Newcastle V Stoke/ 31st October / 3pm / SJP

[Andrew 4772]

If you only watched the first half you missed the saves for Sissokos rocket from in the box and Lascelles header, both excellent saves.

Think Mbemba had one as well? Can't remember

[Happy Face 29]

From my seat in line with Sissoko's shot to the top right corner I thought it was the save of the lot. He never had to dive across goal, but he had to get a stretched arm up and out and be strong enough to tip it round. Definitely not straight down his throat by any means.

[David Kelly 1245]

If you only watched the first half you missed the saves for Sissokos rocket from in the box and Lascelles header, both excellent saves.

 

Think Mbemba had one as well? Can't remember

I watched the second hald on the telly. We just didn't go back out to the stand.

[Anorthernsoul 1221]

Butland made some decent saves but the finishing just isn't good enough. We need more conviction in the box.

 

We've been crying out for a clinical goalscorer for a few seasons now, Mitrovic puts himself about but I just can't see him scoring on a regular basis. If we had a Cabaye type player in the middle who can pick a pass out then he would score more. Most of our attacks come from breaking away with pace, he isn't the quickest so he can't run in behind.

[David Kelly 1245]

Seeing a lot of this and think it's pretty harsh. Butlands' saves are (rightly imo) getting lots of praise from the magedia, the two 'keepers they had on Goals on Sunday spoke of them in glowing terms. 'Keeping isn't just about finger tip saves from thunderbolts, it's also incredibly important to take up the right positions. The reason a lot of the shots were in his range, is because he maneuvered himself into the right position.

I play in goal myself so I agree with what you say about positioning. The best keepers aren't the ones who make the best last ditch saves (same as the best defenders aren't the ones who make all the last ditch tackles or clearences off the line). I appreciate Butland ability but I still don't think he made a save that I woudln't have expected him to make. Mark Hughes (who's a cunt I can't stand but on this occassion I agree with him) said basically the same as me.

[David Kelly 1245]

Butland made some decent saves but the finishing just isn't good enough. We need more conviction in the box.

 

We've been crying out for a clinical goalscorer for a few seasons now, Mitrovic puts himself about but I just can't see him scoring on a regular basis. If we had a Cabaye type player in the middle who can pick a pass out then he would score more. Most of our attacks come from breaking away with pace, he isn't the quickest so he can't run in behind.

The only real clear chance he had was when he hit the post as far as I can remember. I think he will score goals but he needs better service than the over or under hit crosses we manage most of the time.

[Anorthernsoul 1221]

The only real clear chance he had was when he hit the post as far as I can remember. I think he will score goals but he needs better service than the over or under hit crosses we manage most of the time.

That's what I'm saying, with our current midfield he won't score many. We need a creative midfielder to supply him.

[David Kelly 1245]

That's what I'm saying, with our current midfield he won't score many. We need a creative midfielder to supply him.

I think proper wingers would probably do him better but yeah I basically agree.

[Dr Gloom 21959]

I watched the second hald on the telly. We just didn't go back out to the stand.

Couldn't resist the prawn sandwiches?

[David Kelly 1245]

Couldn't resist the prawn sandwiches?

The cheese board