Newcastle are back at St. James’ Park today with a potentially revealing test against Tottenham. Eddie Howe has named the following eleven for the clash which has four changes from the midweek Carabao Cup win at Forest.
United. ? pic.twitter.com/vdcVrvP1Np
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 1, 2024
This is a strong team with Howe once again naming a front three of Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Gordon. Getting the trio clicking in front of net is vital after not strengthening the attack in the summer transfer window.
This is the team Ange Postecoglu has named. It’s a rare start for former Juventus and Genoa defender Radu Dragusin in the place of the injured Micky van de Ven.
Team news is in at St James’ Park! ?
? @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/XwaZG3luvt
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 1, 2024
A win and all could be well again on Tyneside. The Magpies are undefeated and three points takes them into the top five ahead of the first international break of this season.
Howay The Lads!
2,894 comments so far
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Sep 1, 2024 at 8:59 PM
Comment #241Not sure the high press is the right tactic against a Postecoglou side. Think it’s generally considered better to sit back absorb pressure and counter against their high line. I also think that intensity is our identity
stuff is probably not sustainable over a full campaign, and that we are tempering it to some degree. We have some more technical players
nowadays. We can mix it up, but we’re not really up and running clearly. There’s more to come from us.
onmeedsun
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:00 PM
Comment #242For the avoidance of doubt.
No fans inside SJP will turn on the team or Eddie, I have no fear of that. But there was a sense of disquiet in the stands, not helped by our performance. Everyone knew we’d got away with it today. Refs have rumbled Bruno when he tries to carry the ball and draw fouls. Had his pocket picked about 4 times and always looking to the ref. Needs to cut all that out and pick a pass instead. He is slow when running with the ball. Not a good tactic. Let’s hope Tonali helps to improve our midfield passing game.
IrishRob
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:05 PM
Comment #243Isn’t it absolutely PSYCHOTIC that someone would make an account and literally comment 4-5 times a year just to slag one poster off. Lol dear me!
magscar
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:06 PM
Comment #244Charlie
yes he’s better at it but Murphy Barnes and Gordon all can press well
I’m beginning to wonder if its doubts over our back 4 keeping a high back line in support of midfield line pushing up for the 90 minutes right now
It’s also high intensity and maybe why Eddie was keen on Guehi as a perfect fit for his preferred system with Hall, Botman and Livramento already part of his jigsaw and I suspect a goal keeper who can distribute, receive and pass well and confidently play higher up the pitch as defence moves up
We’ve had a lot of change there and it needs working on – Spurs having been playing that way since Postecoglou took over and still get caught
Not another deJong
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Comment #245Here you go, Craig Hope vlog after todays game.
https://youtu.be/QfEYZeWdVAU?si=y5OY_GkAW9zk2D-T
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Comment #246@Nicky
I actually think all of the teams we have played so far playing a high press likely isn’t the best idea
A lot of teams now play a high press with more pace than we do what a lot of teams aren’t used to being is the dominant team getting hit on the break it’s a bit of a dying art with a little bit of football snobbery chucked in
Southampton we struggled until we sat back then they couldn’t do anything similar with Spurs and even Bournemouth we caught them out
We beat Wolves last season with a similar tactic so could see us doing it again next game
Not another deJong
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Comment #247“”Newcastle’s chief executive has likened the task of reconstructing Newcastle to building a plane in mid-air and, after this, Eddie Howe will know precisely what Darren Eales meant.
There were moments when Tottenham proved so dominant here that Howe’s team did not merely seem to be running on one engine but with a wing close to falling off and the landing gear jammed.
Precisely how Newcastle ended up taxi-ing safely towards the final whistle with three points neatly stowed away is something that appears set to puzzle Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham staff for some considerable time to come.””
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I thought Louise’ use of metaphor in her introduction was quite entertaining for todays match report.
the white tino
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Comment #248Irish knob ,you been to a game yet?? And toon Irish I’m an alt of no-one as the knob will tell you, spine of a snail ?
magscar
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Comment #249Although we have used a high press we have varied it which is why I posted earlier that those claiming Eddie doesn’t have a plan B are wrong
Sometimes plan B can be forced on you or Plan A gives way by design to Plan B
Thinking about it maybe it was chicken and egg situation today- which came first our initial high press subsiding to low block and hitting on break with Spurs consequently coming more into game
or
Spurs forced us to sit back as their high press took charge
I believe a lot of teams are content to allow Spurs possession and high back line to capitilse onhitting them on the break
IrishRob
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Comment #250Ooh I know who it is now, it’s not Fenham hahaha!
the white tino
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:30 PM
Comment #251Chicken licken are you ever positive about Newcastle?? And just answer the question have you been to a game yet?? No doubt you’ll blank that again
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 1, 2024 at 9:37 PM
Comment #252Reading my programme before the match thought I would check how many English players we had compared to the spuds. They had one Maddison who started and 4 on the bench.
