NUFC Blog on metro.co.ukMy latest blog on metro.co.uk is now published.
In my last piece on there I looked at Yohan Cabaye and Mike Williamson, and specifically, their perfomance against Liverpool in our last game. In this one however, I take a look at a player who was relegated to the bench in that game, Papiss Cisse. In the wake of his recent struggle for goals, I take a look at what Alan Pardew can do to help the Senegalese hitman get back on the scoresheet as often as he used to for Newcastle United.
Originally, it had the same title as this piece, however it is now called:
“We have got a side that needs to get a grip of a game,” then adding later:
“We’re one of those teams who are going to need to keep on our toes because we know we can drop a few levels quite quickly, but we hit a level today which was, perhaps, as good as I’ve seen, and that’s what we’re going to have to try and replicate for ninety minutes if we can.”
Though Pardew is undoubtedly correct in his assessment, I found it strange that he should raise the issue as if it had nothing to do with himself with his repeated switches to negative tactics whenever the Magpies go a goal or two in front, with the team often going from a position of dominance at half time, to either holding on desperately, or throwing away their early advantage with Pardew either running around his dugout area like Corporal Jones from ‘Dad’s Army,’ or doodling in his notepad. (more…)
Basically, it is my thoughts on the following exchange between two Newcastle United fans’ representatives (Phil Patterson and Chris Forster) with unnamed representatives of the club at the recent ‘Fans’ Forum’ meeting at St James’ Park.
In it I take a look at how Pardew, like a madman, seems to keep making the same tactical mistakes over and over again, always expecting a different result. It makes supporting Newcastle United like ‘Groundhog day.’ I also take a look at a few other things too, but I’ll leave that for you to find out. In hindsight though, I did omit to mention another Pardew tradition, bizarre substitutions, a tradition which goes way back in his career and if you don’t believe me, ask a West Ham or Charlton fan! Of course, I am referring to his decision to throw on Cheick Tiote and leave Sammy Ameobi on the bench when the side were 2-3 down with five minutes to go and the Magpies desperately needed a goal, but there you go.
NUFC Blog on metro.co.ukMy latest piece on metro.co.uk was published earlier today.
It is my usual look back at some of the talking points from the weekend’s game, so of course, this one takes a look at Newcastle United’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday and is called:
