Here’s a talkSPORT discussion between former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan and former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness.
Both agree that the bigger surprise of the Premier League this season – between Arsenal and Newcastle, is Newcastle.
Arsenal have done brilliantly well this season and are 5 points clear of Manchester City on 37 points, and Newcastle are in 3rd place on 30 points having played one more game than both the top two clubs.
But this has been a really incredible turnaround for Newcastle United and our owners have to be delighted by what Eddie Howe and his coaching team have done so far: this year has been an amazing one for the club both on and off the field.
After 15 games last season we had just got our very first win of the season after 7 draws – so we had 10 points from 15 games and a goal difference of -13.
Compare to 30 points and a goal difference of +18 – that’s 20 more points and an improvement in goal difference of +31.
On 4th December last year, we had our first win: a 1-0 win against Burnley at home with a fabulous crowd of 51,948 and a goal from …….. Callum Wilson after 40 minutes (who else).
Club | Matches | Goal Diff. | Points | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Man City | 38 | 61 | 89 |
2 | Arsenal | 38 | 45 | 84 |
3 | Man United | 38 | 15 | 75 |
4 | Newcastle | 38 | 35 | 71 |
5 | Liverpool | 38 | 28 | 67 |
6 | Brighton | 38 | 19 | 62 |
7 | Aston Villa | 38 | 5 | 61 |
8 | Tottenham | 38 | 7 | 60 |
9 | Brentford | 38 | 12 | 59 |
10 | Fulham | 38 | 2 | 52 |
đ
Who could ask for anything more
Howay The Bonnie Lads!!
47 comments so far
Wor B
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:15 PM
Comment #1Who’s been the biggest surprise?
Wor B at No1
DKillers
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:19 PM
Comment #2Given the times during which we live, I find it supremely entertaining to have someone touting âexpertsâ repeatedly here.
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:24 PM
Comment #3Did everyone enjoy the fight at the end, missed it.
I love a mass brawl, as long as it’s just the pushing and shoving and handbags at dawn.
Love BDB who the hell would pick a fight with him. Then Murphy, steaming in who would have thought. Of cause I’m from the David Batty, Nicky Butt, Alan Shearer, and that softy Roy Keane’s Era.
Wor B
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:25 PM
Comment #4carltoon…
“I thought Sundays game Willock really stood out, and his goal stunning.”
Howay carltoon lass, you were only supposed to change ya clock by one hour, not 24!
The Ledge
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:25 PM
Comment #5TDS…I guessed you missed the bit where he said he is a complete forward and favours the left.
Also, he prefers to play off a traditional number 9 and for Sweden, he plays in front 3 interchanging with Fosberg and Kulusevski?
He got asked by the Arsenal supporter can he link up play as that is what they were after and he got told he could.
Yes he is a striker but he can play on the left or right or centre and has as that’s what a complete forward can do.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:31 PM
Comment #6DKillers – you mean the dumbed down times where some people seem to think that anyone with a YouTube channel has an opinion on a particular topic of equal weight to someone who has studied and trained for years in the specific field? Yeah…weird times we live in…
The Ledge
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:31 PM
Comment #7“Isak was nudged to the left while Wood took the central role – which could well be the way Howe deals with the return of Wilson after the international break. Howe said on Saturday: “He was a little bit isolated and we didnât get him involved enough in the key areas where he wants to be involved. Alex is a versatile player, and we moved him briefly to the wide left when Chris Wood came on. He can play in a slightly deeper role as well, so there is flexibility with him.”
Keyword Versatile .
theartfuldodger
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:32 PM
Comment #8The whole idea of the press is to win the ball and stop passes or crosses…and not merely to run towards the opposition and stop and scare them…J7 Willock Bruno Almiron do it so effectively…I dont think ASM can do it as well..Having said that, ASM has something different than all the others…He will be important in the last 30 mins of games..
I think our biggest challenge is to replace Schar, Trippier Shelvey Wood in the next 2.5 years…and then Burn after that..Thats a considerable expense too…
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:34 PM
Comment #9Ha ha ha, Christ have i missed a day out.
Pleased the kids don’t read this I’d been straight into the nearest home.
Wor B
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:34 PM
Comment #10Aye, the ‘fight’ at the end capped off a brilliant display.
All that was missing was Kent Walton doing the commentary and a daft wifey running on to bash ’em all with her brolly!
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:35 PM
Comment #11It just feels like yesterday.
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:36 PM
Comment #12I seen all the chew Carltoon, was fun. Leazes was right up for it. Wild scenes.
Iâm no expert but predicted we would be top4 this season no worries.
Most Expertâs didn’t mention us in the same breath as the slimy six.
So am i an Expert in understanding the strength of both our team and league.
Must be ehâŚ
Another string to me bow.
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:37 PM
Comment #13Ledge, I’d believe you over any bloody experts.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:39 PM
Comment #14Ledge – FFS, you hear what you want to hear and that’s fair enough. Favours the left is not a left winger. He does not play the same way the ASM, Murphy, or Joelinton have played that role this year. He also mainly plays through the centre and just drifts out to the left. It’s clear as daylight that if he mostly stays on the left then that isn’t playing to his strengths. If Eddie wants to change tactics and doesn’t want a left winger delivering crosses, then sure Isak could play a left sided forward.
If you looked at his heatmap and where he took his shots from, they’re varied, so he’s great when he can interchange with other players.
You are correct about Sweden so look up where his primary position has been when playing for Sweden. It’s in the middle as a centre forward but then he can drift out wide and the other forwards can cover his position.
So…here’s a good question…if he plays up front with Wilson, how would this work? I can’t see Wilson drifting out wide to much success, can you?
