Newcastle fans were hoping for a miracle on Saturday night at the Etihad Stadium but we didn’t get one as Manchester City beat us 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter finals with two first half goals and quite honestly it looked far too easy for them.
The gulf between maybe the best team in the world currently and Newcastle was there for all to see.
We are nowhere near a top four team this season, and Newcastle fans just have to hope the squad will be revitalized with their warm weather trip to Dubai.
And from what we can see Eddie Howe is still using players – like Botman and Longstaff as two examples – and that doesn’t help the team.
Once Manchester City had scored with two deflected shots in the first half, the game was essentially over and City man-managed the game – and it looks like if they wanted to score more goals they could have done that.
Howe did make changes in the second half with Lewis Hall, Elliot Anderson, Miguel Almiron and Lewis Miley coming on – and Newcastle looked a little more lively.
Elliot Anderson in particular looked very good and he should be given a start with the regular starters not looking too good at the moment.
And there was a surprise with the team even before kickoff with no Tino Livramento in the starting lineup.
The young Newcastle star twisted an ankle at Chelsea and will be out three weeks.
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This must be one of the worst seasons with injuries Newcastle have had, and we have had some poor seasons in the past when we were regularly top of the Premier League injury table.
10 league games to go and the season could simply dwindle away if Newcastle cannot start winning games.
Next up are West Ham at home on March 30th and Everton at home 4 days later on Aril 2nd.
Two wins in those games could ignite our season – but two poor results and our chances of qualifying for Europe next season will look very dim indeed.
We are hoping for the best – as usual.
Loading ...What do you think?
5 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Comment #1Aye.
onmeedsun
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:05 PM
Comment #2West Ham game very difficult. They love a low block and to counter attack. If we leave ourselves open it could get ugly. Perhaps Eddie needs to adopt the wolves tactics again.
Rotonda heights
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:07 PM
Comment #3Sorry but the expression ” the definition of insanity is ……….”
If burn is being targeted match after match and we’ve been found out, then it’s not just Hall is it? Dummet or A Murphy, even Krafth or Tino and Trippier can all play LB. Even Targett should manage a half.
Why keep a back up CB as your full time LB? If you’re desperate to keep burn in the team change to a 352 or 2511. Leao, Ogbene, bailey, Semenyo, Elanga all destroyed Burn in successive matches and nothing changed, he still starts every game. Like KT was never ”rested” during his awful December. At this rate, over loyalty is what will ultimately do for Howe.
Transfer Sage
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:21 PM
Comment #4onmeedsun
They also have Paquetta and Kudos playing and in form, Bowen is fit too. We can’t take the game for granted that’s for sure.
Hopefully we’ll be able to give them a good game and get the win.
snowdone
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Comment #5Ed, this was a game where our away Fans deserve man of the match! Despite the rain and the disappointing performance they were magnificent! I hope Eddie will look to change things up a bit to find a bit of consistency over the last 10 games. A higher placed finish earns us extra brass.
A lot will depend on Fitness and injury Updates following the International break. I would like to see Botman, Burn and Longstaff rested and some of the squad players given a go. They’re playing for their Futures and should have plenty of energy to burn.