Same every year with Howe. But that’s meant two UCL qualifications and a League Cup win so I’m not concerned because soon enough: - Trippier will be dropped - Pope will be dropped - Barnes will be sold - A striker will sign/play, so Osula dropped - New players will get up to speed - Howe will abandon the 5-4-1 We will be fine, once the above comes to pass.
I think let's give them some time to gel and then see. Ramsdale, Thiaw, Ramsey and Woltmade have barely fatured yet and even Elanga has only had a couple of games. Far too early to judge. Those playere all settled in, plus Isak potentially reintegrated and we could look a very different side.
This is a reasonable view and I hope you're right, but I cannot get away from the lack of ball carriers in the squad, the lack of goals spread throughout the side, the lack creativity, pace, and poor ability from set pieces. I could be completely wrong, but I do think the issues listed are genuine problems. I'll take heat for this, but I can only say what I'm seeing as apposed to what we might see after the ifs, buts and maybes.
Judging whether any of our new signings are good enough, or better than what we had, is a waste of time after three games of a new season. It's too early to say. It would be the same if Elanga or one of the others had started on an absolute burn. Ask where the money has gone on when looking at signings from previous windows, sure. Probably more worthwhile. Barnes stands out as one where money could've been better spent. Osula looking likewise, though he might benefit from a loan and prove a late bloomer. Greek goalkeeper was PSR forced. Targett would, judging from his loan spell, have been a useful addition bar his horrendous injury run. Botman - injuries are robbing us of his quality and value. All other signings, I think, have been more than worth the money spent. On this summer's additions, most of us will use common sense and wait a reasonable amount of time before writing a player off.
5-4-1 only works if you have a solid centre forward which we didn’t have. We now do have one. Let’s see what the next 24 hours brings.
I'm looking at his career mind mate. What about the other issues I've raised? You've ignored them and narrowed in on one point and assumed I'm only thinking about 3 games. Not having a go mate, I don't disagree with what you're saying, but that was never something would be worried about anyway.
Fair question. At face value I'd say no, as he appears to be behaving no better than Isak. The key difference is though his claim that he has a written agreement that he will be allowed to leave if a club comes In. IF this is the case and Brentford have reneged on a formal agreement, then he is within his rights to protest. But we will probably never know what any such agreement actually says, so it's tricky. With Isak, it is clear there has never been any such contractual agreement.
The plan was to keep it tight, keep possession and then throw on pre planned subs and unfortunately the plan don't work. It was pretty obvious when the team sheet came out, but I don't think taking off Murphy was worthwhile. It was like swapping two steps fwd two steps back. I actually think Farke managed Leeds well Yesterday..
Roland and Awaymag - I’m screenshotting those last couple of comments where you became the anti-bedwets!! Roy, Welshie, GG… you’ve all had a bit of a reaction to yesterday’s game… but we didn’t lose. This is simply an adjustment phase; major upset has reigned since the end of last season - that has impacts on humans. New players/new systems/absences take time to adjust to. Last season’s squad has seen lots of competition come in… in an ideal world that would raise your game but it can also lead to nerves. Take Elanga, desperate to impress and justify his fee, desperate to gain your approval… and that might not help him initially. Pope, felt he was number 1 but now Ramsdale in - so will feel scrutinised. The whole team was used to an Isak led front line and muscle memory doesn’t change overnight - things will click. Give everyone a chance to settle down - 10 games in is when to expect to see what they’re capable of … and injuries might even then derail it. And we’ve no right to take three points every game, you’ve got to give the opposition team’s some credit from time to time, they’re not out there just to make us look good. The roller coaster on here with every result is mental, if you blokes take this everything’s good/everything’s bad attitude into general life you’ll go crazy…. a bit of patience.
Ive never seen Newcastle be more predictable than yesterday and the key issue is where does that spark come from? We need two or three game changers and we’ve only got maybe one.
I think Ramsey and Nick W are our ball carriers in the middle of the park. and Gordona and Elanga are our speed merchants to get ' round the back'. I still think we need an El Khanouss type to complete the midfield. I would sell Willock to make that happen personally but Im not Eddie.
You're absolutely bang on.... There's a small part of me hoping we get one or two big surprises in that regard over the next 24 hrs, but I think we all know it'll be Wissa or nothing more. He does provide a bit of a spark, but he's not going to be enough.. There's absolutely nothing in midfield in that way... Joelinton contrary to belief is actually the most adventurous midfielder at the club and he carries and holds onto the ball very well. Guimareas and Tonali are essentially the same type of player.
Someone needs to help me out here: Wissa, 29 and at the afcon, for £45m. Beier, 22, £45m Openda, 25, £35m And our preference is Wissa?
I think this transfer window has cemented our place in the top 7 for years to come. Once we sell Isak - whether this window or next is when the PSR shackles are discarded and we can then look to raise the ceiling and become a top 4-5 club. Unfortunately last year was a sort of wake up call to the Cartel clubs and you can see that by the amount spent this transfer window. I think Villa may be the big drop off this year due to PSR/UEFA salary rules.
It's possible something else comes out if left fields I suppose, but I agree with you entirely. A bit random, but isn't Howe supposed to have a reputation for improving players? What's he going to improve with a 29 year old? Barnes certainly isn't improving... He looks very unhappy. I think someone has tried to change his game.. He doesn't even cut inside and shoot anymore..... Last time I checked someone changed the coaching manual to stop long distance shooting, so? I feel sorry for Barnes at this point.