morpeth mag

We have to stop conceding soft goals - for me that is playing Faye every game - initially in midfield to help protect the CB.

I don't know who should be picked and in what formation but it seems to be that anyone watching can see: Carr and Butt are past it Smith is no goal threat at all Faye has to play if fit (defence or midfield) there are other things wrong but we get into areas of opinion - KK needs to address the above immediatly

I think it is the end for Owen as this type of system (451/433) does not suit him as he cannot play the central role nor the wide one up front. In fact KK/NUFC might be the only home for him as most top teams don't play 442 (Liverpool do but don't want him). If Mort had the courage he should offer Owen a contract extension on less money!

I sit low down in the Leazers and there was a definite hint of booing at HT though I didn't see anyone specifically. Agree it has to stop but also think it's 3 to 4 years frustration still coming out and a few who perhaps don't realise the task ahead of KK.

I like Le Zog but he has no positional sense at LB and will always be exposed by good teams

edgar could play LB with the Zog into midfield. Later Shola for Smith; Barton for Butt/Duff.

think Milner could play CM?

I was surprised he didn't come out onto the pitch or that there wasn'y a press conference - presume that will be today. Also can't remember when we last scored 4 - credit to Pearson/Round for sticking with two strikers after the sending off.

At least Keegan will hunt for the next Peter Beardsley - the role we've missed most. I'd offer silly money for Diego and build from there but at least KK will address this gap.

Pros: Nobody else wants it Cons: He may prefer MotD

If he can blow that amount of money going nowhere there might be a job for him at...........

SSN have now droped the bit about next manager being British - club emphasising 'experienced' anyone but Shearer it would seem

I know we've tried him elsewhere and he's been found wanting but do you think Rozenhal will play in midfield on Saturday? Numbers are so short he might have too and I think he could do a useful holding role there. Of course that would leave a gap at RB but I don't fancy Roz there against Ronaldo.

would work if the team could pass but as we just hit long balls up front we need a target man for now

Not often I get it right but........

Given Beye Faye Capaca Enrique Geremi Butt Barton Emre Owen Martins subs Harper Roz Zog Milner Smith Feel we need the experience in midfield away from home at the expense of natural width.

There's no doubt that Allardyce's team play a percentage game but especially while we are in team building that's what is needed. Last night we obviously identified the lack of pace of their centre backs as the area to exploit. This led to some aimless balls but ultimately to the chance Martins put away for the first goal and on to victory. Classier football will come with time but on paper Spurs have a good team that just didn't compete. Think we've been there before and it's not a good place.

autumn 1972 we beat Ayr United 2-0 in the Texaco Cup, Smith and Tudor; Macdonald missing 'injured'. I was one of 14,500. With respect to earlier post my grandad took my dad, age 11, to the 13-0 win.

Back from the match and it looked to me like Zog was caught ball watching as Baines broke beyond him for the first goal. Second goal was a fluke; I think it deflected off Smith who was playing right of a 5 man midfield at the time. Do think Beye was the least impressive of the back four but that was more a reflection on how well the other three played. Give him some time. The least impressive player at the back was Given.

Not surprised with the result or the pattern of the game. We are a new team where it is always easier to organise a defence then to score. We are in for a lot of 0-0 adm 1-0 games this season which I think we'll edge in general. Most teams will play deep and solid against Arsenal's kids and hope for a goal on the break or from a corner. We gave ourselves a chance tonight even if it didn't work. Arsenal's kids are so good because Wenger is a great coach, with a great scouting network and a 10 year history in the job. We have improved since last year and it is clear we will improve as the season progresses but it will be a year of learning. Give Sam time.

who did Emre come on for?

Emre would help keep the ball

highlights on ITV1 TOMORROW!

has smith been booked yet? matter of time I think tonight!

given beye taylor roz enrique milner smith faye geremi zog martins