I want a squad this bigAlan Pardew reflects on Newcastle United’s defeat at Anfield, suggesting where we failed and what can be done to improve matters next season.
I thought we were pretty rubbish against Liverpool (who were also fairly rubbish themselves IMHO) except for about 20 minutes after the first goal, although I do tend to agree with Pardew that we were still in with a slight chance until the second goal went in. Pardew said:
“I thought the second goal was crucial in the game because after a fast start by Liverpool where they got the goal, we played well in that period and we took the emphasis away from Liverpool in terms of their exuberance and their movement.
“We kept the ball, we were patient, we couldn’t quite find that moment from a set play or a cross to get ourselves a goal before half time, but straight after we had a chance with Joey and normally I would expect him to score that.
“It was everything, the second goal, and unfortunately for us, Williamson has made a mistake that has cost us a goal, albeit outside of the box by the looks of it.”
I get the impression that Pardew wasn’t too happy with Williamson’s mistake and feels it may have cost us the match. He may be right. (more…)
Liverpool 3 - 0 Newcastle UnitedOn a warm Sunday in the North-West in what seemed like little more than a training ground game, Newcastle came away with nothing.
The game started with the air of a bit of a stroll for both teams.
With Newcastle sporting the white away strip, I had a distinct feeling of foreboding about this match.
We started off with a corner to no avail. It took until the 10th minute for anything resembling football to happen, but when it did, it was a bit of quick passing by Liverpool that ended in a shot by Rodriguez that hit Danny Simpson on the elbow and deflected passed a diving Tim Krul into the net.
1 – 0
It took at least another 10 minutes before we had any meaningful play by Newcastle. But when they did string a few passes together we looked the better team, forcing a series of corners and set plays. Jonas was worrying the kid they had at RB (Flaneghan), who had to foul him and ended up yellow carded. Yet we still hadn’t really managed any decent attempt on goal from open play. (more…)
Can we do the double over Liverpool?Newcastle United head off to Anfield in the hope of doing the double over a resurgent Liverpool.
Let’s face it, it’s going to be hard work to take points off Liverpool as, under Dalglish, they’re making a good fist of pushing for European qualification. Realistically, a top 4 finish is beyond them but they could yet nick the 5th spot from Spurs.
If our form is tip-top I think we can make a good game of it, but anything less could mean a miserable time for our lads.
Two seasons ago Joey Barton got sent off at Anfield, which led to a bit of a tiff between him and then manager Alan Shearer. Alan Pardew insists that Joey is a different man under him though:
“You have to see how players react under your guidance – and I can’t fault Joey under mine.
“And knowing Joey, I don’t think it will prey on his mind. I think he’s strong enough to put it to one side.” (more…)
Anfield awaits the mighty Magpies!With just four games left to play, Newcastle United visit Anfield to play Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool.
It’s destination Anfield for the Toon on Sunday as we take on a Liverpool side revitalised by the arrival of Kenny Dalglish.
It will be a tough game and our record isn’t particularly good at Anfield. I certainly think we have the ability to take points off Liverpool – even a Liverpool that has had much improved performances since the arrival of their Messiah – but it depends upon which team turns up on the day. We could just as easily get hammered if our attitude and form is having an off-day.
Ahead of the game, manager Alan Pardew has been rallying the troops:
“Liverpool have great options and will be a big, strong team challenging for honours next season.
“We want to compete with them and it will be a good showcase for my players to show that they should be here next year competing against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.(more…)
They're out to get usAlan Pardew remonstrates against the media for trying to embarrass Newcastle United with Sunday’s live fixture.
Alan Pardew has been having a pop at TV broadcasters over what he sees as an attempt to embarrass the club at the hands of Liverpool after they secured the services of Andy Carroll.
Pardew said:
“You could argue this game was scheduled for live broadcast so that it would be an embarrassment for us, with Andy Carroll playing for Liverpool and us not being safe.
“We are safe, but having said that we are still as eager as ever to play the game.
“There is still a lot to play for in these last four games for us.” (more…)