Then thought we have a team of Englishmen that could make up a team.
Pope
Livramento, Burn, Kelly, Hall
Willock, Longstaff, Miley
Barnes, Wilson, Gordon
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:18 PM
Comment #253@Charlie
Yeah I also wonder if that contributes to our style we battle and its kick and rush a lot of the times
But we don’t really have pass and move through our vains if that team was to play together
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:18 PM
Comment #254From Transfer Sage over the road.
“I think it’s difficult to judge the team over the last 8 months.
During the second half of last season we were missing Pope, relying on players like Miley (as good as he is he had no first team experience) and were unable to rotate between games. Add into that our skipper had his head scrambled due to his affair and it explains a lot of the crap.
Howe managed to find a way to get a tune out of that squad. We finished 7th after a challenging season where the club didn’t (or couldn’t) back him in January.
This season he’s missing one of his CBs due to injury, the other has been suspended. Burn and Krath are not ball playing CBs, of course it’s difficult to build up from the back and keep the ball when you have those at the heart of the defence. Again, Howe was let down as nobody was signed.
.
We also had players off the back of a hard season away on international duty so had minimal rest and the club organised a very commercial heavy pre season, not ideal for the players or manager.
Once we pass the international break, we have Schar back, Wilson fit again (let’s see how long), and Tonali getting more starts, let’s see how it goes.
If we’re still playing badly in November then criticism will be fair (baring another injury crisis) but for now it’s early season and just about getting results until our form clicks”
Mister Tuff
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:24 PM
Comment #255Bruno shields the ball from the opposition players and they normally foul him thus getting a free kick. Works most of the time but not always -when surrounded by several oppostion players -he can lose the ball. However most of the time it does work – him drawing in other players creates spaces elsewhere. I’ve posted about this several times trying to explain to those who do not get tactics or do not see the tactics unfolding.
Shape up or ship out.
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:25 PM
Comment #256The manager has said we’re not up to full fitness and as TS said we’ve lost our ball playing CB. The summer has been massively unsettling for everyone at every level at the club. One of our main leaders in the group screwing up his family life, Miggy knowing he’s not wanted, no major signings, our manager being touted for England, one of our stars finding out the club might have to sell him then having his head turned. The window is closed and imo go in to a perfectly timed int break on the back of an unbeaten run, if we can come out of September with another seven points which is do-able then we might just find our groove.
lochinvar
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:32 PM
Comment #257Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is “not Harry Potter”, and is adamant his side have a great chance to lift a trophy this season despite their chastening 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool.
Bloody Muggles everywhere !
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:34 PM
Comment #258Jail
Totally agree
been a lot of issue unsettling – behind the scenes on and off the pitch – selling players we didn’t want to sell, trying to chip out players who did not want to go – Amanda Stavely- Howe touted for England.
Break has come at the right time hopefully it all settles down
Neede that win as I think four out of our next five home fixtures are ManCity, Brighton Liverpool and Arsenal
magscar
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:36 PM
Comment #259Tuff
Re Bruno
Yeah I get why he does it but pass and move would be better at times or even into touch
He does it too often
lochinvar
Sep 1, 2024 at 10:48 PM
Comment #260The trip on Isak when he broke into the box was clearly a penalty. The ref didn’t see it as he was too far back but what about the linesman and VAR. Both useless.
Again, suggestions of shall we say indifference or worse trying to protect a slimy six club.
jane
Sep 1, 2024 at 11:23 PM
Comment #261Newcastle is suited to playing on the break so it makes sense to do it.
Essex Geordie Bill
Sep 2, 2024 at 1:58 AM
Comment #262Kudos to Joel for managing to stay on the pitch and then supply the match winning pass. Thought for sure he would get another booking!
I’m wondering if Sean’s confidence has taken a hit for some reason there was an occasion where the ball came to him on the edge of the box and i thought he would welly it but didn’t and a great chance was gone.
Essex Geordie Bill
Sep 2, 2024 at 2:00 AM
Comment #263Was late watching the game, so late with my few observations!
At least we ar going into the break on a high! 🙂
G’night1
cyprus
Sep 2, 2024 at 4:53 AM
Comment #264Hey what happened to my well thought out and astute observations?
Disappeared forever in the ether, as I was knocked out then let back in.
So summary: I’m guessing Eddie is happier than Poste this morning… Some excellent blog posts lately, I don’t agree with them all, excellent nonetheless… On Bruno read Tuff’s reply.
The rest of my points were pompous hot air, though articulated well.
cyprus
Sep 2, 2024 at 5:06 AM
Comment #265Last one!
