Yorkie

If we're going to keep gunning for the top six then we need, in order of priority: Critical Fresh competition for Isak Desirable Cover for Schar and Botman Cover for Bruno An upgrade at right-wing If possible New left-back More tactically-suited cover for Pope The last three are dependent on outgoings. If we can cash-in on Almiron or Murphy, then now's the time, and they move on with a lot of love and thanks. If Dubs wants to be first choice somewhere; again, good luck to him. Left-back... we've got three in Burn, Targett and Hall so I'm not sure we see more recruitment there but it would be ideal if so. Burn won't have played at CB for two years by the time next season arrives.

Aye. Clearly has some attacking instinct too so will be brilliant to have another goal source from midfield. Was very excited after that Brighton friendly.

Brilliant to have him back; I know the likes of him and Murphy are a long way off our best players in terms of quality, but just being able to sub-on energy and physicality makes a huge difference. Always felt optimistic about Ando - he's easily got the physical profile to make it at this level, it'll just be a case of refining his technical attributes. Still not long been 21 so there's time for him, but it's crucial that he stays fit now - next season could be make or break. Great to have him back. Looking forward to his first competitive goal for us.

Bloody love waking up after a good win, like. I know Tuesday was grotty and the draw is an absolute pisstake but it's been a very good week to follow that Arsenal shitshow. I wasn't brimming with confidence yesterday morning but did have a feeling that battling through that cup tie was a low key big moment in the season.

Agree. Would love to see that.

"Kieran felt something in his calf and had to come off the pitch,” said Howe, who was claiming his 100th Premier League victory as a manager. “That is a concern for us, although I don’t know how serious it is at this moment.” Sigh.

Bit of copium from Gazza ONez there I fancy.

hE nEeDeD tHaT

What a superb win, get in.

Love to see it. Please please please don't be terrible defensively.

Good, but Fulham quietly creeping into that mix for 7th...

Isak 1-0: 2-0 Gordon: Livramento 3-0:

I haven't been to any of the Liverpool stadiums but I think the new Everton one looks magnificent and, in fairness to the bastards, as does Anfield.

Vinicius Souza (Sheffield United) and Ederson (Atalanta) linked here.

Difficult to call today, classic case of 'which side turns up' from our point of view. It's a really big game in the hunt for 7th but honestly if you offered me a draw and a much improved, robust performance - and a game closer to regaining our form and fitness without any setbacks - I'd probably take it.

Loved listening to Amber-Keegan Stobbs on PotT. Her story about becoming Newcastle mad after visiting grandparents and uncles/aunties in the North-East reflected my own situation really closely. I haven't seen much of the footy if I'm honest but quite enjoying getting to know some of the players. Are they gonna annihilate the Championship as well or is there a bit of a jump in quality between tiers 2 and 3?

From that piece: Thirty-three players have taken penalties for Newcastle in the Premier League. Only five of them have never scored for Newcastle from the spot. Name the five.

Cameras picking up that he was asleep during the Stoke 5-1 game was another highlight. He was the Director of Football at the time.

Poxy.

Was Graham Fenton's late goals a big one or had the league already slipped by then?

They've conceded a ridiculous number of really late goals that have impacted results. They'd have at least a dozen more points if they could defend after ~85mins. Really hope it works for him there.

Rafa knocking on our door, March 2016. An absolutely colossal moment in our history because it was the beginning of the end of Ashley. It took a lot longer than it might've done but I genuinely don't think we'd be anything like the club we are now if that didn't happen. We had absolutely no right being able to appoint a manager that good in the situation we were in.

Walked past Sunderland Ricky Sbragia on my usual dog walk at the weekend.

We're not physically fatigued in the way we were when constantly playing three a week with about four and a half players to choose from. But we're at the very least mentally fatigued; we also had to travel up and down to London on Saturday ahead of a three day turnaround before another away game, so we weren't in peak physical condition last night. Not to mention the likes of Gordon and Schar are still playing constantly. Doesn't excuse the poor performance of course.

Fotmob.