Ikon

CM is probably the only area where we're not "over loaded". Especially when you consider the drop in quality from Shelvey and Hayden to Colback. IF we need to strengthen anywhere in january then its in CM. Obviously a lot can happen between now and january.

8.5

Doesn't strike me as a particularly intelligent lad Agreed, look at the guys hair.

Because from watching him. He looks awkward with the ball at his feet, he's slow, misses a lot of chances and he doesn't look natural striking a ball in front of goal. I'm not saying I am going to hold him to a ratio similar to Shearer or Aguero , as a yardstick I just don't think he'll ever be someone who we rely on for regular goals. This sounds like I am slating him. I'm not. I really rate him and he is probably my favourite player. I just don't think he'll be consistently scoring for us a lot of goals per season for us. Fair enough i can see your point but it's just the word "never" that bothers me. Anyways, good to have him back. And thanks for sharing all you've said about the game

Don't understand how anyone can say "he's never going to be prolific" .Lad has time on his side, lots of time.

Not worried at all about us being complacent, never mind under Rafa. I bet the players are desperate to play now and think football is funnier than ever right now. Also quite a few who haven't really had the chance to prove themselves yet. 4-0.

Apparently In Rafa Benitez's 18 games with us so far, we haven't lost a single second half Not sure if correct, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Hanley to start with Mbemba if 100% fit is my guess. One, if not both of Yedlin and Lazaar likely to start as well probably.

Slight knock.

He likes to say "to be honest"

I have a tiny feeling that Gayle, Mitrovic and Lazaar will start this game with Gayle starting on the left and playing very centrally and offensively when in attack, with Lazaar providing width on the left with lots of forward runs. Not sure it's going to work but it wouldn't surprise me if he tried it out, with Diame or Perez behind Mitro. And then let Murphy start in our second game against them. Or maybe i'm just talking shit Or maybe he'll just play instead of Perez/Diame but in another more advanced way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3788813/Rafa-Benitez-s-revolution-reaches-new-heights-Newcastle-thrash-QPR.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

"Jake Bidwell: 6 Didn’t have too bad a game until the introduction of Christian Atsu, who simply had too much pace and skill for Bidwell." (QPR ratings)

We've gone from giving the ball to someone and just watch and hope that the player can do something on his own, to actually working as a fluid and organised unit and letting the ball do the job with lots of movement and quick play from one side to another or between opposition lines. So much more effective as a football team. I fucking love it.

Good that we have two games at home. Play people that haven't played much in our second game against these to rest some key players. Not gonna be much of a difference between the teams anyway

Sounds promising. Will probably take some time before he has a decent understanding with the other players as well Rafa will tune him in to a nice and more effective player, and teach him whe to do that, and when not to.

Perez giving Rafa more selection headache Well, most of the players are i guess

Come on Jill, let's keep our feet on the ground. 12-0.

Sounds like he had a good game, especially considering that he's still not quite match fit. Great for him getting minutes in a great win, as well as scoring.

At home after a strong win away i can see us starting a couple of the players

He's like a technical little puppy so comfortable when he has his Rottweiler playing next to him and that makes him so much more relaxed as he only has to think about his own game. Mitro takes pressure off from him with his strength and hold up play and keeps the CB's busy.

I woke up like a kid at Christmas eve this morning And i'm almost in a wheelchair these days. What a win!

We also have a couple of attacking fullbacks to come in

This is great for us. Really happy for him.

What a fucking goal as well.