alexf

My issue with DCL would be less the injuries but more that I don't think he's developed as well as people thought he would. Outside of that one little purple patch he had a number of years ago, he really hasn't done anything to take notice of since. Aerially he is more than decent. But don't feel his style and attributes suit the way Howe wants this team to play. More than likely just a lazy link unless we were picking him up cheap for like £10m

I would hope we win something with current stadium and badge. Might sound silly, but it would feel more associated with the club I grew up watching. If we win something years down the line with new everything (stadium, badge, players etc) I think it might take a little of the shine off it. Abit like Man city winning things now compared to how their fans may have felt if they had won something before all the changes. Last seasons league cup would have been perfect with so many of the squad remaining from the dark days. Shame.

Is this the Ederson we were linked with in the summer? The defensive midfielder? Looks class so far here. Great high press.

Would hope Gordon, Eze, Wharton, Palmer, Bowen all made it as they deserve it. But with 7 places to be cut and with other areas being short for options, I can't see them all making it in unfortunately. It looks difficult to get that squad down to 26 without leaving it abit short somewhere. That left back area looks a real issue. Wouldn't be for a strong manager, but don't have much faith in Southgate putting a formation and system in place to get the best of these players.

Be gutted for him if he missed out due to injury on his dream of playing in the euros. He was tearing it up in that Man u game and they were struggling to live with him in that 2nd half up to the bit where it felt like they kicked him out the game. Looked a nasty tackle by Amad if I remember rightly. But he has risen to Isak and Bruno level with his performances this season, and with his workrate, mentality and physical attributes, the sky is the limit for him. Really think if he gets a chance in this England team he will kick on again and link really well with Foden, Bellingham, Kane etc. Knowing Southgate's previous though he will probably leave him out entirely or if he is in the squad probably won't get a sniff of game time.

With hopefully a long conference league campaign, + going far in the fa and league cups, there should be plenty of game time for 2 quality keepers.

That's quite a decent squad, strong in all areas. Does Ronaldo still start every game?

The pope injury on reflection had the biggest impact on where we finished this season. Not only did it take Dubs a little while to shake off the rust but he also isn't the shot stopper Pope is. I think it Pope plays that Man U game we likely win it. But fundamentally it was his sweeping we missed the most. Dubs almost felt glued to his line in comparison. With our slow defenders like Burn, Botman, Schar we were just getting exposed, as they couldn't press high to win the ball like Eddie likes them too. Obviously it wasn't the only reason for our slump as injuries, form etc played a big part too, with people like Burn, Botman and Trippier all having prolonged spells of poor form post injuries etc. But not having Pope at times just exacerbated the issue. It's a real same that Pope's injuries/suspension have cost the team at crucial moments. I still believe we win that league cup final as well if he isn't suspended. Just shows his importance and makes me less urgent to replace. Although getting in a young keeper with strong potential is obviously smart thinking.

I really don't think it's going to happen thankfully but just for the discussion. I really think we have found a unique talent and struck gold. Yes he was expensive when we signed him but he has already gone on to another level since. Plus I'm sure all Newcastle fans will agree that it feels like there is still alot more to come. How many games this year did he play looking not even half fit. How games did he miss entirely? He is a young dynamic technical player with a real intelligence to his game. Yes he has some weak areas like physicallity to play that number 9 role. But if you play to his strengths he's almost unstoppable. I can't think of any other strikers in world football that play through the middle that are at his level other than Haaland and Mbappe. How much would they go for? £200m+? You could argue that Isak is more valuable to us than Haaland to City because they have far more players to cope with his absence. Take Isak out of our team for next season and we would tumble down the table.

Going off that Everton cameo no. Going off the Man u league cup game, maybe?.

That little step over to sort out the feet and then slot home was a thing of beauty. Was back to his best in that first half. The way he terrorised Pinnock for the Joelinton sitter and then the Murphy goal was class.

Trippier has looked way off and coat is royally there.

Maybe they just stopped bothering tracking his injuries once he was irrelevant.

Each time I have seen that Amad, he does appear to be an upgrade on Antony. Which isn't saying much I suppose. But I know I'd rather Antony played against us mid-week.

So my friend attended the game yesterday with me, non newcastle fan and it was telling to me that he was full of praise for Jacob's performance. He was really liking the positions he was taking up. Was always placing himself into good space on that right side and obviously defended well also.

Seemed to be glossed over in the analysis I have seen, how many first teamers we were missing where as they were near enough full strength squad it seemed? Massive credit should have been given to Eddie and the team for organising another brand line back like of: Burn Schar Krafth Murphy. Can you imagine what the score might have been if we'd had our full compliment, Joelinton, Willock, Trippier, Tonali, Wilson, Miggy etc to call on or bring on as fresh legs. Things are promising moving forward if we can reduce the number of injuries next year.

Has been the lynchpin of our defense all season. The only one consistently available. Seeing him live in person again for the first time in awhile, I could really appreciate his reading of the game. Plus even though not as many, still hit some sexual long ball diagonals.

First time visiting Newcastle for awhile so got to witness this live (what a day ?) But I actually thought his general player was poor at times. Seemed to lose the ball alot and struggled with any physicality. But then when we played to his strengths and he gets into that left channel cutting in. Just ice in his veins, you never doubt for a 2nd that he's gonna score.

We've proved capable of scoring goals all season and spurs have leaked goals also. Just depends how the makeshift defence cope. Very much feels like counter attack tactics need to be applied. Leave Barnes Isak and Gordon high up but instruct everyone else to sit in a little. Spur have too much pace up top and if we play anywhere near as open as we have at times this season we will get ripped open.

Be worse by the end of the season. Plus doesn't even count Tonali I'm guessing. Look at the contrast between us and West ham and we are only a point behind them.

it's actually going to be very close. Annoyingly I think unless we beat Man U, they are probably home and dry for 6th. I thought Chelsea were going to overtake everyone with their games in hand but then they pull out results like only a draw against Sheffield Utd. So who knows what points total they will get. West ham annoyingly might have enough to pip us but have some tough fixtures in there. I think the most important game for us is going to be Spurs. If we can beat a top 5 (this season) team, then get a few more of the walking wounded back, then I think confidence levels might carry us through to a top 7 finish. If we not I can see us getting a mixed bag of results.

Good turn around that. Burn looking more comfortable in cb. Hall giving us good balance, even if he was up against two quicker wider players. Gordon, Isak and Barnes give us real counter attacking threat. So it feels like we can go back to that end of 21/22 season style with a deeper backline and being difficult to break down and then use our quick players to try and counter. First half not so much but Eddie defo got them organised 2nd half and I think Willock was struggling even pre-injury so Anderson coming in may have made a difference also. Barnes looked excellent when he came on. Hope we can start with that front 3 against Spurs. Bonus, I get to see Bruno live at st.james' when I travel up next week. Was praying he didnt pick up a yellow today.

It's so painful watching Longstaff so far this season. He's just a complete passenger in and out of possession.

The thumbnail on this

Same as his cameo on Saturday, his first instinct is always to move forward with the ball. Just through his first touch and body shape. I like that in a player. There was also a nice moment first half when he was getting closed down with no passing option and he instinctively dribbled past Young with ease. Whereas he actually looked more uncomfortable when he has to play the safety sideways passes. Think he will link better with Gordon aswell as Barnes is more of a run in behind player, than coming short to receive the ball. Few moments higher up the pitch aswell where he has the confidence to hold on to the ball and get a a cross in. Feel he should definitely be given the opportunity to start the majority of the remaining games. With Burn now needed at CB, and looking alot more comfortable playing there and with Tino and Targett injured we don't have much choice regardless.