So what is the main factor in our revival?

It's a question which has been bugging me for a bit.

Is it the form of Colback or Sissoko?
Is it the organisation of our defence by a revitalised Colo?
Is it the tactical prowess of Pardew?
Is it the coaching team as a whole (we seem to have remembered how to score from set play)?
Is is the coming to the fore of youth?


If I had to pick one element I'd day Colback.

The lad has given us the platform to go and attack teams and protected our defence (which in turn has allowed them to shine... .as well as providing more opportunity for the forward line).

It's bloody refreshing to be able to scratch your head with lots of potential explanations but whatever the reason... it's great to be smiling once again.

 

Combination of all?

 

I'd say some of those factors weigh in more than others. I'm not sure how much the coaching department has contributed - the set pieces at Burnley will attest to that.

Personally, I think one thing we lacked for most of 2014 was players who worked hard and gave their all for the team. Players like Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton. Instead, we had a large group of foreign imports who brought technical skills but little grit and determination, as well as an apathetic attitude towards the club.

Now though, we have a bunch of talented local lads who have come through the ranks at the club and have added some steel to the team. Colback epitomises this (admittedly not our academy product, but a local boy and fan nonetheless). I think their arrival on the scene has challenged the others to up their game and give a damn. Those who haven't do so appear to have fallen by the wayside (Anita, Gouffran). We have even won a game after going a goal down, which earlier this year would have just killed morale and effectively ended the match.

 

Defo tactics for me which have allowed certain players to come in to their own.

 

Colback undoubtedly a large factor. Not just in what he brings, but I think his presence has lifted others such as Moussa like Dutch says. Lets be right about it, Moussa was a lazy **** last year. Talented for sure but he didn't half frustrate with his don't give a **** attitude. People seem to have created this myth that it his switch centrally which has brought his form. He had quite a few goes in the middle last term, he was just too much of a liability. Now he is working hard and taking on responsibility. I think when you have a player like Colback who is improving all the time, but is also a willing worker (the lad would run through brick walls), it kind of shames the rest into action. They look at the response it has brought from the support, and they want a piece.

Some lead vocally, some like Jack lead by example. He has plenty of room for further improvement which is the great thing on an individual level. He is already a better player than last year, where will he be at 26 or 27 in his peak years? We have snaffled him at just the right time.

Another factor which some won't like, is the departure of a bad egg like HBA. If players are going to see the manager to voice displeasure at HBA's work, its not a good atmosphere. This is what is rumoured. It might be true and it might not. Certainly though HBA's admissions after he left and the subsequent upturn in atmosphere suggests it may also have played a part.

The young lads like Ayoze, Dummett, Aarons, Abeid, Sammy, Haidara, Armstrong also energise a squad and they come in un-scarred by previous failings.

 

I wonder how much the removal of MYM, HBA and Marveaux from the squad influenced to apparent togetherness of the squad? I'm not necessarily saying that they were bad apples, but all struggled with their own form.

The young players have done well. I think having the likes of Ryan Taylor in the squad has also had an influence, along with apparent outcast Obertan's return demonstrating that hard work can see you in the match day squad.

 

Carragher says it's the defend deep/counter attacking tactics...

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014...he-key-difference-between-newcastle-past-pre/

 

I just wish he could pronounce Cisse instead of Cissy, needs to get the scouse marbles out of his gob, the upturn I think is because of a combination of elements, well drilled defensive tactics, new players more settled in their roles, injury forced some changes, Sissoko playing better and Cisse scoring goals when he went through a long period where he couldn't hit a barn if he was locked inside, Pardew and the coaching staff will have played their part in this but will not get any credit from many supporters. There is a tough festive programme to come and I will be quite happy if we move forwards in the cup, can beat Sunderland and take another 3 points from one of the other matches over the period, if they exceed that expectation then will be drinking heavily!!!