Extended MOTD highlights of yesterday’s game between Newcastle united and Norwich at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
A sublime defence splitting pass from Hatem Ben Arfa, along with an excellent finish from Demba Ba in the 19th minute was the difference between the two sides. Norwich almost struck back on the counter after 27 minutes when Snodgrass’s head connected with Hoolahan’s left hand cross and the visitors would have scored had his effort not been headed off the line by Williamson. (more…)
A rather uninspiring match from both sides, with Newcastle seemingly having difficulties getting started in both halves and Chris Hughton seemingly still tinkering around with his new Norwich side somewhat as he try to find the right balance. However, once again it was moment of excellence from Ben Arfa in the form of a brilliant defence splitting pass to in form striker, Demba Ba, who finished it off with his usual composure. Something which wasn’t the case with his partner in crime, Papiss Cisse. His wildly off target penalty, won for a push on Mike Williamson by Steve Morison in the area just before half time is currently troubling satellites in the upper atmosphere!
Hughton bringing the Premiership back to Newcastle.Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle. Date: Sun, 23rd Sept. Kick off: 3:00pm Referee: Neil Swarbrick. UK TV: None.
Chris Hughton will make his first public appearance at St James’ Park since he managed a 1-1 draw for the Toon against Chelsea in November 2010.
We all know that shortly after that game, with the team standing in 11th place in the Premier League (after our one year sabbatical in the Championship) Messrs Ashley and Llambias showed Hughton the door to bring in a manager with much “greater experience” (i.e. their own man). Pardew, an unpopular choice as Hughton’s replacement, tried to make the most of his opportunity and said this week:
“Both of us could probably look each other in the eye and say we have done a decent job at Newcastle”. Maybe but…
Now is not the time to drag out the old “should he / shouldnt he” routine but lets hope that Chris, who led us back into the top flight at the first time of asking (accumulating 102 points along the way), as well as bringing Graham Carr to the club, is afforded the same reception as former manager Kevin Keegan experienced on his return with Manchester City all those years ago. (more…)
A disappointing stalemate. Whilst Maratimo displayed some good build up play and passes into the box from players such as Sami, as I predicted in my preview of the game, they couldn’t really have anyone who could supply a killer finish. Then again, neither did we! (more…)
