Newcastle United have been seen to be putting in plans to ensure if they lose a key player they have an eligible replacement to come in and ensure the team continues to grow and improve. The Dutch media that Newcastle are watching 5’6″ Ajax star Vurnon Anita, and the defensive midfielder is said to be a replacement if Cheick Tiote leaves the club this summer. He is the latest of players Newcastle have been reported to be interested in as Newcastle scouts have been ever present in the Eredivisie this season with even Alan Pardew making appearances at some of their bigger games. Newcastle find themselves scouting abroad in France more and more due to the inflated price of average players in the English league and seems a more sensible aproach to building a team which can compete at the highest level.
Newcastle United tonight were tremendous in a very unusual way this evening. They took a constant assault from an aggressive and fluid Blackburn Rovers side. Newcastle were without Yohan Cabaye who was suspended by the FA for 3 matches after an incident against Brighton in the 4th round of the FA Cup to allow Ryan Taylor to come into the side. It was Ryan Taylor who would in some context deliver the first goal after an awful pass from Petrovic was seized upon by Leon Best he managed to find Jonas who laid off for Ryan Taylor to drive straight though the legs of Dunn to deflect off an unknowing Scott Dan leaving Paul Robinson with no chance of saving. 1-0 to Newcastle, own goal Scott Dann.
Blackburn however then took the game by the horns knocking the ball about with real pace and purpose; there was no doubt the players were playing for their manager. Junior Hoilet was at the centre of everything good for Rovers but he was involved in controversy as when he dived over Ryan Taylor blew it looking Bartonesc pulling him to his feet and getting a yellow card for his troubles. Simpson managed to clear off the line and best headed off his own bar as Blackburn had a flurry of corners but none brought the much-needed equalizer. Rover’s thought they may have found the chance to get on level terms when Danny Simpson bundled over Rover’s new number nine Modeste. He wanted to take it too but David Dunn shuddered him away…maybe he shouldn’t have. His long run up saw him try to place the ball into the bottom right corner seeing Krul parry before catching a second attempt from a bunch of racing Blackburn players.
So at half time it was all Blackburn but the lead was with the travelling Geordies. It seemed one of them games from Steve Kean, playing well, creating chances but missing the net. The second half so Newcastle starts brightly but quickly the game fell back to the schema of the first half. Ben Arfa who had done very little in the first half and went off to be replaced by James Perch. The once not so popular player is really starting to kick-start his Newcastle career and today looked very solid tying up the middle of the park and helped Newcastle get some sort of foothold in a game where they were able to keep possession was a rarity. Kean added Formica and Rochina to try and grab the goal but most the chances fell to new signing Modeste but Tim Krul rose above the forward every time. Newcastle fans hearts were nearly broken as Formica’s effort hit the net, fortunately them it was the side netting on this occasion. Peter Lovenkrands replaced a shattered Leon Best who did more than his fair share of work as Shola Ameobi wandered round at his normal pace. Shola just no longer seems up to speed and may be okay coming off the bench but does not have the sharpness or pace to last a full game and his performance tonight did more than just frustrate many fans. Blackburn pushed and pushed and pushed a little bit more but when the ball fell to Lovenkrands he managed to pick out the fresh Obertan who had only just entered the game for Ryan Taylor but the perfect player for such counter attack. He showed pace and determination and the finish wasn’t half bad hitting in off the post an inch perfect shot.
A bad performance? Maybe but Newcastle had showed tremendous character and a strength in depth which will be important to them finishing near their current league position, fifth above Liverpool and Arsenal. Newcastle looked poor going forward with Shola Ameobi offering very little up top and Leon Best stranded out wide as he often is in recent games, obviously some weird tactics nobody but Pardew understands. Guthrie worked hard all night and was a real unsung hero getting stuck in at every chance. The back four were top class with Colo and Williamson standing strong particular and Tim Krul, well he played to his normal standard. Jonas did his normal shift. When Newcastle fans look at this game they were without Cisse, without Cabaye, without Demba Ba and without Tiote. That makes the result all but more impressive.
