Newcastle have a cup semi-final tomorrow night at Southampton as the focus shifts away from the Premier League to two massive fixtures. The Magpies have a fantastic chance at a Wembley final but must take care of business over the next two Tuesday nights.
Eddie Howe has spoken to the press ahead of tomorrow’s clash at St Mary’s. He had this to say about this opportunity for a cup final per the club’s Twitter account:
“We’re delighted to be where we are but the semi-final itself isn’t enough. Ultimately you want to get one step further and I know the players feel the same way. We want to make the final.
“We want it to be a tie for the supporters. The only way we can guarantee that is by performing at our best. We’re desperate for the next step but we have to take our mind off that and focus on the job and that is to go to Southampton and perform.”
Newcastle have done extremely well to reach this point in the competition. Not advancing to the final would be a stinging disappointment. Howe will have the lads primed and ready tomorrow night.
This is a busy time in the footballing world with the transfer window slamming shut in one week. Newcastle will be playing the second leg on deadline day. There may not be much activity on the final day of the window.
Newcastle will be active with Howe needing a couple of new faces to freshen up his squad for the second half of the season. At the very least, the club need to replace Chris Wood.
Howe was asked about transfers with The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder providing his following response:
“From my side, I shift my focus from one thing to another. That’s one of my strengths, my first priority is always the games. And the players we have here, they are always my priority so training and games and making sure we don’t take any shortcuts.
“Then once that is done, it is the transfer market and making sure we identify the players we feel that can make the group stronger.
“The club are trying. That’s where we are, there’s no positive news to give you but certainly, there is a lot of work going on.”
Howe was specifically asked about Everton’s Anthony Gordon, who has resurfaced as a target. The head coach refused to mention any players specifically with it thought he covets a young right-back, a versatile forward, and a midfielder.
Unfortunately, Newcastle have pulled out of the running for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda. The 18-year-old has been scouted by chief scout Steve Nickson but Arsenal and Dortmund will now battle it out for the young Spaniard according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Newcastle have not matched the on-the-table offer of £13m plus loaning Fresneda back to Valladolid for the rest of the season. It is now up to Fresneda to choose between Arsenal and Dortmund as to where his future lies.
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83 comments so far
Adamn_92
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #1Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak:
“He hasn’t had a lot of training time. We’ve had a lot of games & between those you can’t train the players to the intensity you want. We’ve exposed him to the games, but at some stage he will need that training load to get to his very best levels.”
That goes a way to explaining why Isak isn’t starting and why I think he most likely won’t tomorrow. Back from injury and not up to speed yet so not worth risking.
Transfer Sage
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #2Apologies for the repost.
Adamn
I’m with you on needing a more creative midfielder. I think we also need a player out wide who can offer a little more and/or adjust our system a little to make sure that wide player is getting in the box at the back post when the other delivers a ball in… much like City do on a regular basis.
I posted the other day when nobody was about but I think now that teams are showing us more respect and being cautious, we will need a little more quality to break teams down as we won’t have as much space with teams sitting deeper. We’ll need to find a way to go from a team creating a lot on the turnover to a team able to do that at times but also to play in front of teams and find those combinations to make the clear cut chances the forwards need.
I have full confidence in Howe finding out how to do it, even if it takes reinforcements now and in the summer. It may mean we drop out of the top four until we have those players as we keep picking up more draws but it also might not as plenty teams below us drop a lot of points too.
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #3Top of the food chain
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Comment #4Copy paste doesnt count so im no. 1
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Comment #5Atalanta took leicester sporting director lee corginton and he identified some of the top youngsters for them
Adamn_92
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #6TS
It’s been an area we’ve needed to add genuine quality for years now. A midfielder who can occupy that space between the opposition midfield and defence, get in that 10 type role and have the quality to unlock a stubborn defence. Or, create a chance for themselves. To some extent Bruno does that a bit, but his qualities are far more suited to a box to box midfielder. As he is excellent at breaking up play and ball recoveries, as well as having an eye for a line splitting pass.
As you say, teams are showing us more respect now so we need to have that player who can see what other players can’t. Can see the pocket of space to move into, see that narrow corridor for a through ball or can do a quick 1-2 around the box to move defenders around and create space for someone else.
Like you I have full confidence we’ll have that player and Howe will be able to have a starting 11 capable of quick breaks, as well as carving out chances against a low block defensive unit. Whether it happens this window or in the summer, I know we’ll get there.
dazzler
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #7My gut tells me we will end this window with Gordon and a young RB coming in. Maybe that young Brazilian lad too.
Everton are desperate now, and Lampard is surely for the chopping block this week so I reckon their owners might sell regardless before a new manager comes in.
jazzyp
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #8really disappointed with the system again. Wait in the queue then get rejected. It’s done this all season, only got tickets once. What’s the point of the membership charge when it does this repeatedly.
cyprus
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Comment #9TDS
“one thing about Miggy is that he was obviously on fire earlier in the season. For fans to expect that he suddenly upped his average game to that level is unrealistic. He had a burst of form and that can’t be sustained forever. He’s still working hard but he didn’t suddenly become a world class player at the age of 28.”
Don’t bring the lad back to the “average label” of yours or you and Grealish will be needing to shop for some humble pie again! ;). Actually the latter has changed his stance already.
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Comment #10Wilson is one of our best players but just out of form. Either play him with a strike partner or drop him for isak. Another striker needed to allow us to play 2 up top
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Comment #11Firstly a Happy New Year to all bloggers and Toon fans everywhere.
May your Rabbiting prosper! 🙂
Transfer Sage
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:45 AM
Comment #12Adamn
I’ve said I’d like a midfielder and a wider forward but I think for me, the perfect transfer window to help is keep in the top four would be two midfielders.
Firstly a proper number 6. Somebody who is able to really break up play and get the attacks started. That would honestly be my priority as it would allow Bruno to play that further forward as he really does have an eye for those neat little passes on the edge of the opposition box.
Secondly a good number 10 (or a more adventurous 8). Somebody able to create and score. Maddison is the obvious name in that position but I’d have also liked to have seen Trossard who just moved to Arsenal. He played as a 10 the majority of the time over the past couple years and was doing excellently well under De Zerbi, Can’t blame him for choosing Arsenal though as he’ll likely get a PL winners medal.
IrishRob
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:46 AM
Comment #13Lads would you believe Arsenal fans are still crying over drawing with us, lol.
I can’t believe I’m still reading what I’m reading on twitter, the absolute hurt were after causing them is soo fkn glorious. Haha!
All their stats and records that are posted by the likes of Sky and the premier league are all slightly tinged because of us and its still driving them absolutely insane. 🙂
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:46 AM
Comment #14Eddie says he is working on our attack to break teams down. Interesting to see what he’s been working on
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:47 AM
Comment #15And just cos Miggy aint scoring goals it doesn’t mean he aint making a valuable contribution to the team.
Eddie will not be dropping him any time soon.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:48 AM
Comment #16Ap
At a guess I’d say shooting and corners!
Transfer Sage
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #17Dazzler,
I know many aren’t happy with Gordon but I think he could be good, providing Howe and others are happy with his attitude. A lot of negativity on that is due to two things.
His fashion…. he gets stick for being different. Papers seem to think because the lad likes his clothes and not being a stereotypical bloke, he can’t be a professional when it comes to training.
His form sine the summer move failed …. again, it’s natural to be disappointed when held back but also he’s working under a coach who is very basic by all accounts. Look how much better Chelsea looked under Touchel than Lampard, within weeks. They won a champions league when looking hopeless before.
I think with the right coach and system he could flourish. I do understand people’s concerns though.
I’m also a big Calvert-Lewin fan but his injury record worries me a lot. He’s had a lot of problems and not had a good long run since coming back to know if he’s the same player. I’d trust the club would do significant work on his medical to assess him if it got that far, so would need to trust them. But it does seem a gamble when there are many many more players out there.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Comment #18Its interesting with Wilson to me he doesn’t look 100% fit but I also think he is struggling to adapt to have no space a bit like ASM does
Wilson thrives on a through ball to finish on the run teams don’t allow us that and they make sure he is properly marshalled when crosses come in although heading is probably his weakest area in terms of finishes not sure why we always just float it in?
@Adam92 as much as the Miggy, Trippier combo is effective since the Leicester game teams are defending it against it so much easier it will start to get predictable if we don’t change it up somehow
Stats say we are still creating chances but they aren’t the same quality as before the WC its half chances and shots that are getting blocked as teams have worked out where we will put the ball
Southampton can’t defend as good as Palace mind you so maybe we will break them down easier using similar tactics but we shall see
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Comment #19I reckon that Wor Dan should be scouting places like Tierra Del Fuego or Easter Island for good yunguns the other big guys will not have scouts there, possibly!
IrishRob
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:52 AM
Comment #20Its funny how the system works perfectly well for the fans who go to all the away matches. The reason anyone is not getting tickets is because ye clearly aren’t going to as many matches as others and don’t have the points built up.
The system isn’t broken, what’s broken is people who only go to a handful of matches every year or people who only go to home matches expecting to get privilege over fans who drag themselves up and down the country, midweek, train strikes, snow, storms the lot.
IrishRob
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:54 AM
Comment #21Jazzy that’s 100% not an attack or slight on you btw, it’s just the reality of the situation mate.
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Comment #22Lampard to be sacked?
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:57 AM
Comment #23Rob
Aye, your right, I’d love to go to the final but there is no way I would expect to jump over the heads of regular match goers to get a ticket, although if I was to get an invite into someones hospitality box!!!!!! 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:59 AM
Comment #24‘Lampard to be sacked’
What a pity, they should at least let him see the season out! 🙂
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #25cyprus – I think you misunderstood my post. I also don’t use “average” in that strange way of being an insult.
