It’s difficult for Newcastle these days, because whenever we get something great happening – like last night’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa, something negative also happens.
And last night it was Alexander Isak feeling his groin again, and telling coach Eddie Howe he had to come off even before halftime.
Miggy Almiron came on in his place, and although Eddie Howe said he was only 50% fit through illness, the Paraguayan International put in an excellent shift for Newcastle, setting up the vital 3rd goal early in the second half.
We hope Callum Wilson will be fit soon, and in any case, Anthony Gordon can play up front as he did when he was voted the best player in the European U21 tournament last summer.
Almiron, Gordon, and Murphy were the three up front in the second half last night, and apparently, Harvey Barnes is also very close to returning.
We were hoping Wilson and Isak would both be fit together, but it looks like that will not happen.
We still don’t know how serious Isak’s injury is – and the Newcastle medics will need to sort that out quickly in case it’s long-term.
This is what Eddie Howe said after the match last night about the transfer window:
“I expect to be finished for the window. I think there’s now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out.”
“That’s where it stands. I don’t think we have the ability to do anything.”
“As far as I know at the moment, there’s nothing going to happen, although there’s still time left.”
We’d be happy enough if no business is done before Thursday night.
Hopefully, we can get more players returning to help out the side for the remainder of the season, which could turn out to be a lot better than we expected just a few weeks ago.
Loading ...Comments welcome.
134 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Comment #41EGB,
He was holding his face, Leon Bailey was doing his nut about it, I didn’t expect that from him either.
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Comment #42Name……………….. P….. G
Alexander Isak…. 16.. 10
Anthony Gordon.. 20.. 7
Callum Wilson….. 14.. 7
Miguel Almirón…. 21.. 3
Been over reliant so far on Isak, Wilson and Gordon getting our goals.
Hopefully with the return of Murphy, Wilson, Willock, Barnes and Anderson we start to see goal contributions from more areas.
Fat Basta*d
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Comment #43Use your own eyes instead of what commentators say you rubber lipped fake plastic katie price wannabe from Essex
Adamn_92
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Comment #44https://twitter.com/Tactx_/status/1752700552549716193
Good analysis on how Eddie changed our pressing system/style last night.
Looks like Eddie is starting to experiment and change things up a bit, but still maintaining our style of play.
carltoon
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:22 PM
Comment #45Bill, take care.
Happy birthday Martoon
Fabulous win
Fabian Schar, brilliant
Eddie Howe elite manager
Tactics spot on
Well done Miggy
Keep politics off the blog
SHOVE BRE X I T, right up your backside.
I’ve got more border stamps in my passport in the last 2years than the last 10 put together.
Worse off now than ever before in my lifetime.
carltoon
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Comment #46Yes, EH does have a change of plan, I’m sure some posters are absolutely sick that we won last night, not just won, but got one over (again) if their favourite manager, I just loved it,
Well done Miggy coming off his sick bed, to shut up the haters.
Our defence was outstanding, and changing to five at the back worked so well.
Botman is really back to his very best.
A few VILLA fans saying how good we were, saying how much better GORDON was to Diaby.
Eeh. Who would have thought our club knew what they were doing.
Onwards and upwards.
Fat Basta*d
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:32 PM
Comment #47If we sign no one then it’s clear this season is a write off but they’ll give it a good go with what they have.
At same time I don’t think they will fix all our problems in Summer as we will need a lot new players.
Atleast 6 top players
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:33 PM
Comment #48Martoon’s birthday? I was on the dog and bone all day to Mrs. Martoon, she never said a thing! It’s a dog’s life. Going out to chase a squirrel.
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Comment #49Good stats them from Isak P 16 scored 10, if only he played more and was not injured. Does anybody know the extent of his groin injury he picked up against villa?