If Isak and Wilson play then it will be very interesting to see what role Isak has but it will almost certainly not regularly be the same role as ASM, Joelinton, or Murphy have played. I watched the video. That’s not his style.
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:40 PM
Comment #15Check, I think I predicted 4th or 5th, but what the hell do we know about football, I’m going now to read up the rules and regulations and believe all the the experts. Which will take out all the passion and love for the game.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:41 PM
Comment #16I think some people just argue for the sake of it. If Isak plays the majority of his time through the centre for us then I’ll expect apologies from the lot of you… đ
lesh
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:41 PM
Comment #17Assassins
No sooner had you mentioned narcissists and the biggest one of ’em all shows up.
Hey ho
lesh
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:41 PM
Comment #18TDS
You think some people just argue for the sake of it?
No they don’t!
đ
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:42 PM
Comment #19Eddie Howe and his forensic analytical team will be the âexpertâsâ of where Isak may play when both him and Wilson are fit.
And knowing my âDataâ (another string to my bow) he will be played off the left most the time. His athleticism and pace will allow him to be our Sadio Mane.
Big Joe and Willock maybe sharing the load down the left side depending on opposition.
Think as good as sean has been, think he maybe upgraded, based on injuries and plenty of games Sean will still get 20-30 games a season. All sweet.
Maxi needs a great rest of the season or will be offloaded i think..
carltoon
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:43 PM
Comment #20Check did you see the rave after the match, I missed that too.
Mind I was there yesterday so I may have missed the match.
Wor B
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:45 PM
Comment #21Oh no they don’t.
(Panto season starts early this year because of the WC)
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:46 PM
Comment #22Glad i have brought that discussion to an abrupt end.
TDS knows he bows down to my superior knowledge.
On most things.
I thank you.
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:48 PM
Comment #23Carltoon – looked like mini rave was down the steps on the Quayside.
Wasnt invited as way too old. Mind you always been the one not invited to stuff.
Dunno whyâŚ
The Ledge
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:49 PM
Comment #24TDS. we don’t play with conventional wingers for starters.
Maxi goes wherever he wants most of the time and miggy plays as an inside forward, hard to play as a right winger when you have no right foot dont you think?
The man can and has played on the left of a front 3 you can argue until the cows come home but he has simple as that.
He has already played there for us.
Some people just have a hard time admitting they are wrong TDS but don’t beat yourself up too much it happens đ
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:50 PM
Comment #25TDSarf,
I might have missed it but I don’t think anyone is suggesting he is a winger, he’s a striker who can play across the front three, like Etikite and Pedro. Given we already have two out and out CF’s he was targeted for that ability.
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:50 PM
Comment #26In the Bodega after the game.
About a constant hour of âBruno in the middleâ was class.
Was with a few Boro lads funnily enough who experienced a proper ground. Didnt admit they enjoyed it tho.
The Ledge
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:51 PM
Comment #27Carltoon….. thank you, you are very kind đ
Ty21
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:51 PM
Comment #28Luckily Arsenal got Jesus, instead of Isak. I think Isak is a much better player overall. Let’s compare them next season, when both in their 2nd season with their new club. Although Jesus have more EPL experience, I feel Isak is more talented.
Mort
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:52 PM
Comment #29Odriozola from Real Madrid is available. A right back. Rumours we have made an offer for Perrone
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Comment #30TDS – Dont think anyone can dispute Isak has played most of his footy as a CF. And looks super in that spot.
However what King Eddie has planned for him maybe slightly different.
You will be proven right mind TDS me old sparring partner as Wilson will most likely come back from WC injured. Hope not but predictable
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Comment #31Fulham were singing that Bruno song with their own words obviously, is that where we got it from or are we the original.
lesh
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Comment #32TDS
@18
My apologies – you didn’t mention narcissists.
đ
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Comment #33Check – I agree on Maxi. His days are numbered if he doesn’t play more this season. He does have 1 goal and 3 assists though.
Also agree that Eddie will obviously decide the best way to use Isak. If he is played on the left-hand-side, I think he’ll be different to every single other left-side forward/winger that we’ve ever had. And if he can be our Mane, I’ll be bloody delighted.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:54 PM
Comment #34Mort,
Available for what?
check the toastie
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:54 PM
Comment #35Mort – I love Peroni. How much we buying, are they sponsorsâŚ
lesh
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:55 PM
Comment #36TDS
Ignore my post @32. I’m posting tripe, as usual.
đ
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2022 at 6:02 PM
Comment #37There doesn’t seem to be much fanfare about this new Saudia sponsorship, I’d put money on it being our shirt sponsorship next season.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 6:11 PM
Comment #38Raj – this was kinda my point. I was saying that he’s not a winger plays the majority of his football through the middle but drifts wide, so he’s not a like-for-like replacement for ASM and other players who have played on the left side this season. People kept arguing with me while also saying virtually the same bloody thing as I was saying!
He’s not a winger so if we play him and Wilson then it will mean a change of tactics. Maybe it works with a more defensively minded left back as he won’t have to track back, unlike the right flank. Not sure how this will sit with the OCD fans who like to see a team being symmetrical though… đ
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 6:13 PM
Comment #39Ledge – and about 80% of his time, he’s been in the centre but just drifted wide sometimes…but you keep arguing a point I’m not even disagreeing with and pretending I’m disagreeing with the statement that he can drift out wide…
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2022 at 6:14 PM
Comment #40Check – this is true enough…sadly! He may end up starting 100% of his games at centre forward this season if Wilson gets crocked again! Let’s hope not…great to have options!