AyeDubbleYoo

Would be interesting if the tabloids caught someone like Paul Scholes using prostitutes and they decided not to print it because he doesn't court publicity. I imagine they wouldn't. I know Rooney has indulged in self promotion in the past, but it's not as clear-cut as people think. And even if it was, that wouldn't stop him being human and affected by his private life being plastered all over the media.

I assumed the writer/editor had just fucked up with the copying and pasting. Even if he did repeat himself, he might have said the two sentences 10 or 20 minutes apart.

I don't understand what Hughton said wrong there

Agreed, and him and Jonas are at their best when they're both playing, so the opposition can't load one side in defence. It's a real missed opportunity that we didn't add a central threat (Ben Arfa) to our two wide players (Jonas and Routledge), but sacrificed one of them instead.

Well it isn't, but I see what you're saying.

True, but the logic is flawed. You could equally say that if we had won against a team in mid table we would have survived. The only reason why should be trying more for wins against the bottom clubs is that they are easier to get. Otherwise every game is equal IMO.

I wouldn't, but I can see why people would... it fits into all the cliches about home record and beating the teams around you. We've shown we can compete with anyone, that's something Hughton can use. We could also easily have beaten Blackpool and drawn with Stoke on another day. We're in a decent position in the table, no need to panic at this point. There are warning signs with selection and subs, but Hughton still has time to correct them.

First point correct, second point awful.

next time I post in french and you translate time that I perfected in English Ooh, that's fighting talk! Fight fight fight...

Problem is there are too many excuses for keeping Nolan in the team. Against good or physical teams he provides "and extra body in midfield", against poor teams he "might pop up with a goal". He's also central to the new team spirit, apparently. He needs to be dropped ASAP IMO, but it's a difficult decision for any manager.

Aye, I was shouting at him not to shoot, but he actually struck it quite well.

TBF to Hughton I think his inability to drop Nolan is a specific rather than general problem of his. He dropped Smith, he didn't put Campbell straight in etc. It's just this particular player he seems to rate way above his actual ability. The fact that Nolan pops up occasionally with a goal also helps to mask the fact he's useless in general.

We're in danger of an NZogbia/Duff situation here... mitigated a potentially good signing by dropping one of our best players. IMO the decision to play Ben Arfa central and leave Jonas/Enrique together on the left is so obvious it's criminal. Anything else causes more problems than it solves.

I'm not going to change my view that Hughton has done well based on this result... but he does need to improve his in-game work. Taking of Tiote for Shola against a team like Stoke is like going down to 10 men. Combine that with dropping Nolan into midfield and you're down to 9. Bizarre decision.

It's on Hughton this one... and I'm a big fan of his. Taking off Ben Arfa was premature, even though he was quiet. Should have brought Jonas on for Nolan... he was knackered as always. And taking off Tiote for Shola was just suicidal... WTF is Shola going to do against Stoke? I really hope Hughton realises that Nolan isn't a midfielder after this.

No! You're wrong!

Carroll's due a goal or two, no need to get carried away and drop him. Especially not against Stoke.

They will not be able to stop the Arfa... if they defend too deep he will punish them. I know it's very like us to lose this one, but I'm confident we won't.

I agree most football tattoos look shit, but I don't think tattoos in general are stupid or mindless. Some people put a lot of thought into them.

Me too, saving grace is that it's on TV.

I was just thinking the same thing, I'm seriously thinking of getting one now, not sure if it's because the design has grown on me or because we're doing well.

It must be great for the players to be able to go to work and have a calm, assured atmosphere. Massively different to what most of them are used to at NUFC.

Aye, I'll say I was partly wrong about Routledge. Certainly didn't think he'd be as useful as he is.

I would get something that represented Newcastle in an abstract way, but probably not literally the badge or owt. Maybe a seahorse in the style of an oriental tattoo or something, that would be good.

True, except in football you also have to think of the short term. Can't really afford to give Krul experience if it meant losing another 5 games. I don't think it will, but hypothetically.