Newcastle v West Ham

[Andrew 4748]

Good post that PL I agree with it largely though I don't expect to see any of our bigger names going in Jan.

 

More worried about santon tbh, one of the few in consistently good form, back in the Italy squad, still young and can play either fullback spot, I can see a few teams wanting him.

[Happy Face 29]

This is the thing...most on here weren't predicting a return to the top 5 and as far back as the end of last season due to the rigours of the Europa League (and a lot were happy enough with that tbh, look at the various predictions back then) so I think CT's wummer comments are a bit of a joke tbh. Not that Pardew (rightly) used Europe as an excuse...he's rotated the squad well enough. Add to that other traditional knee-jerk comments about getting rid of Pardew from the usual suspect(s) and you'd think we were in Sothamptons posistion and not bimbling along in mid table.

 

Pardew's tactics this season are questionable, thats unarguable, but as we said yesterday, we regularly got into good enough posistions to create real oppurtunities but fucked up the final ball. And anyone expecting to see an NUFC side play like Keegans 1990s side in 2012 is living on another planet. We didnt do that last season either, we relied largely on brilliant runs of form from Ba,HBA and Cisse. Pardew is a pragmatist and demands safety first, thats why HBA couldnt get into the team last season until he bucked his ideas up defensively, and getting now forgotten compliments from many on here for the way he handled that. And he's got an 8 year contract so all those showering him with praise last season and annhilating him this need to have a think about it.

 

One thing thats plain as day for me though is that some of the top performers from last season dont look interested this season. I think a lot of heads have been turned. This is a trrue test of Pardew's ability as a manager. Redknapp acheived 4th last season from a similar posistion and set of circumstances so we'll see if Pardew can get the likes of Cabaye and Cisse firing again. Or maybe we'll see one or two of them go in January.

 

Without Coloccini and Tiote too. The story of their seasons are huge.

[Happy Face 29]

 

Was that aimed at Mike Ashley btw?

[Christmas Tree 4725]

This is the thing...most on here weren't predicting a return to the top 5 and as far back as the end of last season due to the rigours of the Europa League (and a lot were happy enough with that tbh, look at the various predictions back then) so I think CT's wummer comments are a bit of a joke tbh. Not that Pardew (rightly) used Europe as an excuse...he's rotated the squad well enough. Add to that other traditional knee-jerk comments about getting rid of Pardew from the usual suspect(s) and you'd think we were in Sothamptons posistion and not bimbling along in mid table.

 

Pardew's tactics this season are questionable, thats unarguable, but as we said yesterday, we regularly got into good enough posistions to create real oppurtunities but fucked up the final ball. And anyone expecting to see an NUFC side play like Keegans 1990s side in 2012 is living on another planet. We didnt do that last season either, we relied largely on brilliant runs of form from Ba,HBA and Cisse. Pardew is a pragmatist and demands safety first, thats why HBA couldnt get into the team last season until he bucked his ideas up defensively, and getting now forgotten compliments from many on here for the way he handled that. And he's got an 8 year contract so all those showering him with praise last season and annhilating him this need to have a think about it.

 

One thing thats plain as day for me though is that some of the top performers from last season dont look interested this season. I think a lot of heads have been turned. This is a trrue test of Pardew's ability as a manager. Redknapp acheived 4th last season from a similar posistion and set of circumstances so we'll see if Pardew can get the likes of Cabaye and Cisse firing again. Or maybe we'll see one or two of them go in January.

 

Thats a cover all bases response.

 

The reason we should be "hovering" over the panic button is simply because of the players we have, playing the way they are. Nobody would be too fussed getting beat and playing decent football, giving it a go etc. But we just look so lack of any ideas or inspiration from anywhere.

 

At times yesterday, Big Sams West Ham were passing it around like a top four team while we were simply chasing shadows.

 

When you combine players who are disinterested, confidence shot and a manager who seems unable to change things, you are in danger of a downward spiral setting in. While we may not get dragged into a relegation battle, all the ingredients are currently there.

[Park Life 71]

Before a ball was kicked I said we'd come 12th, the same as I said we'd come 5th last season. As soon as the season started and the transfer window closed, you could sense that it all seemed broken, the momentum lost, and without wishing to sound like a broken record, the man squarely to blame is Mike "Fat Bastard Scumbag Barrowboy" Ashley. I'm by no means suggesting Debuchy and another would've made us world beaters, but they would've continued the progress, from signing Fitz Hall 2 and a half years ago, to signing a world class full back. I appreciate they are businessmen, and get good deals, but £6m for someone of his calibre is hardly pushing the boat out. That is the fundamental problem is what we didn't do, and being patronised by the yes man that is Pardew about being "fankfuw to Mike" for NOT SELLING Tiote, and other players is just incredible. Yes be thankful to Mike for not building on 5th place and especially thankful for him not ripping our squad to bits. Arseholes. I could sense it was fucked August 18th, and the system we were using with Ba on the right really worked, but it seems to me Pards hasn't got the balls to piss Demba off by returning to the 433 with Cisse in the middle. It was working well, we were deservedly getting results instead of fluking them, and we have not played really well in one of our 18 games this season.