On the other hand Blackburn will have to get Yakubu back from suspension ASAP as their new man just couldn’t hit the net for all the chances the likes of Pederson provided him. I think they could stay up but they need to score, it could have been 5-1 again tonight like Newcastle’s last away day at Fulham but it wasn’t. Steve Kean will have little to complain in many respects, nice play and nice football but in the end it was not enough. This year I think we are in for the biggest relegation dog fight of the last decade with nobody down and out at this stage.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean: “We’ve had enough chances to win three games. I think if you are trying to take positives out of the defeat then we are certainly making the chances but we just weren’t ruthless enough.
“After Newcastle scored their deflected goal we dominated the reast of the first half and all of the second half. Performance wise we have to be happy with the way we played for the first 15 minutes, we controlled the game.
“So it is a tough one to take because we at least deserved a point, in fact I’d probably have been disappointed to have got a point.”
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: “You have got to have resilience, a good keeper and a good captain and we have got that.”
Ste Smith
Man of the Match
Captain Colo stood firm all game on, need a new contract signed as soon as possible. The award could have went to any of 5 United players including Krul and Williamson.
For the first time in a good few times Newcastle saw a hefty sum of cash leaving the club to bring in a player rather than vice versa. That man is Senegelian strike Papiss Cisse who has become somewhat of a hit in the Bundesliga scoring 37 goals over the past three seasons. Could he be the catalyst to make Newcastle’s already good season a great one? I think so as long as Alan Pardew can keep a decent level of fitness especially at the back where there is very limited cover for Mike Williamson and Coloccini and since local boy Steven Taylor will be out until the end of the season this is an even more important transfer, especially since once hot prospect Tama Kadar has been frozen out of Pardew’s plans.
The next step is bring in a centre half, young or old, expensive or non-expensive. It is just vital as a side battling for the top six that they get that sorted in the next week or so giving us a stronger foothold to kick on. Everywhere else appears to be well covered at the minute, showing us to have a stronger squad then often suggested by pundits. Although it may be time for Shola to return to his training ground hangout after Demba and Papiss return with no doubt Leon Best ahead of him in the queue among others such as Peter Lovenkrands who is back in training and the young strikers available as well. However everybody knows somehow someway he’ll be back in the team one day, he always is although against Sunderland he can be the shining light needed.
Looking at the run of fixtures every Newcastle fan can dream of such a high finish as 4th but it are important we knuckle down and get the results needed. We will have our African superstar’s back for the harder games where will have to go up another level and for once in along time I do not doubt their ability to do this. My dark horse to push Newcastle all the way is Danny Guthrie, has been outstanding every minute he’s played apart from the start of the QPR but he grew into it and ended up with the Barclays Man of Match.
Newcastle United failed to win again last night however it wasn’t for the lack of trying. Roy Hodgson’s West Brom came to Newcastle full of confidence after their late win against Blackburn Rovers last weekend through a Peter Odemwingie thunderbolt. Newcastle looked fragile all day without Yohan Cabaye who was out through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at home to Swansea at the weekend. I however would not say Harris Vuckic was the cause of the problem but Newcastle’s usually top performer Cheik Tiote and even the so often remarkable Tim Krul were far from at their best all evening. Tiote would be the catalyst for west Brom’s first goal stuttering over the ball before playing a stupid pass in search of Obertan allowing West Brom to break with pace and a wonderful ball through from the outside of Chris Brunt’s left boot allowed Peter Odemwingie to race away from Colocinni, placing beyond Krul with an inch perfect left strike into the bottom left corner for 1-0. Newcastle had the ball in the net soon after through Demba Ba but Leon Best who nodded it back down to him was in a offside position for once meaning the goal would not stand. They were however level on the half hour when their prolific centre forward Demba Ba smashed home a powerful free kick which Ben Foster got a glove to but was helpless to stop it hitting the back of the net. It was 1-1 and everything to play for. Newcastle may have been dominating but again clumsy as Demba Ba came back to defend only to concede a free kick for his efforts. A poorly defended set piece would be then the undoing of the toon army has Krul came then didn’t come meaning when the ball was headed across goal he was nowhere to be seen and McAuley had the easiest of goals to open his Premier League account. Vuckic who had been the real creative force for United in the first half burst through and his tremendous left footed strike deserved a goal but smashed agonizingly off the underside of the bar and the post before an off balance Demba Ba headed over. The Geordies were behind 2-1 at the break and a frustrated full house of supporters sat expectant of a better performance in the second half.