Can’t wait to see Barnes and Willock back, they will add so much extra bite to our depth, then Anderson shortly afterwards who was definitely in line to have a huge impact for us this season as he was electric in preseason. Anyway get them all back as they will all add something extra and give the squad another lift which was started last night. What a lift that was and we will kick on from it and look to catch 6th then 5th then who knows. NUFC must go on a winning run and pressure the other teams around us. I can see Villa falling away and we can leapfrog them. Other clubs will be well aware that we finish very strongly especially as we get valuable players back. They will look over their shoulders as we did last season with Liverpool. But we’ll catch the ones that are catchable that’s the difference.
Davas
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:38 PM
Comment #50Cartoon #45
Totally agree 🙂
Fat Basta*d
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Comment #51(New Gk)
Livra (New cb) Botman (New Lb)
Bruno (New DM) Joelinton
Gordon (New CF no9) (New LW left footed)
Pope
Trips schar burn Hall
Longy Tonali Willock
Almiron Wilson Isak
Gillespie
Barnes
Anderson
Miley
Targett
Murphy
If Miley and Hall get registered for u21 maybe just have to sell Targett to get 25 man squad next season based on above. Ideally loan out hall and miley for regular game time.
Krafth and lascelles likely out of contract along with Dummet and Ritchie
Looking at 6 new top players
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:50 PM
Comment #52bugga, the Red squirrels are faster than the greys. Need to do more sprint work!
Then, I get a groin strain, pull a hammy, get a sore toe, break a shoulder (or two) and don’t even mention my knees.
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:58 PM
Comment #53Maybe now Botman is back to full fitness and top form Eddie will start using the 5 at the back to see games out that are close in scoreline, especially away from home.
Obviously if we’re battering a team, then there’s no need 🙂 .
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:59 PM
Comment #54How you settling in your new home Sir Pug?
bettyswallocks
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Comment #55Those that were misguidedly questioning EH’s management skills and suitability to take our club forward need to reflect on their thoughts and realise how wrong they were ….
Firstly Eddie has never managed such a High Profile PL club with ambitious owners . ……He has never taken a bunch of players devoid of all self confidence and tactical awareness and with the help of a few very astute signings, transformed them into a team that qualified for the Champions League …
He has never had to manage a team playing three games a week resulting in an injury ravaged squad and a group of players mentally and physically exhausted…..He has never been scrutinised under the spotlight of the media so intensely when the inevitable drop in form occurred….
There are numerous other things that he has had to deal with but has never whinged or looked for excuses . He has just knuckled down and got on with fixing things in his own inimitable way …..
This has been a serious learning curve for EH and his team and they appear to have learnt from all the experiences and mistakes and are now back on track .
In life you only learn to do things by doing them …
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Comment #56just did my quads and pulled a thigh muscle.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Comment #57Quin, been quite ill, hence disappeared but getting better. I am in a lovely place. Love it back up here.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Comment #58Swallocks,
It was shocking the way people were chucking him under the bus despite the injuries.
scott
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Comment #59A Geordie Mongrel #8
If I had Eddies ear I would have getting loads more predictions correct!
Or would that have made it too obvious? 😉
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Comment #60The Magpies still have one eye on the future. After the acquisition of Alfie Harrison
another youngster could soon follow as the Magpies have their eye on 18-year-old attacking midfielder Amario Cozier-Duberry from Arsenal.
Amario Cozier-Duberry is out of contract in the summer and has several clubs in Europe keeping an eye on the situation along with Newcastle, according to The Evening Standard.
Jack Wilshere has gone as far as to compare Cozier-Duberry to Bukayo Saka to The Athletic after the winger helped Arsenal go on a run to the FA Youth Cup final last season.
Newcastle face stiff competition for Cozier-Duberry’s signature
“Amario is very exciting and Mikel [Arteta] likes him. He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he’s definitely exciting.
“In some moments he’s unplayable. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance.”
Arsenal have held talks about extending his stay at the Emirates, but no deal has been reached which has put Newcastle on alert along with Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
Being compared to Saka is nothing to be sniffed at and if Newcastle could convince Cozier-Duberry to switch Arsenal for Tyneside we could really be looking at a youth team with plenty of up-and-coming talent in there.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Comment #61going same starters vs Luton. ie. Flash Middle, Migs Left.
Davas
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:12 PM
Comment #62EH talking about Miggy:
“He didn’t feel anywhere his best physically, but he put himself on the pitch for the team and performed really well.”
JaveaToon
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:14 PM
Comment #63Get well soon both Pug and Essex.
Quinny…I think using young Miley as an example of what you can achieve may help us in the pursuit of some of these young players, as well as the many youngsters Eddie has had training with the first team, used on the bench and given some minutes to….No need to mention all those injuries that kind of forced the situation a bit. 😀
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:16 PM
Comment #64Tino is a problem. Our best defender (I believe) but can’t get a start.
#
Is EH a bit like a certain England manager in that he keeps his favorites.?
Not to do down BDB who is frequently our MoM. Sub on 55 mins? Either way?
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:19 PM
Comment #65JT 🙂
Just a lung infection that the rabbit got too. Another 2-3 weeks will sort it.
Munster Mag
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:20 PM
Comment #66You could see Miggy was down a yard of pace last night. I just hope we keep him, but if we don’t, we get a pretty penny.
His versatility , effect on the changing room and high press energy is still needed, even at 30 or whatever age he is.
bettyswallocks
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:21 PM
Comment #67Jail …….. Very shortsighted of folks not to see the reality of the situation….. They reckon what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I’m sure he’ll have taken a lot from all his trials and tribulations….. He’s that sort of bloke and will strive to improve every day , and improve he will . I’m sure .
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:21 PM
Comment #68Davas, I wonder if Eddie will start Miggy on the left on Saturday if Isak isn’t available.
The Mighty Quinn
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:23 PM
Comment #69JT, would like to see what Joe White has in his locker too. If Eddie regards him highly then he must have talent.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:24 PM
Comment #70Quin, that is my EH bingo!
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:24 PM
Comment #71copyright the Pug!
bettyswallocks
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:25 PM
Comment #72Captain Pugwash…….I bet you feel like you’re finally home to roost ….. Hoping to get back soon …. Should meet up for a few scoops but please don’t bring that kin dog ……..
Munster Mag
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Comment #73I wud assume Isak will be out and Miggy will go left. No harm, bet he loves it.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Comment #74🙂
check the toastie
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Comment #75Livramento and Gordon shud be in next England squad. Two youngsters going places.
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Comment #76I believe the loss of Tonali has impacted our season more than is being acknowledged. I think he would have lightened the overall burden on others and also made a significant contribution himself. So many games, against tough opponents, requiring us to go full throttle and to have to do it without the biggest addition to the squad brought in to get us fit for purpose, little wonder we have spent too much of it redlining. It’s not the sole reason of course, but quite possibly the biggest. Tonali is quality, and I’m confident we’ll see it next term, in a very exciting campaign for us.
JaveaToon
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Comment #77Quinny…Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see if White gets any game time and how he does.
JohnJ
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Comment #78Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 31, 2024 at 4:33 PM
Comment #47
“Martoon’s birthday? I was on the dog and bone all day to Mrs. Martoon, she never said a thing! It’s a dog’s life. Going out to chase a squirrel.”
Are Rabbits not more tastier? I think I’ve got the same respiratory issues as you young Pug – I’ve had AB” & Steroids more AB’s and now started 3rd batch of AB’s but I’ll get there – I hope! Glad you are settling in to your new abode. 🙂
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:54 PM
Comment #79One game a week for the rest of the campaign, with good players returning, puts us equal favourites with Man U for that Europa League spot in my mind, and gives us at a genuine shot at the FA Cup. So much still to play for, and a big boost to confidence levels after that great win. Losing Isak is a blow, but things are looking up.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 31, 2024 at 5:55 PM
Comment #80I think I’ve got just as much chance of starting on Saturday as Isak, there’s no way you just drop to the deck like that, bring yourself off in a huge game like that then start four days later 😕