Perez after his first Toon hat-trick. Like Brexit has distracted most people in the UK from other political issues, so talk of a certain takeover has dominated the minds of we Toon fans in recent weeks, including the stories in this ‘blog. However, in this piece I mean to put that right by concentrating on the notable improvement in form of Ayoze Perez in the latter part of last season, and why this might be.
To get straight to the point, until last season, Perez hardly ever played right wing in a Newcastle United shirt, he was primarily a second striker, occasionally filling in as a centre forward or left winger as needs must in a threadbare Ashley squad.
However, since around December of 2018, Rafa Benitez switched him to a new position on the right of a cosy threesome nestling behind Salomon Rondon and whilst his assist stats haven’t really changed, his goal stats have been transformed from mediocrity to world class levels. (more…)
Rondon: Should he stay or should he go? With the season coming to an end and no permanent deal being handed to Salomon Rondon, the only conclusion you can draw is that the Venezuelan won’t become a permanent signing at Newcastle. There is obviously room for this situation to change and Rondon’s future may depend on who owns Newcastle United, with talk of a summer takeover being suggested.
If one was to do a very hurried connecting of the dots then it’s possible to imagine a scenario where Rafa Benitez is hanging on to see if he will be given any substantial funds to spend over the summer, and if so, Rondon may not be needed anymore as the Spaniard looks for quality long-term signings rather than problem solvers. (more…)
Almiron – Early days. For many seasons Newcastle United fans have been urging owner Mike Ashley to splash the cash during the transfer window, and they finally got their wish in January 2019. The Magpies splurged on Atlanta United playmaker, Miguel Almiron, with the lively Paraguayan commanding a club-record fee of £21 million. He’s made an impressive start to life on Tyneside, with his work rate and productivity immediately endearing him to the Geordie faithful. He’s certainly helped Rafa’s men look sharper in the final third, but how does Almiron’s impact compare to the club’s previous record-signings? (more…)
Lascelles: Big mistake. Newcastle United are expected by the bookmakers to challenge for the top 10 this season – you can use this unibet bonus code to sign up – but they can do without off-field issues that keep cropping up with alarming regularity, such as the latest one involving the club captain.
In the wake of his signing a new extension on his contract, Magpies’ captain, Jamaal Lascelles severely damaged his reputation among fans, along with half the population of the world when he stated that Football is “a man’s game.” For this piece though, I will concentrate on his comments about Mike Ashley and the fans as this is a Newcastle United ‘blog, rather than a specialist on feminist issues!
Rondon: Disappointing so farTwo points from six games is a paltry return by any stretch of the imagination and it’s a situation that Newcastle United need to quickly resolve.
Much has been written about owner Mike Ashley’s lack of investment in the squad, but the Magpies still have plenty of talented players at their disposal.
With Saturday’s home game against Leicester City the ideal opportunity for Newcastle to get more points on the board, we look at who could be the difference makers this weekend.
