Below is the team Eddie Howe has named for this evening’s pivotal match against Arsenal at St. James’ Park. This lineup features one change from the 3-1 win against Southampton last weekend with Alexander Isak in for Anthony Gordon.
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! ?#NEWARS pic.twitter.com/gogUEC8Bif
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 7, 2023
Eddie Howe has started with the dynamic duo of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak. Presumably, the system won’t change with Isak playing on the left. The bench gets a boost with the return of Allan Saint-Maximin though Sean Longstaff remains unavailable.
Here is who Mikel Arteta has selected for the Gunners.
? ???????? ??
? Gabriel fit to start
?? Xhaka in the middle
? Martinelli returnsCome on you Gunners! pic.twitter.com/Hp26NeWjLw
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 7, 2023
Newcastle have another chance of enhancing their claim for Champions League football next season. It is shaping up to be a tight race for the final two coveted spots in the top four.
This match also holds implications in the title race. Arsenal may have to take all three points for any lingering hope of their first Premier League title in two decades. This is one massive match in May at St. James’ Park.
Howay The Lads!
866 comments so far
The Bard of Bensham Bank
May 8, 2023 at 12:12 PM
Comment #801Clinath
😀
Tbf, I’m not too far behind you my man.
clinath@ed
May 8, 2023 at 12:19 PM
Comment #802Can’t have too many Lesh.
Bard, time waits for no one mate.
clinath@ed
May 8, 2023 at 12:20 PM
Comment #803On another note..
I’m really sh!t at FPL
jimiley
May 8, 2023 at 12:20 PM
Comment #804I think Klippety is smelling flakey Toon blood. Not this time you manic imbecile. It’s not 1996. It’s the new stand up Toon. We lost to Arsenal and took them on and if we scored in 20 mins it was a different game. But we kept going without the luck.
We won’t need any luck against Leeds. Next two games will see us over the line and you can go back to blaming the refs for everything. Get back in your box
Wor B
May 8, 2023 at 12:25 PM
Comment #805*Calling all FPLers*
I’ve had a fair bit of downtime away from the blog recently, but I’ll make sure the final tables and promotion / relegation places are updated and posted in readiness for next season.
For Ed’s H2H leagues and to a lesser extent his main FPL league to continue, we are dependent on Neil / admin distributing the joining codes to your email address.
If Neil has time to continue the blog with reduced input and still find the time to distribute the H2H codes, then we can continue as before.
If Neil keeps the blog going but doesn’t have time to admin the H2H codes, we either have to trust someone on here with our email address or publish the codes for all to see.
Good luck to all in the run-in to FPL Triumph or Disaster, but let’s not forget what someone thought of those two imposters…
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if—
Raj of Hailsley
May 8, 2023 at 12:25 PM
Comment #806jimiley,
I think you’re hiding behind Klopps name by saying that, just come out and say it man, you’re on as usual after a loss, now lamenting Paqueta, we’ve just won eight out of then matches and you show up after the Villa game and today.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
May 8, 2023 at 12:26 PM
Comment #807Jail
Had the same next to us in the Gallowgate kid sat next to my son never spoke all first half got up before half time and had stuck a a Arsenal sticker on the wall next to seat
Came back ten minutes into second half son ask him what the f**k are sitting there should be in other end got up and walked out
Darnik
May 8, 2023 at 12:34 PM
Comment #808WorB
Shit I never even thought about the possible blog closure for the H2H codes, oh well que sera sera
Hibbit
May 8, 2023 at 12:34 PM
Comment #809interesting little read looks like the news is finally getting through,
https://www.geordiebootboys.com/news/danny-murphy-has-point-to-make-about-newcastle-live-on-motd/
Raj of Hailsley
May 8, 2023 at 12:52 PM
Comment #810From Nufc.com
Eddie Howe:
“I thought we were good, without being at our very best. We opened them up and created chances but just didn’t take them. It just seemed one of those days where we couldn’t score.
“Fine margins for us and we just came out on the wrong side of them. We missed some big chances in the game and it just wasn’t quite there for us.
“I am sure I will look back at some moments and rue some moments we didn’t get quite right. If Jacob’s chance goes in early on, it is a totally different game.
“There are loads of things we will look back on and think it could have gone our way and didn’t. We have to take ownership of that. We are disappointed as I don’t think we defended as well as we have done for the majority of the season. But we gave everything.
“It was a high-level game and two teams going right at each other. That produced a good spectacle. There were loads of chances there and we didn’t put the ball in the net (as) we have done in our previous run of games.
“We didn’t keep the ball well enough and were a bit loose in possession. When you give Arsenal transitions they are a very dangerous team and so it proved.
“The result would tell you they did [imposed their style on the game], but in truth I think neither were dominant. It was to that bit of quality to win it. It hinged on big moments.
