themanupstairs

51 with Shelvey and Sturridge to play. Getting a further 6 points when G Cameron gets subbed in for Welbeck.

What's agent Bruce's record like up at SJP down the years?

Fabpou

Apart from the obvious majestic performance from Ben Arfa, I thought Yanga-Mbiwa was outstanding today. He snuffed out potential threat after potential threat on the half way line without breaking a sweat. His reading of the game and explosive pace could see him develop into a world class defender. Much calmer today in possession as well. If Ben Arfa was 10/10, Mapou wasn't too far behind IMO. Debuchy, Sissoko and Remy had excellent games, and Anita stood out in midfield once again, without actually being noticed (if that makes sense). Put in the tackle to win the ball to set Remy on his way for the first goal. Gouffran is an extremely intelligent footballer and a cult hero. Cabaye and Cisse were relatively poor I thought, but both still worked their socks off pressing the opposition. Villa were decent IMO, and they have more about them than they did at times last season. They are a tad one-dimensional though and I'm not sure if it's the lack of experience, or a lack of variety of personnel. Probably a combination of the two. Fucking get in. I really hope we put out the same team against Hull and put 4 or 5 past them.

Erm, last season?

Would like us to try to go on a little unbeaten run to have something to build on. Hate Pardew with a passion, but if the fella can somehow regain the focus of two seasons ago, and try to build on little runs, we could do well in the coming set of fixtures. We really need a good points return before our fixtures start to get really tricky.

The bloke is a knacker. Pardew that is not KI.

Hoyed Coutinho out and drafted Walcott in. Hoping he'll latch on to many an Ozil ball.

I absolutely love Tim Krul and wouldn't trade him for any other keeper in the world. But for those who went, how did it feel seeing Shay Given wearing the Newcastle badge again? IMO as a player he ranks up there in legendary status for us alongside the likes of Solano and Lee.

Surprised Aaron Hughes and Robbie Elliot weren't there.

Shearer 206, Ferdinand got 49 I think, Cole around 60? 410 goals between the 3 above and Pedro.

302 goals for NUFC in that photo

No chance he'll be starting Taylor IMO. MYM has been part of a defence that has kept 3 clean sheets in a row. Surely even Pardew isn't that moronic.

Think thats just for warm ups, they have a black and white kit with gold numbers for the match. Aye. Holler Watches as sponsor iirc?

Looks like it.

Regardless. The appointment should have been made with Sir Bob's approval and blessing. That would have been the way forward for the club. I'm pretty sure SBR would have picked none of the aforementioned knackers (McClaren being less knackerish, but a knacker nonetheless). Keegan told Big Shep to get Brian Little to succeed him in 96 fwiw. Keegan had nowhere near the global footballing experience that Robson had.

Regardless. The appointment should have been made with Sir Bob's approval and blessing. That would have been the way forward for the club. I'm pretty sure SBR would have picked none of the aforementioned knackers (McClaren being less knackerish, but a knacker nonetheless).

Exactly what I was eluding to, Shephard's tenure mad it look much less sharp in our downfall as he royally f***ed up in a lot of ways but when you see it without that, as a pure contrast it's damning and depressing how much we've changed and all for the worse. The biggest mistake Shepherd ever made was to replace SBR with Souness. That has been one monumental fuck-up that we still have not recovered from. It was the most knee-jerk and short-sighted appointment we could have made at the time and still leaves my gut in a wrench when I think about it.

Hopefully it will be Wilshere and Barkley in the centre of midfield for many years to come.

How have Georgia played? Had some chances first half. Parked the bus in the second. Keeper has played a blinder tbf. Cheers, though I guess when you play a better country you need that. No idea what his normal style of football is like but love the thought of him coming here. Ketsbaia vs Di Canio at the derby I can see it now. 1-1 at 90 minutes, players stop playing, match settled by a fight to the death between those two in stoppage time.

Le Hoof

How have Georgia played? Had some chances first half. Parked the bus in the second. Keeper has played a blinder tbf.

Why you complaining? this is a good thing Aye for us it is. But I still would want him to achieve as a player while at NUFC. Don't want him to go seeking a move to get in the national side.

still love watching Ketsbaia kicking off

How on earth is Ben Arfa not in this french team ffs?