From the BBC: Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez speaking to Sky Sports on the late equaliser for Wolves: "These kind of balls you can do a little bit better, punch the ball. That’s it. It was not very clear watching the replay. It is something we have to defend better. We know it is England and people will come to the keeper. I was not happy with some decisions from the referee, but overall he was fine." Sounds like he's absolutely ****ing raging at Dubravka....
I don't think we're in any danger of relegation. We've beaten Man City and lost to late goals against Spurs and drawn at top form Wolves. Rafa teams always do better second half of the season. There's no way either Cardiff, Fulham or Huddersfield will better our results over the final 12. I actually think we'll end up above at least Brighton and Southampton too.
I beg to differ were in serious danger all the teams involved are picking up good results. If we lose to Huddersfield abd burnley were ****ed but at the same time 2 wins and ill agree with you....
Meant to wake up and watch this but slept in, not waking up till 5am so missed the whole thing. Disappointing to concede a late equaliser but an excellent away point against Wolves. Can I also just say that this thread is an early contender for match thread of the year. Lord Jonjomort, Geordie Ginola and Darren Peacocks Ponytail worked together more smoothly than our midfield ever do and Henley FC contributed well when he came on. SchlemBoogerman had his usual solid understated performance as well. My driver cant understand why I am in fits of laughter in the back of the car! Keep up the good work.
Not afoul for me. Not that bothered about the "extra" time either. About 20 secs before, however, we should have had a free kick and that annoys me as it was obvious one. End of the day Dubgoalie should have still just punched it clear.
Depends which BBC article your reading: "I didn't like the challenge at the end," said Magpies boss Benitez. "You have to protect the keeper. We have been here for years and it's still very difficult to explain that." When asked if Newcastle should have had a free-kick after Boly's challenge, the Spaniard added: "In England they don't understand the rules so you can say whatever you want to say."
Time was well up. Almiron was fouled. Probably wasn't a foul on Dubravka. He should have punched it. Oh well.
More ****e refereeing tonight from Lee Mason in the west Brom forest match. West Brom equalising from a pen that shouldn't have been given.
I think this is a key thing forgotten. Why Rafa removed Hayden is beyond me. This obsession too with throwing on Manquillo is weird. It always seems to unbalance us and cause issues. Hayden had a poor game bar the goal, and about 5mins after it he looked terrific because his tail was up. I understand he may have removed him on performance or may have felt he was tiring, but I just can't see any value of doing it when Rafa did. I agree he could have punched it. To be honest though he made the classic keeping mistake of trying to do it from a standing jump. As a keeper you have an advantage that you can bump into the attacking player without retribution. Therefore he should have got on the move instead of standing directly underneath it like that. If he jumps into him, punching or collecting, then I'm sure there is no goal. He gave Boly the advantage with how he approached it. A few have said they can't see what else he could have done? I just don't get that, there are loads of little things in that whole incident he could have done better. He literally picked the worst option. He just needs to work on on clearing out that situation. A keeper should always remember to get at least a knee or studs out in the air to create a bit of space around you when taking the ball. You know there is no way a penalty is given and players usually aren't brave enough to even bother challenging.
