet but don’t think once we played that ball.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:16 AM
Comment #140ASM is built like a bull yet he’s always injured?
Time to cash in on him next transfer window?
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:18 AM
Comment #141TPM – no, absolutely not. Time to sign some more attacking players who can make a difference in the final third to complement ASM.
I’d rather have ASM in our team than against us.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:21 AM
Comment #142ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 8:57 AM
Comment #124
I’ve said for a while that ASM is very important to us
Yes I agree…WHEN… he is fit which isn’t often enough unfortunately
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Comment #143TDS
I’d rather have ASM in our team than against us.
But he wouldn’t be against us …he’s always on the table
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Comment #144TPM – well, his fitness issues will affect his value for any club wanting to buy him.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:29 AM
Comment #145I think ASM is a footballing maestro…a bit like BA was all those years ago but I’m afraid he just doesn’t stay fit,long enough for any manager to plan any long term goals….Will probably be crucified for those comments but it’s what I feel
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:31 AM
Comment #146ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Comment #144
TPM – well, his fitness issues will affect his value for any club wanting to buy him.
Aye,OK…but there’s always one manager who thinks they can handle things better…their way
jane
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:31 AM
Comment #147“What a name for a keeper lol. Still he has played for several European top clubs, Barca, Juve etc. How did he end up in Bournemouth?”
11 appearances for Juventus in 2 years
12 appearances for Barcelona in 3 years
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neto_(footballer,_born_1989)
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:33 AM
Comment #148TPM – I’d just rather see more options in his position and hopefully the fitness team can help him get over his issues.
The overrated Frenchman
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:33 AM
Comment #149If ASM earns you ten points a season when he’s fit and firing he’s worth his place in the squad. He’s already been worth a couple.
jane
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:34 AM
Comment #150“We didn’t have a a player who could thread a pass except for Bruno who was playing to deep”
i think Sean Longstaff has done a few defence splitting passes this season.
The Prince's Mate
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:34 AM
Comment #151I often wonder if some of his (ASM) injuries are in his head and he just needs a kick up the arse
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:38 AM
Comment #152While we didn’t play good, Bournemouth were lucky and our lads have probably never faced a low-block before so it was a learning experience.
jane
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Comment #153there’s a job at Newcastle as mental heath trainer for you.
Zhongguo Geordie
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Comment #154This season reminds me of Sir Bobby’s last season. I think he played 6 and drew most of them, but we were extremely unlucky in a lot of games and had some dodgy decisions if I remember correctly.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:40 AM
Comment #155Maddison is not signing a new deal at Leicester, in January he will have a year and a half left on his deal. If they don’t cash in on both him and Tielemans they will lose them both for free. They will accept in January what we offered in the summer.
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:52 AM
Comment #156If we want to step up to top 6 next season, we’ll most likely need:
– a good backup goalkeeper (could be Karius)
– a good backup left back (could be Lewis)
– an attacking option from central midfield
– a couple of extra wide attacker options
I’m all for squad depth and I respect any player who works hard for this team but at this point in time, I don’t see a future next season for Wood, Murphy, Manq, or Ritchie. Longstaff, Fraser, Lewis, and Almiron must be at risk too.
simon376
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:53 AM
Comment #157My view of yesterday was our forwards were asleep most of the time, and with ball going out to the left so much, so how much we rely on Maxi. Only change I would have made yesterday was either Joelinton off as poor game and put Almiron central and Wood up front or Almiron off and Wood up top. Almiron just can’t do it in right wing as all left foot and has to cut inside. Think Isak would have been better off playing off someone, so wood could have knocked it down to him
lochinvar
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:55 AM
Comment #158Out of 5 draws if three had been wins that’s an extra 6 points and the Liverpool result had been a draw which it should have been then there’s 7 points gone AWOL
If if if but you catch my drift
The likes of the scousers beg, steal borrow those sort of results. They get in the face of refs and officials. They break up attacks often early in the games with hacking fouls knowing that refs rarely hand out yellow cards early on, knowing that if they do they’re faced with sending off the darling players of the slimy six.
Refs need to apply the rules from the first minute not halfway though the first half. Weak refs alloying the rules through rose tinted glasses.
Bills Son Is Back
Sep 18, 2022 at 9:57 AM
Comment #159Charlie
You’ve made exactly the points I was going to make so I’ll add a few more.
Those saying we should beat Bmth and because we didn’t we won’t finish top 8 etc., are miles off. One poor game doesn’t define a season, just as a win against one of the top 4 doesn’t either – teams have done that and got relegated.
Luck wins you the lottery, but in football it can make the difference between ecstasy and agony. Pope never had a save to make – their keeper made 2/3 blinders and we hit the woodwork twice. We’ve had no luck either with VAR and penalty awards we should have had.
My point is you have to play well to have as much bad luck as we’ve had, it’s not as if we’ve played poor and struggled to draws.
However….
We weren’t good yesterday.
I agree with Martoon from last night, how is Tripps anywhere near MOTM? Exposed defensively by getting too far forward and his crosses were poor. If he plays that way against top wingers he’ll get torn a new one, like he did against Jack Harrison last season at Leeds.
Isak – he didn’t get much service but he didn’t help himself by moving out wide in attacks and being part of build up play + he never once made a run to the near post when we broke down the wing.
Miggy – isn’t working as an inverted winger, end of. Wasted loads of chances to get crosses in by doubling back and passing or cutting in because he can’t use his right foot. He is slowing attacks down and Eddie has to stop playing out right.
Bruno – he was signed as a DM but last season Shelvey (although not a tackling DM) dropped deeper, covered the back four, allowing Bruno to get forward into a more attacking CM role and get goals. It was clear yesterday that Bruno spent far more time in our half and battling either side of the half way line. Shelvey out will blunt Bruno’s forward play.
Burn – top class again. His passing is top rate, simple and hardly ever misplaced and he made – again – he made one or two crucial tackles. Eddie has a real decision to make on whether to make him or Botman first choice.
Corners – how is it with so many tall guys we win so few headers from them? Needs working on.
Pressing – we defo didn’t press as robustly as we have previously and in the last 20 mins we were backing off – the slight worry is that continual pressing at the level we have requires not only high fitness levels but high motivation levels and that that motivation can drop off if you aren’t winning. Needs watching.
Overall – as others have said – a poor game now would have been seen as a very good game under Bruce, 73% possession, 20 shots.
The overaction to yesterday’s result from some is just that, an overreaction.
We are now a team that others will set their stalls out not to lose against us – where previously they set out to smash us. That’s why what worked in the run in the second half of last season won’t work as well this one.
But, us fans, Eddie, and the players, all know we need to start winning games.
I’m confident we will.
The overrated Frenchman
Sep 18, 2022 at 10:04 AM
Comment #160Blaming the refs for our own failings is a bit weak in my opinion