 

West Ham are shite, they are a nothing club with owners who will pay decent fees and wages to get players who are above their level, but they are still shite. Fat Sam for all his faults, given time, organises sides to the point where they are hard to beat. The defensive shape of West Ham yesterday was faultless, we'd get past one, there was somebody there, but we should still have the quality and energy to combat this, but it's just not there. We are so static it is unbelievable, there is such little movement, we just don't move off the ball. Our defensive rigid formation is fine when we're not conceding, but we're on the back of a 3-0 home defeat, a 2-2 draw with a team who have lost 5 of their last 6 (the one they didn't lose was against us, and they lost 6-1 yesterday) and the luckiest most undeserved win we've had at home in years against WBA. Because there is such a lack of fluidity the way we are playing, we rely on one of two things, long balls up to Shola or Ba to flick on (see opening goal against WBA), set pieces which we're shite at anyway imo, and Ben Arfa conjuring up a bit of magic. It's shit. Pards has proven a more than competent manager so far so he must be able to see why it's not happening and do something about it.

 

The crowd don't help neither, I think Ashley has sucked the life out of the stadium, but we have 10,000 people who get behind the side on occasion, and 40,000 mutes who are too boring or too inhibited to stand up and roar them on.

 

Agree with all of it.

[Happy Face 29]

While we may not get dragged into a relegation battle

 

 

Said as if it's more than likely.

 

We've already played 6 of the top 7 and sit 10th.

 

Awful performance yesterday we should have won. would be disappointed if we take less than 8 points from Swansea, Stoke, Southampton and Wigan though.

[Christmas Tree 4725]

 

I didn't expect you to be too harsh on your Shane, but saying he was one of our top 2 performers is utter drivel.

 

Total Crosses and Accurate crosses...

 

Yohan Cabaye 8 5

Hatem Ben Arfa 6 1

Demba Ba 2 1

Danny Simpson 4 1

Shane Ferguson 7 0

 

For all your claims of him solving the problems we have getting good balls into the box he was a total failure yesterday.

 

His passing was good, but he hardly saw any of the ball. You could make the argumet that this is a seniority thing and he was a less used option. Personally I thought he wasn't finding the space he should have.

 

I dont actually disagree with a lot of what you said. The bit that impressed me about him in an overall torrid team performance was I thought he was closing players down and winning tackles. In particular he did this quite a few times in the second half where as other players were backing off consistently.

 

His passing was good and he didnt lose the ball and he did slip in a couple of nice forward balls around the box for Santon and others to run onto.

 

Overall I was frustrated because quite a bit of his positioning was like watching Jonas. Rather than being on the wing waiting for the ball he seemed more of an inside left more defensive position. I put that down to managers set up instructions. I also agree with you that quite often the likes of Staylor and others chose more forward balls and ignored the ball to the left.

 

A pretty desperate team performance all in all.

[Alex 35079]

Hand on heart, given the way we've been playing etc., I bet not too many were surprised one bit about yesterday.

[McFaul 35]

 

Said as if it's more than likely.

 

We've already played 6 of the top 7 and sit 10th.

 

Awful performance yesterday we should have won. would be disappointed if we take less than 8 points from Swansea, Stoke, Southampton and Wigan though.

At least two of the top 7 won't be top 7 though.

[Park Life 71]

Think Pards is beginning to feel the cosh and expectations of a big club. His pacing and constant barracking on the touchline were very revealing yesterday. He looked miffed, puzzled and confused. One point shouted, "Get on the fahking ball Ben"!! I guess this was directed at Hatem.

 

This negative footprint (static positions and lack of movement), hit it long to two identical forwards (getting in each others way) is a crime against football. It's architect solely to blame. The post match chat is becoming bizzarre.

The whole posture of the side (bar Hatem and Ba) is looking lacklustre and desperate - we don't go at sides at home and put fear into them (West Ham are a mirror of us).

 

I want to see trust and truth and honesty. Pards might still dig this out.

 

Daddydice showed Babbydice what it's all about.

N.O. is I'd say 2 weeks from the Pardew out thread.