Ryan Taylor entered the fray for Davide Santon which I thought irregular but post match learned it was due to a knee injury. West Brom looked the more likely to score and Shane Long came agonizingly close after going round Tim Krul but could only hit the bar as he went to lob the ball over last man back James Perch. A let off for Newcastle but had they learned their lesson. Newcastle fans chanted the name of Hatem Ben Arfa and they got what they desired with the try hard get nowhere Leon Best being replaced to allow the little Frenchman to enter the battle. He made an instant impact by winning a corner after showing off some of his silky skills. It was his lay off in the end which allowed Demba Ba to smash Newcastle level in the 81st minute and from there on in there it looked like Newcastle would be the only winners. Vuckic nearly did it with his thunderbolt of strike tipped over the bar by Ben Foster. The kid had done good but unfortunately for him the defence had not learned their lesson and piled forward leaving the flanks vacant for speedy Shane Long to run into and it would be his looped cross that Tim Krul should have came for but again did not and as a result would be headed down to Paul Scharner to score a late winner as the Austrian stretched out a leg and volleyed home. They had not learned their lesson as Ryan Taylor had ventured out of position. Tiote then came close to scoring off a Ben Arfa cross but it was well saved at the near post by Ben Foster.
West Brom are now flying and played some nice football to go with it while Newcastle must win now on Monday really to save their good start of the season.
By Ste Smith
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson:
“It was remarkable to come back again and get the third goal. We squandered good opportunities in the first half, although they weren’t clear-cut.
“We were solid defensively and worked very, very hard. If Shane [Long] had not hit the crossbar then life would have been more comfortable.
“It’s been misfortune more than anything as to why we have not won as many points at home as we have away.”
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew:
“You would have expected us to win after we got back to 2-2. They had a bit of fortune for their third goal.
“We were cheap with possession at times.
“Maybe the win is playing on our minds – we want that under our belts. We were desperate at times. We have to be more patient and more controlled. We were throwing numbers forward and got caught at times.”
Man of the Match
Shane Long caused the Newcastle captain Fabricio Colocinni so many problems yesterday it was quite unbelievable as he has never seemed to be troubled to a great extent all season long. I would say he did a good job at sticking two fingers up to Alan Pardew and the Newcastle borard who came to the decision he would not worth the money during the summer. He deserved a goal and came so close but it was obvious why he has managed to find the net so often.
St James Park was a very enjoyable stadium to be at this afternoon despite the lack of goals. A fitting tribute to former Wales captain and a player who was at the heart of the Newcastle United midfield, especially during the reign of the late and great Sir Bobby Robson. It was indeed a beautiful tribute despite the one or two who made paper aeroplanes out of his photogrpah, bit respectful from some of the less mature supporters, a bit disrespectful even in my eyes. Anyway down to the game which i thought was exciting but borderline frustrating as Newcastle came so close but yet so far on numerous occasions. The return of captain Colocinni give the Newcastle defence a real boost, so that paired with a good, solid performance from James Perch meant Krul had a quiet afternoon. Tiote however did not look himself in midfield but hopefully that’s due to match fitness rather than daily transfer rumours linking him with a move away from St James Park.
Demba Ba seemed to do all the hard work so many times after holding off the Swansea defence with great strength then performing a volley of the highest quality but after all that it was quite a routine save for Vorn. Ba also hit the outside fo the post with a good effort but in the second half proved rather quiet having one header easily caught by Vorn just after the break. Jonas came close to just before half time but his powerful effort was always swerving away from goal. In all honesty Swansea did not look dangerous all day but i think a lot of credit must go to the United full backs as i thought on the whole Santon and Simpson but in tremendously good shifts to deny Routledge and Sinclair any room for maneuver.