“At this stage of the season I have to be measured — we have no time for negativity. I’m proud of the players despite the result going against us.
“We were missing the x-factor today. We now need some results to get over the line. We have four games remaining and need three results. Liverpool and other teams are coming. They are top level.
“We can only do what we can do and I believe in the character of the team to get it over the line.
” This can be a memorable season for us. Getting over the line is the challenge. We would have taken this situation at the start of the season.”
On the penalty decision:
“I’ve only seen it once, very quickly, from the side of the pitch. It probably affected us negatively – there was a feeling of injustice, whether right or wrong, that carried through to elements of our performance, which didn’t help us.”
On ASM:
“He’s had a lengthy spell out with a hamstring problem. If we push him too early there’s a concern we could set him back. He’s only done two training sessions with us, so we felt 15 or 20 minutes was his maximum today.”
On Sean Longstaff:
“He wasn’t close to playing. He hadn’t trained this week. He’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday and we hope there are no complications to his (foot) injury.
Raj of Hailsley
May 8, 2023 at 12:53 PM
Comment #811I hope there’s not bad news on Longstaff.
Raj of Hailsley
May 8, 2023 at 12:58 PM
Comment #812Dan Burn: “We get a lot of stick for slowing the game down, which I don’t know if we intentionally do, but that’s what they did today.
“We can’t do it and then complain when it happens to us.”
Exactly,
A few bloggers and tweeters should take heed of that, we can’t complain because we got out-shite housed.
Raj of Hailsley
May 8, 2023 at 1:01 PM
Comment #813“It probably affected us negatively – there was a feeling of injustice, whether right or wrong, that carried through to elements of our performance, which didn’t help us.”
That’s what I said, it would have been better for us if it never happened, it not only affected us negatively it gave them a boost and a feeling it was going to be their day.
Ty21
May 8, 2023 at 1:07 PM
Comment #814“He wasn’t close to playing. He hadn’t trained this week. He’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday and we hope there are no complications to his (foot) injury.”
Hopefully that specialist is in Newcastle or in England, so no one says Longstaff have gone for a early holiday. Just joking, mehehehe……..
Ty21
May 8, 2023 at 1:13 PM
Comment #815Time of an open stopwatch display. Almost every team is doing delay tactics nowadays, because it’s openly known games don’t play full 90mins even with injuries time.
The Taco Taker
May 8, 2023 at 1:20 PM
Comment #816On the penalty decision:
“I’ve only seen it once, very quickly, from the side of the pitch. It probably affected us negatively – there was a feeling of injustice, whether right or wrong, that carried through to elements of our performance, which didn’t help us.”
That is exactly what I said at the time. The players needed to forget it and reset but they didn’t. They will know better next time.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:23 PM
Comment #817The Bard,
No worries fella I guess I will never live topless gate down. It well and truly backfired. I think I had one of those brain fart moments (material for u) tbh lol.
Darnik
May 8, 2023 at 1:23 PM
Comment #818This is what football is all about, brilliant by Declan Rice,sign him up
https://twitter.com/Micky62053615/status/1655317033989308416?t=_4KZrzPfoZWEyY3ec534LA&s=19
CLINT FLICK
May 8, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Comment #819Raj
Aye, genuinely made up for the Lasses…after being ignored by the former bunch…
All part of our collective approach now, well and truly set in…
So, you’re connected with one of the Lasses… Howay!
CLINT FLICK
May 8, 2023 at 1:25 PM
Comment #820Taco
Aye
All part of the learning process.
Skanky tho…the bal hit a hand while headed goal wards!
When is that punished?
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:26 PM
Comment #821Darnik,
Naughty that clip of the Arse fan in the family enclosure behaving like that. I reckon whoever give his seat up and also his mate that invited him will get looked into and their memberships revoked (potentially). Disgusting scenes to hear them poor kids screaming in terror is not what going to a football match is all about.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:33 PM
Comment #822The penalty that never was, was 100% the change of the game. The lads positive mindset changed and they allowed arsenal back into the game. Hopefully the lads learn from this. As they were smelling blood when it happened.
Darnik
May 8, 2023 at 1:34 PM
Comment #823Fenham
Shocking mate and it needs looking into…..I could have had that seat lol
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:36 PM
Comment #824Darnik
😆
With your Nicky sat on your Knee though howay
Darnik
May 8, 2023 at 1:39 PM
Comment #825Fenham
She’d want the seat herself now, even if it’s just to see Callum 😆
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:41 PM
Comment #826Darnik,
If your lass calls you Callum I’d start worrying if I were you mate 😉
sing in the corner
May 8, 2023 at 1:45 PM
Comment #827Frustrated was the word of the day yesterday..
