maybe_next_year

Can't say there are any massive surprises there. Given Moan was WSL2 player of the season the year before she joined, I can't see her wanting to be 2nd choice goalie. Shania Hayles was decent but if there was one area I feel would push us to the next level, it would be getting a top quality striker. Fingers crossed we'll get one this summer. What a waste of time signing Charley was, can't remember ever seeing her play (Did she come on as a sub once?) .

Fair play to him for speaking the language although going from Elanga to Lamine Yamal on the opposite wing was always going to be the bigger culture shock. Not really that bothered by this deal. Although I think he seems underrated on here, he won't be a massive miss as Barnes isn't a massive step down in quality. I also think Gordon has been really hampered by the low block teams have figured out work perfectly against us. At least we've made a hefty profit, which unfortunately in 2026 matters a lot. Think he'll do well in Spain and unless we face them in the Champions League, I wish him well.

Can he kick a football and go 90 minutes without making a calamitous fuck up? If so, can't wait to get him signed.

Elanga just summarised his season there

Easily the best goal an opposition player has scored against us this season, ludicrous finish.

We're fading again, at least we've got the 2 goal cushion this time.

Since Sels 'injury' and their shape change, we've had no idea what to do with the ball.

Again, for the people at the back: Shola Ameobi's job at no point involved arranging loans, he was simply communicating between the player during their time on loan, checking up on their training etc.

Seems like the wrong moment to say this given her decision but she always seemed like the perfect example of what has gone wrong. She's started most games for us this year and I honestly couldn't tell you what she brings to the team, distinctly average with no real up sides to her game. One of many players brought in without moving us forward. Still surprised to see her go from WSL2 to retiring at just 25.

Before the international break, I was for him staying but in the 3 games since then I've started to at least sit on the fence. The win today papered over some cracks but I still thought we were poor. Even the first half, it seemed to rely on a bit of chaos/physicality from Willock & Osula to get us in a winning position which isn't going to get you challenging at the top of the league. Second half was dreadful,. Honestly beginning to wonder if Eddie pulls out The Chronicle's obituary section at half time. For a man who relies on intensity, there was a distinct lack of it in the second 45.

I mean we did our absolute best to throw that away in the second half, absolutely rode our luck.

Suddenly feel a lot more confident now Welbeck has gone.

We've started doing out standard second half drop off again...

Nick Pope doing Nick Pope things.

That was a great pass from Bruno in the build up too.

Well there's a positive already: We didn't do that stupid kicking it straight out from kick off thing again

There are a few criticisms I may have had of Willock over the years, I'm not sure arrogant or lazy have ever been on the list.

We may have plenty of gaps but I wouldn't be against fewer but better signings. 2 or 3 excellent signings could transform the team and hide gaps (for a time). I'm probably showing my age, but that Bellamy/Robert summer, I can't remember signing anyone else of note that summer and they transformed the team. I realise football 20 odd years ago was 'slightly' different but I'm still of the belief a couple of great players can make a big impact.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce8p01x34pyo Brighton plan Europe's first purpose-built £80m women's stadium. Wonder what made them decide against just randomly relocating to an athletics stadium in what feels like a nearby wind tunnel that's already providing a poor match experience for a National League team...

Either up front instead of Wissa.

I know Thiaw is there but he isn't a keeper, surely that should have been a red. Gotten away with one there.

We're more of a danger to ourselves than anything with set pieces like that.

Osula

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali, Malick Thiaw, Will Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães (c), Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave

At the Emirates in the league: 2024/25 Lost 0-1 2023/24 Lost 1-4 2022/23 Drew 0-0 2021/22 Lost 0-2 2020/21 Lost 0-3 2019/20 Lost 0-4 2018/19 Lost 0-2 2017/18 Lost 0-1 2015/16 Lost 0-1 2014/15 Lost 1-4 2013/14 Lost 0-3 2012/13 Lost 3-7 2011/12 Lost 1-2 2010/11 Won 1-0 2008/09 Lost 0-3 2007/08 Lost 0-3 2006/07 Drew 1-1 I'm sure we'll be fine