My thoughts on the match - More interesting than HMT's - Guaranteed

What a game. As usual, once we're the underdogs, we pull out all the stops to win. And as a televised game, it allowed plenty of people, fans of other teams, to watch us put in a performance which proves why we're 3rd in the league at the moment.

And best of all.... we didn't even need Tiote to do it! Guthrie stepped up brilliantly. We must keep this guy as CM cover.

The tactics

Our win was due to Pardew's tactics today. They were utter genius.

1). Getting a player to keep inbetween Krul and his marker with outstretched arms. Then, when the corner ball was kicked in, Krul pushed the Newcastle player who then moved the marker, creating a gap which the marker didn't have time to cover before the ball reached the box.

2). Pardew knew that Stoke's passing game was poor, so players didn't have to be spread out so much, and this allowed them to hunt in packs. As soon as Pennant had the ball, two (or even three) toon player swamped him, out muscled him and got it back.

3). We did what we all wanted us to do. Keep the ball on the floor and play our passing game, and it worked. We didn't try to adjust ourselves to Stoke's style of play like last year, we stuck to our guns and got Stoke to adjust their own style of play to try and defeat us.

4). You could tell that Jonas was marked for defensive duties today, and I'm not surprised as Pennant looked the most threatening.

I'm not sure about Pardew's substitutions (yet again, whilst his tactics are superb, his subs baffle me). Perch got a yellow card literally within 3 seconds. Whilst we got the win, I can think of better players to have put on the pitch. I'd have much rather had Santon on, for example.

The players

Jonas - Just brilliant. Still offered a strong attacking threat despite tracking back very, very frequently to help Taylor. Acted more like a wingback today to be honest.

Ba - Superb. I'd have to give him a 10/10. I don't even think he missed a single shot, did he? I didn't spot one. When you get a hat trick away from home against Stoke, what else can you give apart from top marks?

Best - No goals, but partners brilliantly with Ba and I believe he got two assists. Great ball control.

Guthrie - Stepped up. Well done man.

Fullbacks - Simpson and Raylor had their best games of the season today. Stoke's wingers are good, and they nullified them well.

Obertan - His pace worked brilliantly. Skinned almost every player, and in doing so, gave himself space. Obertan isn't great under pressure, but when he has space, he can do well.

Krul - Flapped a few times, but stood his ground and put in another cracking performance. Didn't need to do much mind. None of his usual cracking saves were required, apart from Etherington's shot, perhaps.

CBs - Again, awesome as usual

Cabaye - Didn't see much of him, but I think he just quietly pulled the strings.

Halves

1st half - Superb. One of the best we've played. Stoke were nullified. Applied strong pressure.

2nd half - Took our foot off the pedal which I was worried about, but we ground it out. Stoke were certainly applying much more pressure this season, but we still invited trouble.

Summary

Quality players playing quality football with quality tactics equals a win in one of the toughest places to go in the league. It's as simple as that. I said before the match that if we turned up we'd win/draw, but if we didn't turn up we'd lose. The ball was in our court, and fortunately we turned up and took 3 points.

The unbeaten league run continues. Can it continue this weekend? Quite possibly. However, we must make sure that our side don't get complacent again. When we expect to win, it tends to be when we put in the poorest performances. I'm personally not sure whether the toon players will believe that they are underdogs or not this weekend. Everton are a good side, so opinions may be divided on that one.

 

1 star. You forgot about the rape.

 

You seem to know a lot... Fancy being the new Sunderland manager? Infact, not another Geordie, you can **** off lol

 

Agreed with everything you said

 

Neville got it right with the joint MOTM

 

Another tactical masterstroke from Pards, apparently we were singing "walking in a Pardew wonderland" this time. He can finally see that he has won us over (although he'd never admit it).

Krul and the defence - 8
Cabaye - 6
Best and Obertan - 8
Guthrie - 8.5
Jonas - 10
Ba - 10


That sort of performance from Ba and Jonas is what 10 out of 10 ratings are for, brilliant performance.

 

Good article, put Tash on the subs bench now.

 

Guthrie, Raylor, Jonas and ofcourse Ba were all awesome tonight and deserve a special mention. Cabaye had his sloppiest game yet IMO. Coloccini's organisational skills and leadership surprised me. Epic win overall

 

Couldn't agree more especially on your analysis of Pardew's tactics which were flawless. I saw Cabaye make a few shoddy passes here and there but I wouldn't say he had a bad game overall, probably just tired and thus quiet.

On Perch - I've said it on another thread but I'm convinced he and Gosling were brought on instead of Santon/Marv/HBA because Pardew didn't want the 3 less experienced probable targets for Pulis's bullying to get a confidence knock if they found themselves being muscled all over the place.

 

One of the best team performances you will see this season. EVERYONE worked their arses off and got stuck in. I even love Perch after tonight! Demba Ba is pure class, and the fact he is in my Fantasy League team only adds to my joy.

 

That's true, he has experience of the English game and has played at CM before.

 

Pards got it sooooooooooooo spot on today!!!!! The lads played to Stoke's weakness' and our strengths today. I cannot even say how impressed i am by our skill and physical approach we have the perfect balance. We are not the best team I have ever seen play by a long shot but the balance, composure and confidence we play is second to nne. Add to that we are playing as a unit and fighting for each other and we can beat anyone.

 

This There was one point in the 1st half where stoke managed to string a few passes together but every-time the ball was moving you could see one of the lads SPRINTING to close the player down, Ba exceptional, Jonas exquisite, Pards extraordinary!

 

Aye I have never seen a team want too fight as much as this. We have so much technical ability and pace but everyone wants to put a foot in and be counted! Perfect balance