Edited November 12, 2012 by Park Life

[Alex 35079]

J69's summary was fair. We squandered chance after chance in the final third; personally I thought we were unlucky not to get anything. Also thought WH were better than any team Allerdyce put out for us mind; luckily Carroll didn't have the heart for this match actually.

 

The way some arm chair pundits are going on is pathetic though. We've been poor this season and we're poor today. We'll get better though. I can't see us doing much in the league tbh and who gives a shit if you're 8th or 14th? I hope we concentrate on the cups.

Totally agree with this. Stevie's assessment is spot on as well. And fair play to Nolan for his muted celebration. Can we change the subject now?

[Christmas Tree 4725]

Hand on heart, given the way we've been playing etc., I bet not too many were surprised one bit about yesterday.

 

I wasnt. I spent ages yesterday morning deciding whether to go or not and the thought of a few Erdingers tipped the balance.

 

Also I nice pre match omlette in Soho and post match Tapas in El Coto helped ease the pain.

[Christmas Tree 4725]

Think Pards is beginning to feel the cosh and expectations of a big club. His pacing and constant barracking on the touchline were very revealing yesterday. He looked miffed, puzzled and confused. One point shouted, "Get on the fahking ball Ben"!! I guess this was directed at Hatem.

 

This negative footprint (static positions and lack of movement), hit it long to two identical forwards (getting in each others way) is a crime against football. It's architect solely to blame. The post match chat is becoming bizzarre.

The whole posture of the side (bar Hatem and Ba) is looking lacklustre and desperate - we don't go at sides at home and put fear into them (West Ham are a mirror of us).

 

I want to see trust and truth and honesty. Pards might still dig this out.

 

Daddydice showed Babbydice what it's all about.

N.O. is I'd say 2 weeks from the Pardew out thread.

 

Indeed

[Gemmill 44864]

Also I nice pre match omlette in Soho and post match Tapas in El Coto helped ease the pain.

 

Didn't help ease the increasing strain on your jeans' top button though. Still hanging the belly over your 34s?

[Park Life 71]

Pards has to jiggle his balls and tell Ba to play inside left. I have no worries about Cisse he's a career 1 in 2 man.

[Christmas Tree 4725]

Didn't help ease the increasing strain on your jeans' top button though. Still hanging the belly over your 34s?

 

Had a weigh in this morning and all was not lost. I'll save it for the relevant thread though.

[Park Life 71]

34 is different depending on the trouser though. It's what I tell Mrs P.

[McFaul 35]

Think Pards is beginning to feel the cosh and expectations of a big club. His pacing and constant barracking on the touchline were very revealing yesterday. He looked miffed, puzzled and confused. One point shouted, "Get on the fahking ball Ben"!! I guess this was directed at Hatem.

 

This negative footprint (static positions and lack of movement), hit it long to two identical forwards (getting in each others way) is a crime against football. It's architect solely to blame. The post match chat is becoming bizzarre.

The whole posture of the side (bar Hatem and Ba) is looking lacklustre and desperate - we don't go at sides at home and put fear into them (West Ham are a mirror of us).

 

I want to see trust and truth and honesty. Pards might still dig this out.

 

Daddydice showed Babbydice what it's all about.

N.O. is I'd say 2 weeks from the Pardew out thread.

N.O. is about as representative of Newcastle fans view, as Gary Glitter is of the RSPCC.

 

The rest is spot on, lacklustre and desperate are two words which sum our season up. Before yesterday the head in sand brigade were pointing out that it hasn't been too bad because we've only lost to the European Champions, and side who have won 4 of the last 6 league titles, they can't even say that now.

 

Our tactic at set pieces as well seems to be, "when you put the baww in the box, aim for Wiwwo" he doesn't even win half of them, he never ever fucking scores, yet this really seems to be the policy.

Edited November 12, 2012 by McFaul

[Christmas Tree 4725]

Current form table.

 

Had that mis hit shot, not deflected in off Cisses arse, then we would be bottom three.

[PaddockLad 17255]

Thats a cover all bases response.

 

The reason we should be "hovering" over the panic button is simply because of the players we have, playing the way they are. Nobody would be too fussed getting beat and playing decent football, giving it a go etc. But we just look so lack of any ideas or inspiration from anywhere.

 

At times yesterday, Big Sams West Ham were passing it around like a top four team while we were simply chasing shadows.

 

When you combine players who are disinterested, confidence shot and a manager who seems unable to change things, you are in danger of a downward spiral setting in. While we may not get dragged into a relegation battle, all the ingredients are currently there.

 

When you were claiming that everything was rosey in the garden last season could you not see it was one or two players pulling us along?...theyre not doing it this season for whatever reasons, and now we're likely relegation fodder? Am not buying it CT, the same way I didn't buy into your evangelism of all things Ashley/Pardew last season. I understand you're paying good money for awful performances and that gives you every right to state you're case but I think you're over-egging it. It wasnt as good as you claimed last season and its not as bad (overall, the performances are awful) this season.

