Beren

Can't stand Everton, so that's absolutely lovely. What a finish by Woltemade. Overall, I didn't think the performance was fantastic tbh (so extra pleased with such a flattering scoreline) - but there were so many more positive signs in the performance. I'll sacrifice Pope's showstopping edge over Ramsdale to have a defence that can retain possession and tire out the opposition for a change rather than vice versa. Pope should be a squad player, for me. Thiaw and Miley have been excellent. Woltemade was a bit isolated and aloof, goal aside - but what a finish. Hopefully Elanga gets some confidence from that. Had a bright moment or two, but I do think he needs some more coaching. He's often marking clear grass. Also, like Murphy, he doesn't like putting a foot in. Slows right up from his electric speed whenever there is contact potentially involved. Think he needs a pre-season in the Howe ecosystem or something before we see what he can do. Hopefully a relaxed finish second-half.

I've seen this film. Elanga's positional awareness out of possession is really poor.

I wonder if there's a Newcastle fan out there who only watches home games. Must be having a cracking season.

Agree with all of the bold. The performance is the annoying part. Marseille are good and there was no shame in losing to them but I think the tactics were a bit dismissive of Marseille. Thought we could flat track bully them, but when they countered with possession football, we didn't even know what the question was It was arrogance to try that Gordon up top shite.

Weird blowing of smoke up our arse after that shitshow

Reckon they might do a slow clap for Pope when he gets back into the dressing room He clearly took Howe's instruction to press the opposition moronically to heart. But the loss is on Howe again.

It was nowhere near tbf

Man, I remember the days of Nobby and Robert and Shearer. Felt like it was a real chance.

Made me chuckle. Howe doesn't know what he's doing tonight/away from home this year. He's learning excruciatingly slowly, if at all.

They've battered us. It could have been any number of the chances they've made. Pope was highly daft though, agreed.

More of the same from the first half. No scoreline to cling to now.

Class finish tbf.

Most people backsolve their opinion of performance from the result. The performance in the context of what the team is capable of in terms of quality on the ball, and the need to conserve energy for Everton is - IMO - uncontroversially poor.

Really can't stand the way we've set up after the goal. Pressing like that is insulting to them (they're not USG), counterproductive and tires us out. To compound that by playing exclusively in straight lines is bloody regressive and ugly. Take care of the ball. Make them work to win it.

Thank goodness he dived

Why do Newcastle attack like they're gonna get pulled up for a shot click violation

Marseille are good. Need to take care of the ball or this will be taxing.

Hopefully a fun night. Personally would have favoured resting a few purples but hey ho.

Agree with this. Low block (give we've got nee pace at full back) and try and get a win on the counter with Elanga.

La Pepite Le Panier for some decent vegan scran

Well said. The first header was just a great save. He got power and directed it low to the side, give Donna some credit. Second chance was a difficult angle but thought he showed good feet to get a good powerful shot on target off. Another encouraging game.

Tino & Hall are insane. Can full backs be the spine of the team? Because they are. Hall's ability to receive the ball and make something out of being utterly locked down by the opponent press is a thing of beauty. Does it time and time again.

Copycat league has caught up. Howe has to evolve.

That's more or less the exact still that my river froze on, but despite never having seen a swerving header before I thought it had an outside chance.

Today is the first time I've felt worried about Elanga. Zero composure. Hope it's just a temporary confidence thing.