Cabaye played some glorious balls and saw his free kck early on go jsut wide of the post but i must say that he must be made to take corners for the enxt year to practice after failing to get it over the first man at least 75% of the time. I have seen Jonas hit a good one before, namely against Chelsea in the League Cup last year to allow Shola to head a late winner so i cannot work out why he kept taking them. Well Obertan is Obertan, he is as predictable as a fight between a ant and a giant, he runs and runs then either gives them the ball back, falls over or wins a corner which results in Cabaye taking it and well, you know what happens next.
Pardew needs to give them a serious wake up call because as much as i enjoyed it if they cannot pull together and beat West Brom who will be buzzing after their late winner against Blackburn we could be dropping like a ton of bricks.Ben Arfa an unused substitute again as well, whats up with that. He hasn’t impressed me lately but I would have thought he was further up the pecking order than Harris Vuckic and Sammy Ameobi. Harris played well today though apart from one dodgy pass and Sammy well lets forget today he is usually quite effective. Oh and finally their Shola who did nothing much, had one big chance with what I think was his first touch but I think t was more of a good save then a bad hit in fairness. He had replaced Leon “the offside” Best who managed to find one decent ppertuity while on the field but was found to be offside, shock horror.
Local lad Danny Graham looked okay for Swansea, a strong powerful forwards especially in the first few minutes i thought we might have a job on his hands but it seemed his teammates were not that interested in scoring goals today. They came for the point and that is exactly what they managed to get , so it was all round a good day for Swansea. Newcastle just have to beat West Brom and everything will be okay, harder than it sounded their to be honest Roy Hodgson is a good manager and will put out a team what I think will be able to cause considerably more damage than Swansea so despite a half decent game from James Perch, Mike Williamson who was an unused substitute today should re-enter the frame after sitting out today.
Newcastle United have unrelenting injury list continued to grow with some massive blows with the likes of Steven Taylor confirmed to be having substantially long lay offs in the last week making an already difficult trip to Carrow Road on Saturday even harder. I follow Newcastle week in and week out so i know our squad is stronger than given credit for so i would still put us in with a fighting chance, in a way this is a chance for some of the squad players to prove themselves which in some ways excites me for example with Danny Guthrie being confirmed to be out for four to six weeks and Tiote was confirmed to be still injured by Pardew a first ever league start for Dan Gosling maybe in order.
The defence also looks bare but even though James Perch is not a fan favourite a lot of positives can be taken from his performance against Chelsea where he competed with legendary striker Didier Drogba. Davide Santon like Dan Gosling has not started a game for the black and whites and a lot of fans would like to see what he is really capable of and with him being the in the Premier League and being the Italy Under 21′s captain there is a great sense of optimism for his future at St James Park.
Tamas Kadar a player I hold in high regard for is another man who may come back into the frame. He has been performing well in the reserves and played quite a major part in Newcastle’s promotional season in 2009/10 where he picked up 13 appearances. The big Hungarian I think has a lot more potential to fill the Taylor/ Williamson void than Perch or Santon and with his contract expiring at the end of the season he needs to make an impact soon or he may be leaving the club.
It will be interesting to see Newcastle’s starting eleven on Saturday but i remain confident that as long as the team pulls together and continue to work as hard as they can they can surely get something against which is unarguably a quite impressive Norwich side with the likes of Pilkington, Hoolahan and Holt undoubtedly going to cause our makeshift defence problems. Newcastle is a squad and just because the regular’s are injured I think we should still expect the same spiritual performance we have became known for this season.
Today’s early start sees a struggling Chelsea side visit the so far fortress which is St James Park… sorry SportsDirect Arena as Newcastle remain unbeaten on home turf this season. Even with the unfortunate passing of Gary Speed it is a very important game where Alan Pardew’s men could inflict severe pressure on AVB’s boys as the black and whites could go four points clear of the blues if they can pull off the result which is not impossible considering a better Chelsea side failed to beat Newcastle in three attempts last term.