[Park Life 71]

N.O. is about as representative of Newcastle fans view, as Gary Glitter is of the RSPCC.

 

The rest is spot on, lacklustre and desperate are two words which sum our season up. Before yesterday the head in sand brigade were pointing out that it hasn't been too bad because we've only lost to the European Champions, and side who have won 4 of the last 6 league titles, they can't even say that now.

 

Our tactic at set pieces as well seems to be, "when you put the baww in the box, aim for Wiwwo" he doesn't even win half of them, he never ever fucking scores, yet this really seems to be the policy.

 

Our set pieces are dross. Looks like whoever is working on them (it's not Pards cause he only does defence) is seriously having a giggle.

 

Maybe we need a proper attakcing coach? Last year it was revealed Carver gets one day to work on attacking options and Pards has the rest of the week.

Edited November 12, 2012 by Park Life

[McFaul 35]

http://www.themag.co.uk/the-mag-articles/lack-of-investment-costly-for-nufc/?

 

Posted 8 minutes ago. Clearly just read what I wrote half an hour ago.

[Park Life 71]

Basics are wrong tho aren't they? Why play 442 without proper wingers who can beat a man on the outside.

 

Why play a midfield two who are locked down firefighting when Cabaye has spent his whole career getting forward at key moments?

 

 

Shane is a million miles from being ready which is not his fault. He can do some damage in the last 10-15 min against a tired defence but his game isn't at that level where he can be relied on for half a dozen good balls into the box.

Edited November 12, 2012 by Park Life

[PaddockLad 17255]

Before a ball was kicked I said we'd come 12th, the same as I said we'd come 5th last season. As soon as the season started and the transfer window closed, you could sense that it all seemed broken, the momentum lost, and without wishing to sound like a broken record, the man squarely to blame is Mike "Fat Bastard Scumbag Barrowboy" Ashley. I'm by no means suggesting Debuchy and another would've made us world beaters, but they would've continued the progress, from signing Fitz Hall 2 and a half years ago, to signing a world class full back. I appreciate they are businessmen, and get good deals, but £6m for someone of his calibre is hardly pushing the boat out. That is the fundamental problem is what we didn't do, and being patronised by the yes man that is Pardew about being "fankfuw to Mike" for NOT SELLING Tiote, and other players is just incredible. Yes be thankful to Mike for not building on 5th place and especially thankful for him not ripping our squad to bits. Arseholes. I could sense it was fucked August 18th, and the system we were using with Ba on the right really worked, but it seems to me Pards hasn't got the balls to piss Demba off by returning to the 433 with Cisse in the middle. It was working well, we were deservedly getting results instead of fluking them, and we have not played really well in one of our 18 games this season.

 

West Ham are shite, they are a nothing club with owners who will pay decent fees and wages to get players who are above their level, but they are still shite. Fat Sam for all his faults, given time, organises sides to the point where they are hard to beat. The defensive shape of West Ham yesterday was faultless, we'd get past one, there was somebody there, but we should still have the quality and energy to combat this, but it's just not there. We are so static it is unbelievable, there is such little movement, we just don't move off the ball. Our defensive rigid formation is fine when we're not conceding, but we're on the back of a 3-0 home defeat, a 2-2 draw with a team who have lost 5 of their last 6 (the one they didn't lose was against us, and they lost 6-1 yesterday) and the luckiest most undeserved win we've had at home in years against WBA. Because there is such a lack of fluidity the way we are playing, we rely on one of two things, long balls up to Shola or Ba to flick on (see opening goal against WBA), set pieces which we're shite at anyway imo, and Ben Arfa conjuring up a bit of magic. It's shit. Pards has proven a more than competent manager so far so he must be able to see why it's not happening and do something about it.

 

The crowd don't help neither, I think Ashley has sucked the life out of the stadium, but we have 10,000 people who get behind the side on occasion, and 40,000 mutes who are too boring or too inhibited to stand up and roar them on.

 

Thats the key, things are plainly not as they were last season. I think managing expectations is important too though, and Europe was bound to have an effect with Ashley's transfer policy. We don't get the players we need until the deal's right, and if its not it doesnt go ahead. I think the Debuchy thing was down to Lille largely though, the the players comments last week. They didnt want to sell him to us.

[ewerk 30602]

I can’t tell you how much I hate the fact we always play so rubbish against Allardyce’s teams. He was a terrible manager for us but always comes here and embarrasses us…aaarrggghhhhhh!

 

The Pulitzer is in the post.