Neil

Without tempting fate, I think the players you've bought mean you won't get relegated, and will finish perhaps in the top 10. Well, that's my prediction anyway. I don't think it'll necessarily mean you'll suddenly win the next few games so some patience might be needed.

Villa must be very, very low on confidence, whereas you've signed a succession of good players this week, providing what must be a massive boost. Everything points to you winning. 1-1.

Is a right crock that lad it seems. Not sure what Moyes was told but starting him so soon after the biggest injury lay-off of his career, seems bizarre. Incredibly frustrating, he's our most creative player.

1-0 up but Mirallas injured yet again. Worrying.

500 games up for Moyes.

It's the weekend, and James is absolutely out of control.

-4

Le Beret's been talking about a Chelsea thrashing for a few days now. It's going to be 1-0 now, you do realise?

At least he's honest about it, I guess.

GW 24 Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle QPR 0-2 Man City Stoke City 1-1 Wigan Sunderland 1-0 Swansea Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool Everton 1-1 West Brom Norwich 0-2 Tottenham Fulham 0-0 West Ham Man Utd 3-1 Southampton Reading 0-3 Chelsea

He's an alright player. Good enough as a squad player for a mid-table club, I'd hardly be relying upon him to do that much though.

The reports make it sound like he just thumped him. It was a kick at the ball which the ballboy was lying on, and seemingly he caught him too. Not something Hazard should've done whatsoever but there's a whole load of crap like "BAN HIM FOR AGES!", which IMO is a steaming pile of horseshit. It was a stupid incident for all concerned. Red card, suspension, move on.

I guess we'll agree to disagree on the ballboy incident. Hazard was completely out of order but the ballboy was purposefully being a massive dick. Anyway, shame it's overshadowing what is a great result for you. Deservedly got through, mind although I've no ill feeling towards Swansea, it would be hilarious if Bradford won.

What in particular has been the problem at Real, VI? Obviously, some egotistical players, an egotistical manager yes, but is it something about Mourinho's tactics? His training? Just seems like a rocking ship without any hope of recovery. They're light years behind in the title race. Even if they win the CL, I'd be surprised if he's there next season.

http://thebananatimes.com/blog/www/thebananatimes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/zoidberg.jpg

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/528xn/p00s7x9l.jpg

Probably something that's already been discussed to death, but it seems to me he is a businessman who still doesn't understand football. He'll ensure that money is spent, but only when it's necessary. Either he doesn't understand the concept that if you don't build on momentum (finishing 5th), then you're not going to stand still, you're going to go backwards; or he does and he simply refused to put more money in. That is, until he realised his assets were under the threat of a drastic devaluation if he didn't act, hence the 4 or 5 players in 2 weeks. It's a positive move, obviously, but one which he was forced to do.

Has a great cross on him, loves to run at the opponent and get them back-peddling. Not the finished product but a very exciting prospect, has a surprisingly good work rate too.

"football"

Despite the stick those at the top get, we clearly have a top notch recruitment team. Hasn't always been the case but we've clearly learned. Apart from when it comes to appointing managers. Actually it's not so much the fact you're getting these players - regardless of your current position, a club like Newcastle should be aiming for this standard of players. I'm just confused why it seems as though no other clubs are aware of all these players going for cheap. It's just bizarre. IIRC didn't you get Cabaye on the cheap without any sort of competition? There's good recruitment, then there's that. Mbiwa pointed out that we were the only club who showed real interest in him. I don't think it's much more complicated or mysterious than that. Carr has proved himself a top notch scout. A scout isn't just for spotting talent, but for having and keeping contacts throughout the world of football that give you an advantage when it comes to recruiting players who are sought-after hot properties. Maybe I've overestimated how saturated the market is. It's just the concept of getting a succession of apparently good players, on the cheap, without any sort of competition. I'm struggling to get my head around it. It's as though no other clubs exist.

And yes, I'm not hiding it very well - I'm clearly jealous you're buying player after player, while we scratch around for a few spare 50p coins to get a loan player in, all while Naismith "works hard" on the right wing.

Despite the stick those at the top get, we clearly have a top notch recruitment team. Hasn't always been the case but we've clearly learned. Apart from when it comes to appointing managers. Actually it's not so much the fact you're getting these players - regardless of your current position, a club like Newcastle should be aiming for this standard of players. I'm just confused why it seems as though no other clubs are aware of all these players going for cheap. It's just bizarre. IIRC didn't you get Cabaye on the cheap without any sort of competition? There's good recruitment, then there's that.

I give up, I've got to ask. How are you getting these players, especially for these prices? Why on earth isn't anyone else in for them? Why are they coming? Cheeky happy hour with Pardew? All expenses night out at in the Goose? A tour of Longbenton? I'm baffled.