The Official Newcastle United Thread

[The Beaver King]

We are in desperate need of a CM; we can't rely on Shelvey to create all of our chances and Hayden is more defensively minded.

No idea what we are going to do if Gayle ends up injured; I'm not sure we can rely on Mitro for a goal a game.

So annoyed about the Blackburn result. That game should have been over by halftime, we were absolutely dominating. Can't fault Blackburn though, they rode our attacks and made their chances count.

[ellroy]

Chance.

[ellroy]

Awful and another game to play as a result.

Rafa needs reinforcements.

[ellroy]

Oxford away if we get through the replay.

[fathomfive]

We need some creativity in midfield and some practice on crossing.

I think the patience is there but that cutting edge isn't yet.

[TX1]

9 mins extra time ???

[ellroy]

Stopped for 5 for the injury to Anita.

A needed victory given the last few games, but I hope the Cashley didn't spend all his dosh at Xmas as the cheque book definitely needs to open up now.

[TX1]

Was watching the update min by min on BBC sport and wondered what was up.

[fathomfive]

Hopefully Anita is ok but he apparently went off with his leg in a splint.

Fingers crossed Gayle isn't out for long.

A much needed win with Brighton losing.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

ellroy said:

Awful and another game to play as a result.

Rafa needs reinforcements.

I'd suggest a back up manager.

[ellroy]

Look, we all get it. You don't like Rafa.

However, we do, we also, despite reports to the contrary do not expect titles and cups each year, we just expect some effort. We also, in the main, accept that we're lucky to have a manager who's somehow managed to win the biggest prize in European football et al, must be lucky every time, eh? Oh, and by the way we do not give a toss for your continued sniping so go bother someone who cares.

[ellroy]

Can who ever has him please return the real Gouffran? His family are missing him.

What a performance from him tonight.

[andymc]

yup good crowd as well, team were so so but Birmingham stank

[TX1]

ellroy said:

Can who ever has him please return the real Gouffran? His family are missing him.

What a performance from him tonight.

I think Couffran had lost his way, might be a confidence thing or bad management decisions as I thought when both him and Sissoko arrived they played well at the very beginning.
Like him as he gets on with the game, no theatrics.

[The Surveyor]

ellroy said:

Can who ever has him please return the real Gouffran? His family are missing him.

What a performance from him tonight.

He's doing great but I think he's just found his level in the Champoinship. Hopefully he can retain his new-found confidence and show the same in the Premiership if we're promoted, hopefully.

[ellroy]

We do look a different proposition with Shelvey in the side, although this lot are heading down a level by the looks of things.

[skahigh]

Our style of play is steady, organised and patient, Shelvey sees passes that other players just don't see and he is the key to creating our chances.

Once we get ahead in games we generally don't look like surrendering that lead, it's when we struggle to get the first goal that we look most vulnerable.

[TX1]

Yes Shelvey makes all the difference, they tried man marking him throughout the game but his one touch passes were still finding the killer pass.
Just hope he does not lose his head again.

[castex]

Darlow, too, is playing outstandingly well. Getting across his area to stop the second shot whilst being taken out by his own defender was phenomenal.
Howay the Lads!

[ellroy]

Me and my lad called this yesterday.

We've never had a good result against Oxford in the cup since Noah was a nipper.

Concentrating on the league!

(Cashley, spend a few quid, now there's a good lad.)