Read Tuff’s post again, for me delete the last two sentences.
Have you ever played against players who protect the ball well? Highly irritating!
You get near them, the ball is just out of reach, there’s body parts in-between, flailing elbows, hands in your face, sharp edges, studs taking small pieces off you.
So, instinctively, you stand a little back, preferring to challenge the other guy with the softer flabbier body parts.
Good morning.
The overrated Frenchman
Sep 2, 2024 at 5:16 AM
Comment #266Probably our four best players were all defenders. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it shows we were under the kosh for a lot of the time.
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:04 AM
Comment #267https://x.com/SixsmithTV/status/1830210127816794338?s=19
Sandro Tonali on the bench – Sean Longstaff starts after his winning penalty in midweek. Lovely words from his mate, Dan Burn in the #NUFC programme this week:
? “I was delighted for him when he put the decisive penalty away. He gets some stick that he doesn’t deserve but internally we love him and he does a massive job for the team.”
But left just keep calling him shite though, it’s OK he doesn’t read the blog, or twitter or insta or FB, somehow knows that he’s getting constantly slated on social media though.
hkgeordie
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:14 AM
Comment #268Lochinvar @260 totally agree, clear penalty. Defender kicks Isak’s left foot – very clear on the reply. If we all saw it, how did VAR not? Also surprised that the commentators did not make more of it. In the end, no damage done. Tough game but a great and timely win. HWTL.
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:24 AM
Comment #269hkgeordie,
Same reason we got away with one against Bmouth I guess, inconsistent refereeing.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:49 AM
Comment #270Does anyone think that Pope has a weakness to his left hand side?
Poor dive for their goal yesterday and it was the side he dived on when dislocating his shoulder
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:52 AM
Comment #271Jamie Reuben said this:
So proud of that result today – we have a brilliant manager, group of players and together with management -ownership is committed to delivering the highest levels of football @ nufc
for our supporters who give up so much of their time and money to support this great football club, there will always be bumps along that road but we are one #United Team in our pursuit of that ambition
From playmaker otr
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:01 AM
Comment #272Was visiting my mate in hospital last night, told me not to tell him the scores as he was waiting for MotD, his highlight of the day. Got talking about the mackems and checked their league position on the BBC, well of course it shows the PL table first to which I showed him and said foo# that Lpool win drops us in to fifth 😕
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:10 AM
Comment #273Change of style from the all action high press to sitting back and hitting the opposition on the break – not as exciting but it is something we have to get used to like yesterday. It was a hard watch, frustrating at times but in the end got the result we needed.
Break comes at the right to work on things and hopefully have Wilson back along with Schar
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:14 AM
Comment #274Charlie,
Maybe something to do with playing with ten men, not being fully up to speed and losing our ball playing CB. People need to calm down with the Bruce/Rafa comparisons. We’ve seen some of the best football in twenty years at SJP, he’s not just decided to change that.
Small World
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:18 AM
Comment #275Watching MOTD last night I saw something which wasn’t obvious to me from my seat yesterday. It looked like Dan Burn turned in a shot that was going wide of the goal.
I’m more than happy to cut him some slack. I reckon it was difficult for him to get his feet oout of the way. Also, he’s been one of the best players to date this season.
Small World
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:23 AM
Comment #276Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 7:04 AM
Comment #267
Good shout about Sean Longstaff. Not one of my favourites, though I’d never take to really slagging him off. He’s a grafter.
There seems to be an orchestrated effort by some online to mark him down on the BBC player match ratings. Rarely gets above a 4/10 each week, and always lowest mark in the team, including yesterday when he was our best midfielder.
Legolas
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:23 AM
Comment #277This isn’t a criticism, as I love the player, but Anthony Gordon is miles off the standard he was producing last season. He just looks disinterested at times. I have never seen him give the ball away as much as he did yesterday. I wonder what is up?
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:27 AM
Comment #278Legolas,
He’s not had a preseason at all, the managet is saying he’ll be fine.
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Comment #279Small World,
Look at the reviews Direct Rots got on Trust pilot when it became a thing, not hard to get a small group of his detractors together to vote on match ratings, I don’t think too many contribute on the BBC so wouldn’t take much to bring the ratings down.
jimiley
Sep 2, 2024 at 8:57 AM
Comment #280Not sure how we can make Spuds and Kane look utter mugs not that long ago when we have the same team?
I just remember Arry marching to centre circle ball in hand every 5 mins.
Cue yesterday and a different story.
Not sure being undercooked and non ball playing centre backs explains it. Anybody expecting Wilson “back” is really dreaming.
I suppose Spurs have a new manager and new players might have something to do with it. Always two teams make a game