A point last time at Old Trafford showed a great sense of team spirit about the Geordies so even though they will be missing key players such as Cheik Tiote who is still struggling with a knee injury he picked up in Newcastle’s home clash with Spurs and then there is Sylvain Marveaux who has had to have an operation on his groin after a collision in Newcastle’s home game against Everton. Jonas will also be missing due to his senseless red card for a stupid tackle on Nani during Newcastle 1-1 draw with the champions last Saturday night. They will however be ready to perform again as you get a feeling that the whole squad is standing together to try to continue their stay in the top four. Alan Pardew is also doing all he can to motivate his players suggesting they “do it for Gary’ whose engine like play should inspire them to run and run and run.
All the pressure in this game remains on the visiting side as AVB has been told to “make the most of his December games” suggesting pressure maybe starting to mount. He will be in no doubt looking for the win and with Drogba, Torres and Anelka all firing blanks of late the responsibility is on the shoulders of young forward Daniel Sturridge. John Terry returns after his one game suspension but some slips and falls of late won’t show the Chelsea skipper to not quite be himself of late and somebody the likes of Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa should attack.
There is no doubt it will be a close game but I think it will end as it started with an exciting 0-0 draw on the cards. Newcastle’s phenomenal defense comes up against some of the most technically gifted footballers in the Premier League but has proved them to be compact and solid all season long. Newcastle’s main chance of winning this one is probably a set peace where the likes of Demba Ba, Steven Taylor are always dangerous. It’s probably the same case for Chelsea with John Terry, Ivanovic etc so that might cancel each other out as well.
Well what a shock. The passing of Gary Speed is a truly horrible happening as one of the great men of the game passes there will be no doubt a great sadness across Great Britain from Newcastle to Liverpool to Leeds to Bolton to Wales and beyond. A great player and a gentleman. I remember meeting him after a Newcastle game in 2001 and he was a man of wise words. He looked as if he was turning Wales around and I hope that progression continues in his honor. Will Welsh stars such as Craig Bellamy play today or will they be to emotionally distress because he was not just a colleague he was their friend. He was respected everywhere he went and will forever be in our hearts n behalf of Newcastle United. A man who had so much more to give only being 42 years of age and is such a tragic day for the English game. Respect must be showed to Speeds family at this hard time especially in the unfortunate circumstances he has been mooted by the Telegraph to have died under. I feel tributes must be made to this true legend of the modern game. He will forever be one of my favorite players.
What a game, a real positive advert for the Premier League. IT had some great passing football and had a strong physical element that the Premier League is known for. Newcastle United visited Old Trafford after a respective 3-1 defeat to United’s neighbors Manchester City. The first half was end-to-end stuff with Demba Ba’s strike saved well by De Gea before Newcastle hero Ryan Taylor fluffed his lines from close range. Javier Hernandez was looking his dangerous self but was met by an astonishing Coloccini who stood firm as usual with great confidence. The main talking point probably of the first half was Rooney booting Newcastle captain Coloccini but was not punished by the referee while Ben Arfa was booked for his fury. In my view it was a valid kick to get the ball at first, before he then lashed out again. Rooney getting away with it this time unlike for England during the qualifier last month. So it was 0-0 at the break, each team having spells of dominance and created chances. Newcastle Obertan being the main protagonist of Newcastle’s attacking in the first half with Ashley Young playing a similar role for Manchester.
United however started the second half a lot brighter catching Newcastle cold. A questionable decision to award a free kick for a collision between Steven Taylor on Javier Hernandez soon proved costly. Taylors attempted clearance hit the back of the little goal machine leaving an already floored Krul to try to scramble it away, however he just couldn’t get their. 1-0 to United. United continued to dominate possession aggravating Newcastle who were putting in some tuff tackles with Simpson, Guthrie, Jonas, Cabaye all heading into the book.
Then the talking point of the game as Hatem Ben Arfa skipped through the united defense before what appeared to be a good challenge from Untied centre back Rio Ferdinand. The referee initially awarded a corner but the linesmen awarded a penalty. Replays showed he got the ball but it was about time Manchester United luck had come to an end after previous incidents during the game. Newcastle’s Demba Ba stepped up to strike home sending De Gea the wrong way before executing his trademark celebration.
