BringBack_leGin
Well-Known Member
- Jul 28, 2004
- 27,719
- 54,929
I’m still the length of a football match away from my front door so, regardless of performance, I’m just glad we won. I lost my voice tonight, and given the shocking turnout from our ‘supporters’ for a must win match I’m pretty sure those on the pitch could hear my every rant and rave.
It’s been a stressful season, we’ve not performed as well as last season and the quality of football has dipped, but if at the start of this season you’d have offered me champions league qualification with our second highest premier league points total, an FA cup semi final and a decent showing in the champions league I’d have taken it. Ultimately, I’m satisfied with the season, I’d say this is par for expectations, above where we have any right to be given our inferior resources compared to five other clubs, but below where I’m dreaming of obviously. Factor in the adaptation to Wembley and the season has been a success. Make no mistake about it, this is the most competitive league in the world, there are six sides who would have a great chance of winning every other league bar Spain, and we are well and truly a top club now.
I grew up through Gerry Francis, Christian Gross, George Graham and Glenn Hoddle. Until 2006 I’d not seen us finish even in the top six (my memory goes back to roughly klinsmanns first spell). Now I’ve not seen us finish below 6th in nine seasons, five of those in the top four, three times consecutively with this manager and by Sunday potentially a third consecutive top three finish too. Even limping over the line, I’m delighted.
Lloris was my man of the match because without him we are behind at half time. Mainly routine save, one great save from the header. One slip which he still recovered from to catch the ball and decent distribution, he came through when it mattered after a rough season.
Trippier redeemed himself somewhat by risking life and limb to save us in the box but his poorly timed forward runs, poor touches and lack of cohesion with those around him seemed like it could be our undoing. All Newcastle’s must threatening moments emanated from his side.
Sanchez was skinned alive by Murphy once and was lucky it didn’t cost us, but otherwise he was composed, good in the air and strong in the tackle.
Vertonghen actually wasn’t at his best in my opinion, one very clumsy header early on nearly gifted Newcastle a goal and he lost the ball dangerously more than once.
Davies was uninspiring in attack, poor delivery, but did link relatively well with the forwards. Fine in defence.
Wanyama, one horrible pass aside, played pretty well, some good passes and held the ball nicely. Strong in the tackle, I hope he was just shattered.
Sissoko was okay, limited yes but he was actually more purposeful than most and tried to drive us forward, while defensively he put the yards in and then some.
Eriksen’s radar was a touch off but his effort was immense and but for him playing three positions at once we’d have lost control of this game. Our best outlet and took responsibility all over the pitch.
Son was dreadful, awful touch, poor decisions, weak on the ball. Thankfully he had his head up to give the ball back to Kane for the goal.
Dele wasn’t too much better, he was indecisive too often when he had the chance to make something happen and he fluffed a gift of a chance. He did work his arse off though, helped the defence and was one of the few breaking forward with the ball when our backs were up against the wall at the end.
Kane didn’t lack for effort, he harried and proved all game, he played a few good passes and he took one clever free kick. His touch was dreadful though and he really looked short of some pace and finesse. Scored a great finish when it mattered though and that’s why we’ve qualified for the champions league. 4 goals in his last 6 league games... not bad for someone on poor form.
Lamela did well, unlucky not to assist Rose with a great pass, used his skill to keep the ball high up the pitch and got his mandatory booking.
Alderweireld got the biggest cheer of the night. We’ll miss him.
Rose should have scored but sadly his right foot is for standing on.
The crowd were the worst performers. Booing the players off at half time? 30,000 odd empty seats? Getting on the players backs constantly? Dickheads. They should be sent to the slaughterhouse and made into dog food. We’ve achieved this season in spite of the support, not because of it. Imagine thinking we have it bad... you’d think we’d just watched West Bromwich for a year.
It’s been a stressful season, we’ve not performed as well as last season and the quality of football has dipped, but if at the start of this season you’d have offered me champions league qualification with our second highest premier league points total, an FA cup semi final and a decent showing in the champions league I’d have taken it. Ultimately, I’m satisfied with the season, I’d say this is par for expectations, above where we have any right to be given our inferior resources compared to five other clubs, but below where I’m dreaming of obviously. Factor in the adaptation to Wembley and the season has been a success. Make no mistake about it, this is the most competitive league in the world, there are six sides who would have a great chance of winning every other league bar Spain, and we are well and truly a top club now.
I grew up through Gerry Francis, Christian Gross, George Graham and Glenn Hoddle. Until 2006 I’d not seen us finish even in the top six (my memory goes back to roughly klinsmanns first spell). Now I’ve not seen us finish below 6th in nine seasons, five of those in the top four, three times consecutively with this manager and by Sunday potentially a third consecutive top three finish too. Even limping over the line, I’m delighted.
Lloris was my man of the match because without him we are behind at half time. Mainly routine save, one great save from the header. One slip which he still recovered from to catch the ball and decent distribution, he came through when it mattered after a rough season.
Trippier redeemed himself somewhat by risking life and limb to save us in the box but his poorly timed forward runs, poor touches and lack of cohesion with those around him seemed like it could be our undoing. All Newcastle’s must threatening moments emanated from his side.
Sanchez was skinned alive by Murphy once and was lucky it didn’t cost us, but otherwise he was composed, good in the air and strong in the tackle.
Vertonghen actually wasn’t at his best in my opinion, one very clumsy header early on nearly gifted Newcastle a goal and he lost the ball dangerously more than once.
Davies was uninspiring in attack, poor delivery, but did link relatively well with the forwards. Fine in defence.
Wanyama, one horrible pass aside, played pretty well, some good passes and held the ball nicely. Strong in the tackle, I hope he was just shattered.
Sissoko was okay, limited yes but he was actually more purposeful than most and tried to drive us forward, while defensively he put the yards in and then some.
Eriksen’s radar was a touch off but his effort was immense and but for him playing three positions at once we’d have lost control of this game. Our best outlet and took responsibility all over the pitch.
Son was dreadful, awful touch, poor decisions, weak on the ball. Thankfully he had his head up to give the ball back to Kane for the goal.
Dele wasn’t too much better, he was indecisive too often when he had the chance to make something happen and he fluffed a gift of a chance. He did work his arse off though, helped the defence and was one of the few breaking forward with the ball when our backs were up against the wall at the end.
Kane didn’t lack for effort, he harried and proved all game, he played a few good passes and he took one clever free kick. His touch was dreadful though and he really looked short of some pace and finesse. Scored a great finish when it mattered though and that’s why we’ve qualified for the champions league. 4 goals in his last 6 league games... not bad for someone on poor form.
Lamela did well, unlucky not to assist Rose with a great pass, used his skill to keep the ball high up the pitch and got his mandatory booking.
Alderweireld got the biggest cheer of the night. We’ll miss him.
Rose should have scored but sadly his right foot is for standing on.
The crowd were the worst performers. Booing the players off at half time? 30,000 odd empty seats? Getting on the players backs constantly? Dickheads. They should be sent to the slaughterhouse and made into dog food. We’ve achieved this season in spite of the support, not because of it. Imagine thinking we have it bad... you’d think we’d just watched West Bromwich for a year.