It’s not possible to add much to the comments and inquests that have been voiced already..
But well done to Arteta. He formed a plan, which was executed perfectly by his team team, to a man.
Every time there was a tackle, any physical contact whatsoever, the arsenal player went down, feigning serious injury, and the ref bought it from minute one to 100. Congratulations to them for quickly realising the ref was going to allow this, and to be distracted by half a dozen players crowding and engaging him. And kicking the ball away at each stoppage.. all of these things over and over again. Yes, we have done bits of this before, everyone has, but on a tiny fraction of the level. Often the ref picks up fairy early on the fact that the fake crippling injury turns out to be nowt. The player was back up and sprinting around every time. This will usually influence the official in how he refs the game as it progresses.. not so yesterday. You have to cut it out or reduce it when the ref gets a grip.
Having said all that, Arsenal did a professional job on us, had that extra bit of quality in possession, and went away with the win. A draw would have been the more acceptable result, but thems the breaks.
sing in the corner
May 8, 2023 at 1:53 PM
Comment #828The matchday experience really is something else. The flags, the scarves, the singing under the blue sky on a lovely mild day..
Good times. The crowd noise by the time 4.30pm came around made the ears ring and the hairs stand up on me arms and neck.
Yeah, their goal punctured it a bit and it rarely got back to the level it had but creditably it kept sparking back up..
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:53 PM
Comment #829Sing,
Unfortunately I personally cannot disagree with any of that.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 1:55 PM
Comment #830My last post was re post #826. Cannot disagree with post #827 either mind you
sing in the corner
May 8, 2023 at 1:56 PM
Comment #831I’m trying to not sound bitter, but the ref was just weak all afternoon, and Arsenal played him like a fiddle.
Now we bounce back, go to Leeds and beat them!
Toon fans bad
May 8, 2023 at 1:57 PM
Comment #832I see someone is having a laugh with me avatar and calling themselves toon fans good.
There can be only 1 or is it 6 😆
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Comment #833We have to beat Leeds no farting about ho at them like a team of Tasmanian devils. Hippo heed will have them playing all the dirty tricks available, but we have to blow them away. We have always reacted well and came back well after a defeat. Eddie must get the lads wanting it much more. That and with our extra skill will see us over the line.
sing in the corner
May 8, 2023 at 2:08 PM
Comment #834FtC
We have been excellent at refocusing after a defeat and putting in a great performance the game after – one of many impressive things about Eddie’s tenure so far.
Assassins Inc
May 8, 2023 at 2:10 PM
Comment #835Unfortunately had a golf tournament yesterday, got home early evening.
Sat watched the recorded game and after Murphy hit the post thought here we go we are all over them.
The pen shout, I too thought get in Pen handball let’s go, then watched replay, thought oh no, not a pen. Hit his thigh good decision, we wouldn’t like it if that happened to us and gave them a pen for a thigh bit.
Was a little upset of course after the game decided to sleep before saying anything, the game showed me we are a couple of players short in certain positions to really compete in the top four. Not saying we will not get top four but honestly we could beef up the middle of the park to give players like Bruno and big joe a rest throughout the season.
If we get top four we get top four, if we don’t for me it’s still been an amazing season from where Eddie took us from bottom to knocking on the door at the top, just three to four players needed to kick that door well and truly open.
Congrats to the Lasses for yesterdays achievement, Newcastle woman’s football team deserved more press for what they also have achieved.
CLINT FLICK
May 8, 2023 at 2:10 PM
Comment #836What the mefia seem to conveniently overlook is that other teams have employed dirty tricks in our games to get all those ties early in the season.
So…yea, it’s definitely NUFC who slow games down, hey?
One rule for them…
CLINT FLICK
May 8, 2023 at 2:12 PM
Comment #837HOWAY THE LADS!
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 2:13 PM
Comment #838Sing,
Exactly that mate, it’s how Eddie gets his lads to refocus and react after a defeat. However there will be a full on feedback as to what went wrong and why and how they should never be repeated and what to do to ensure it. In a nutshell Leeds couldn’t play NUFC at a worse time because of the backlash and there will be.
The Taco Taker
May 8, 2023 at 2:16 PM
Comment #839I have a prediction for ilovetoon8788….
Sunderland won’t win their game today thanks to agent Woodman at Preston. So other results won’t matter and the mackems will languish in the Championship for another year!!
😉
Fenham to Chalfont
May 8, 2023 at 2:37 PM
Comment #840I’ve also got a prediction. One day we will all completely ignore the sad mackem trolls that unfortunately frequent this great blog. The trolls that have nothing else better to do in their sad pathetic lives than post on an NUFC blog.
Just skip passed their posts and completely disregard them and ignore them. Job done 🙂