OTF

Nice from Gouffran there, wasted chance by Riviere.

On the strength of that he can keep his pen licence.

Ashley's put most if not all of the weight back on. Make of that what you will.

Williamson has played pretty well IMO. Riviere doesn't deserve to be hooked, if we don't make any inroads he should be given a partner to play alongside. It's Alan Pardew so it's a given that he'll make a tactical left back substitution.

It was always going to be difficult for Riviere on his own up top. Whilst his final ball has looked uncultured his presence has improved as the match has progressed. That's obviously been encouraged by our collective improvement as a team. Impossible to judge him conclusively in a game this early or against such opposition so I'm simply looking for good indications.

Impressed by Cabella's physicality. If that was the biggest question mark against him then things look very promising.

Ouch, that hurts as we were playing quite well. Two central defenders pulled wide like that is always going to be dangerous if they can't close the ball down.

I Hope Cabella can maintain this level of interest and dynamism throughout the entire season.

"The presence of Mike Williamson in a game of this calibre gives hope to all lower league professionals" slander?

Yeah. This was a nice sleeper surprise. His comment could have been a weak inside joke?

I'm all for nostalgic glamourisation, but that's truly foul. The sponsorship is integrated well though.

He's not without his own injury problems too.

I'm pretty over the grey kit (looks like a training kit), but what's the deal with the blue and green abomination? It's in direct opposition to the principle rule of fashion. Blue and green should not be seen without a colour in between.

If there was a guarantee that Taylor would be fit for an extended period of time it would be an easier decision to include him.

That could explain why they've been trialing Abeid in a defensive midfield ball recycling role, and perhaps (if you were particularly cynical) why we've seen so little of Tiote this pre-season.

Somehow just saw this. WTF!

I am too, but I'm worried that they won't all be able to get the time on the pitch required to see the best of them. Nevermind. I'm sure once I see some of them play more, I'll be convinced they're no good and won't want them on the pitch! Problem solved.

Was about to post something similar HF. Typical of the club's short sighted short term approach to revenue. The image and profile of Newcastle United was admittedly on the decline before Ashley bought it, but it has accelerated at pace since. The one positive to this approach has been the somewhat sporadic ability to sniff out the purchase of good players at average player prices.

Obertan, the new Perchinho.

Are both to be loaned back? Saw an 'article' that suggested only Darlow (the keeper) would be loaned back?

Surely on the bench? We've got options in midfield but none like Remy (who aren't frozen out or young and unproven). I suspect it will be the usual suspects with De Jong if fit and Colback in midfield (Tiote, Sissoko, Gouffran).

Yes, but now his hand has been strengthened so he'll be able to change up areas other than left back!!! If we can't have a good manager can we at least have a sincere one.

Cop Out was so so bad.

It really is. More so when your transfer policy is built around developing young players to sell on for a profit.

Against Man City I think he will crowd thr midfield. Only one striker - that being Riviere who will be expected to drop back. Gouffran will be in there, and rightfully so. Hopefully we at least have some decent width as we'll need to.attack down the channels. I'd toss a coin between Williamson and Taylor for the other CB alongside Coloccini. If they only had to defend I'd choose Williamson, but in a game where it's likely that we'll have few chances I would not want to waste them by having Williamson involved. Haidara and Janmaat in the fullback positions, though I'm a little worried that Janmaat has seen no pre-season game time. If he's not ready I'd consider Anita there depending on who they're expected to play. Tiote and Colback anchoring the midfield. Colback has to prove himself and as such he should put the effort in. We'll need Tiote to be on top of his game. I think I'd start with Cabella on the right, De Jong in the middle, Gouffran on the left but I would give them licence to switch it up after 10. Cabella and Haidara could combine well down the left. Riviere to start up top.