ExiledGeordie

It was a piss poor performance but I wouldn't blame the two in midfield entirely. We're just not getting enough from the "creative" three behind Gayle. Diame was non-existent and needed to step up, Ritchie was flat. Benitez will surely have taken note and have something in mind but this inability to put teams away at home is clearly an issue. Other teams will have taken note and will do the same thing Wednesday did. Fingers crossed for some new creativity in Jan because the right signing or two would really have us make another surge. In the grand scheme of things we're still doing ok and top for the time being. Forest is a big game though as I'd still be confident of us going to Blackburn with our set up and getting something.

Shut up ffs

Just to clarify. You're being a cock Yes we're struggling and desperately need to change things up

He hasn't exactly been rubbish recently though has he. Yes he's limited but he's done a decent job recently pre injury

Good team

There's some fight there and as long as Defoe stays fit they'll stay up. Worse teams will save them too

Totally agree

I can't see Mbemba staying, I have it on fairly good authority that he wanted away at the end of last season. Not sure Benitez rates him anyway

These matches are almost like those dodgy 3rd ties in the cup. They were a big side too, you need strength and character to battle through these matches to go with turning it on in matches like the 4-0 against Brum.

Yeah because we're going to win every game 4-0 in this league

Making mugs of the people who stupidly wrote him off already

I agree they'll bring in a starting striker. The rotation policy will still see Gayle getting a fair amount of playing time though I'd imagine.

Benitez ANY day. Much more chance of some longevity and seems to have an affiliation with the area already. I can't be doing with all that arrogant bollocks either. And another thing, this clamouring for 442 in various quarters from fans desperate to Mitrovic and Gayle together. We're winning with the current system why change it ffs?

Need to dominate possession, hope Diame helps secure that

He's not going to play 442 though is he, and we've just come off a 9 game winning streak playing his system. Like I said I think the team will continue to improve in the second half of the season

I think this is far too negative given the change of personnel in the summer. Team will continue to improve throughout the season

Great result today.......it'll be the same thing though, go on win 2 or 3 then lose 5 in a row........and repeat

Blackburn last weekend was my first match back for 3 years Typical Would happily take a solid, professional home win to get back on track

Basically this

I agree we will never play two up front. A new number 10 to play in his system who could open up a defence end chip in with goals and we'd be rocking.

I agree and at least have another option to Shelvey which may come in the form of a new signing in January. Shelvey could get injured and as shown be it harsh or not, has tendency to "get involved" rather than walk away

Funny how things turn out eh.

Back visiting and first match in just over 3 years

Benitez is clearly happy with how he's playing. I think he's done alright recently

Good counter attacking team with options from the bench. Gayle and Perez will keep that back four on the edge