I was talking about Miggy’s average level. In other words, Botman’s average level is very high for us whereas Wood’s average level was pretty low. We all saw Miggy’s excellent form but I was saying that I don’t expect he’s a good enough player to maintain that form all season. His average form is below that level so he’s going to have a dip occasionally. Hopefully he’ll have another purple patch before the end of the season though!
Toonarmy of Frogs
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #26You don’t need points for home games Rob
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #27Essex it needs to be more bodies in the box and quicker passing and movement and put in more high crosses in the box. Too often we play the low cross from byline which gets blocked in near post by defenders. Also corners need to vary i e flick ons near post
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #28Rob
It’ll be interesting to see what the Arsenal fans have to say after we thrash them at SJP.
Transfer Sage
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #29Essex
I wonder if there will ever be a day where all owners actively hire coaches with good pedigree and skills over people with a big name from their playing days.
I mean, looking around at the top coaches now, surely it’s blindingly obvious that is who the elite managers are.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:02 AM
Comment #30Ap
I hope you are not saying that Pope should be up for the corners? 🙂
Rotonda heights
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:03 AM
Comment #31Sage
I don’t think it’s Gordon’s clothes people are against. I mean you couldn’t get much more flamboyant than Asprilla. No, it’s the fact Gordon comes over as an absolute self entitled ——. No way he fits the ”no d–kheads” policy. He’s right up there with Pickford.
On DCL, apart from one brief purple patch, at 25 he really hasn’t consistently done very much at all, even when fit. I’d prefer someone far more mobile which Isak is for example.
The good teams don’t play with old fashioned physical battering rams and hit and hope percentage football any more. Pulis and Allardyce types are a dying breed. DCL seems to be another one who is now more interested in the catwalk than a football pitch.
IrishRob
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:04 AM
Comment #32Bill it’s tough on people no doubt, everyone wants to go to the big matches. But it’s just not fair to expect a ticket over people who put in the hard yards.
How many times do we all say it over the seasons the money they put in and the hardships they endure just to go support their team, this is their reward.
Ap
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:05 AM
Comment #33Essex only in the last minutes. Didnt allison score winner once
Rotonda heights
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:05 AM
Comment #34Eddie and I will fall out if Dubs plays tomorrow. Should still be in the FA cup…grrr!!!!!!
Transfer Sage
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:05 AM
Comment #35AP
I think the crossing into the box is a funny one. I don’t think we do the wrong type of crossing but often the wrong quality and the wrong option. It’s almost like who is crossing the ball seems to have a predetermined idea of where they want that particular cross to go.
I always base my views on the best attacking team I see, and for me that’s Man City. All of their balls in really look deliberate. They always seem to be trying to find somebody whether it’s the back post or near post, or a cut back… they just seem to really plan it. I think we aren’t quite there yet as we don’t have many quality crossers outside of Trippier.
Harley
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:06 AM
Comment #36After watching Arsenal yesterday and seeing how they play, I’m convinced a no 10 is what we need.
They set up the same as us with partey and xhaka enforcing the midfield, then odegard pulling all the strings.
Maddison added to Bruno and Joelinton would be ideal for breaking down those stubborn defences.
IrishRob
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:06 AM
Comment #37Bill were 100% beating them at SJP, probably will be close but were beating them for sure.
I’ve a feeling we will however trash Liverpool when we play them at sjp, I just have that funny feeling we’re going to be up for it after being robbed at Anfield and run riot over them.
DrGloom
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Comment #38Luckily I doubt Everton would sell players in Jan given they’re in a relegation fight ( yeah I know it’s only Jan ) , they’ll likely have a new manager coming in soon and I doubt they would sell and handicap him from the off.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Comment #39OK blog session over for now, back to ebaying, the missus wants a big clear out! 🙂
Adamn_92
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Comment #40LCBP
I agree the Miggy and Trippier combo is being found out now so is being defended better, but it is still causing trouble and creating space for others. As I mentioned earlier we’re seeing Longstaff extend and get into the box now in the gap between left back and left center half, as they’re too occupied keeping an eye on Miggy cutting in and Trippier out wide. So it’s still getting good plays, just not being clinical when they happen.
I can’t say for absolute definite without going over old highlights which to be honest, i’m being lazy and can’t be bothered to do haha but i’m not sure the chances we had pre world cup were as clear cut and overall ‘better’ chances than we’ve had post world cup. We have had some golden chances to score in our 0-0 draws and on other days could have won them 2-0 or 3-0 with better finishing.
I really don’t think our recent low scoring games are a major concern. Wilson is a bit rusty, Isak is still getting to 100% and we’ll soon find that scoring touch again.