Manchester Untied then flew forward with enthusiasm but Newcastle has one of the sturdiest defenses in the League looked ready to shut up shop. The tackles were still flying in and Newcastle was deservedly punished when Jonas was sent for an early bath after clattering into Nani. The Geordies were stuck in their own half and chances were coming United’s way with Simpson magnificently clearing off the line. Tim Krul also made a range of splendid saves in a game eh was surely man of the match keeping United at bay single-handedly sometime. They through on Federico Macheda for Patrice Evra to try to grab a winner and a chance quickly came his way but he headed a free header wide of the mark. Steven Taylor managed to also prevent a goal with a magnificent tackle on Ashley Young when he looked to send the ball goal bound. United did have the ball in the back of the net but a wonderful decision from the assistant prevented a late winner as Javier Hernandez was half a yard off side when the ball was player. A great decision in a game of, well odd decisions!
Newcastle United came into today’s clash with Everton in high spirits after a convincing win away at Stoke, Something that is incredibly hard to do. Everton will not be as cheerful sat just three points above the drop zone. Newcastle made one change with Sylvain Marveaux coming in for Gabrial Obertan who is likely to be out for a month with a toe infection.
Newcastle started the better team and was soon rewarded when John Heitinga turned a dangerous low cross from Danny Simpson into his own goal after twelve minutes. Osman and Rodwell forced saves out of Tim Krul as Everton tried to grow into the game. They were however undone again as an unbelievable strike from Ryan Taylor scored a stunning goal from a good 7 yards outside in style. A great way to celebrate the birth of his new born child. Taylor nearly scored again hitting the bar with a cross, he seemed in the mood for a few. Everton however had not came forward and Drenthe and Coleman looked very dangerous, It was ex magpie Saha who would however come closest with his strike deflecting off the inside of the post. Worrying signs for Newcastle though as their number 4 Yohan Cabaye had to come off, Dan Gosling was his replacement that was unsurprised given a rough reception from the Everton fans due to him rejecting a contract at Everton in order to join Newcastle the summer before last. Everton did get a goal back however through Jack Rodwell with the last touch of the half with his powerful header leaving Tim Krul no chance. 2-1 at the break, anybody’s game in the second half.
Newcastle started the second half okay but a game changer was when Marveaux went down injured forcing him to be replaced. Sammy Ameobi stepped up but he lacks experience in the midfield. This move forced Jonas to move out wide right and Newcastle did not look they. The midfield was however still battling with Danny Guthrie deserving a special mention for his determination and all round play. Leon Best did not have the best of games being caught offside an uncountable amount of times. He was the next to go off for Newcastle bringing Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa on who will have had fond memory’s of Everton scoring a wonder goal at Goodison last term. Moyes knew Everton had control and brought McFadden and Cahill into it as they went in search of an equalizer but it was not to be. The Geordie’s held on somehow after taking nothing less from a battering in the last half an hour. They can take great pride from this performance.
Danny Guthrie or Danny Simpson were fantastic today but you cannot go further then Coloccini and Steven Taylor who as always looked solid as a rock at the back. Dutchman Tim Krul showed why he is becoming one of the best Premier League keepers with some excellent shot stopping however his kicks were not something to be admired. Moyes will know he was unlucky but they just were not clinical enough over the course of the game. Newcastle move up to second and will stay there if their bitter rivals Sunderland can get anything at Old Trafford. A wonderful attendance of over 50,000 shows that the whole of Newcastle is pulling together and who knows what they could achieve in the next three games.
By Ste
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew:
“We were unfortunate today as injuries cost us our rhythm but the guys who came on did a great job.
“If we were at Goodison Park we would have got beat today. But the fans helped us.
“Our defending was a different class in the second half and it was one of our best displays. When Everton scored just before half-time it affected us but our discipline and defending has got us a victory.
“I hope the Toon enjoy it tonight. We are a new team, we didn’t expect to be on this run but we are enjoying it. We’ve got Manchester City next, who are also unbeaten, so that could be a great game.”
Everton manager David Moyes:
“It was a penalty we didn’t get today but we’ve had a lot of that.
“We were very fortunate against Fulham the other week and you earn your luck.
“Our defending in the first half wasn’t good enough, especially in the opening 20 minutes. It was a terrible own goal to concede.
“We created enough chances in the first half to get something from the game.
“We’ve got to do better and win some football games.”
