Who will replace them?Newcastle United’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea pales into insignificance compared to the prospect of playing without Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor.
I’m not particularly worried about the 0-3 scoreline on Saturday. Things didn’t go our way with the sending off that didn’t happen, the loss of Coloccini early on then Taylor near the end of the game and the infernal woodwork that saved Chelsea on a number of occasions.
That’s not to say that Chelsea weren’t threatening – they were – but on another day I could have seen us get a draw from that game, or at least only lose to a scoreline that was more reflective of the game than 0-3. I think what I’m trying to say is that we certainly weren’t completely outclassed or anything like that.
Looking ahead, though, what is worrying is our extensive injury list, particularly in the defensive region. (more…)
It's three fingers Mike.Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle. Date: Saturday 3rd Dec, 2011. Kick-off: 12.45pm. Referee: Mike Dean.
Newcastle made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Old Trafford last weekend, with the suspended Jonas Gutierrez replaced by Peter Lovenkrands. For the 13th time this season, Newcastle United were able to field the same defence that has conceded the joint lowest total of goals so far in the Premier League (12).
Frank Lampard returned to the Chelsea midfield, in place of Raul Meireles, who dropped to the bench. This was the Blues only change, with striker Fernando Torres again having to settle for a place on the bench. Danger man Sturridge was chosen to play wide right with Drogba and Mata completing the front three.
The players took to the field in front of a full house at SJP and joined in with the crowd of 52,305 for a rousing minute of applause for Gary Speed. Newcastle coach John Carver was clearly upset as he had worked with Gary as recently as last season when they were at Sheffield United together. Incidentally Speed scored his first goal for Newcastle in this corresponding fixture in 1998 which ended in a 3-1 defeat of Chelsea. (more…)
Highlights of Newcastle United’s early kickoff against Chelsea, where we were desperately unlucky not to see Chelsea’s Luiz sent off in the first half.
There was also further bad luck with the Magpies losing their two main centre backs. Firstly, Captain Coloccini in the first half, then Steven Taylor later in the game; to say they will be missed would be an understatement. Judging by the post match interview with Pardew (see below) though, it seems that Taylor might be worse than Coloccini, and the permed one may not be out for too long, so fingers crossed on that one.
After Didier Drogba scored a headed goal, we then had to leave ourselves open somewhat to chase their lead, eventually going down by three goals after a deflected strike by Solomon Kalou and a third goal by Daniel Sturridge much later in in the game. We did have some chances of our own though and the three goal margin was somewhat deceptive. We were very unlucky with the Luiz decision, but we have ridden our luck sometimes this season ourselves, and I suppose that a bit of bad luck going against us had to come at some time. (more…)
A date with Alex "Chuckles" Ferguson awaits.Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester. Date: Saturday 26 November, 2011 Kick-off: 3.00pm. Referee: Mike Jones (replaces Phil Dowd).
Well, it’s almost time for the second of Newcastle United’s triumvirate of clashes against “the big guns” of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. Like the last one, we will also face the further disadvantage of playing away in the hostile environment of Manchester United’s “Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford.
Stats, previous matches etc…
Much like our previous Manchester opponents last week, our recent record against Manchester United at their place is rather dire unfortunately. We haven’t won at Old Trafford for over 39 years. In the days when Supermac’s sideburns were growing ever bigger, we managed 2-0 victory in February 1972. Our last victory at St James’ Park was a glorious 4-3 victory under Bobby Robson in September 2001. In our last six games at Old Trafford we have lost five, but did manage to scrape a 1-1 draw in our opening game of the 2008/09 season. (more…)
De Jong just making absolutely sure he maims Ben ArfaVenue: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester. Date: Sat 19th November, 2011. Kick-off: 3.00pm. Referee: Chris Foy (Linesmen: D Bryan & D.C.Richards).
Don’t forget that as usual, we will also be doing our usual “what the managers have been saying” review in the run up to the game, and also our regular “match banter” feature where you can make comments, share good streams for the game etc while the match is in progress. This should be going up around and hour before the kick off. Also as usual, we shall also be posting our report of the game some time after.
Well, it’s all gone quite swimmingly for Newcastle United so far, even against contenders such as Arsenal and Tottenham where we departed with honourable draws. However, the next three games (Man City, Man United and Chelsea) could well be reality check time, starting with this one away against table-topping, moneybags Manchester City.
