duo

Hmmm.

We were far from shit - at the break neither side really tested the keeper. 2nd half we looked pretty comfortable until Shelley got send off. If I had one complaint I thought Rafa needed to bring on Merino earlier but other than that we did ok against a good side.

1st half thought we did ok. 2nd half - post Shelvey sent off - we were lacking in midfield until Merino came on and he changed the game - lad looks class. Looked like we went 3 at the back and we looked liked a different team.

Does anyone know if Ashley pays now for s*** direct being plastered all over the ground?

We need to show Rafa some love today regardless of the result.

Arent the mirror ashleys media partner? Yep

Sunday Supplement just been talking about Rafa/Ashley. Andy Dunn from Mirror seemed more on side of Ashley but Paul Hayward and Oliver Holt (in particular) are totally on Rafa's side and weren't having any of Ashley's shit that he cannot compete.

Perfect weather for a match Love the first home game of the season

Personally I think due to the timing off it I think it's more directed to Rafa. Obviously we've yet to see it's full content but what I have seen is with regards Transfers and Rafa. It's a really odd situation as you have Rafa now having to defend himself via the press: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4785254/Rafa-Benitez-not-happy-Newcastle-board-transfers.html These two have clashed, and after the raft of interviews Rafa did this week where he talked about the lack of transfers, Ashley feels the need to do one himself. It's just bizarre - only at NUFC.

Not good for us though....

I noticed that.

V.true.

Arsenal have scored so lovely goals tonight - but really let in soft ones.

toilet paper then?!?

Could be a 'try' before you buy like Atsu.

I did the obligatory check on youtube and from the 4mins I saw he seemed to play at LB for Chelsea - the clips didn't show much defending but he looked an upgrade to Dummett going forward.

Ashleys a gambler always has been, always will be. This is just one more play at the roulette table for Ashley. So long as we're in the Premier League he's happy. I was naive enough to think he'd actually give Rafa some cash to spend

It's not quite Keegan they've not got some one buying players behind his back. I think Rafa has control of purchases the issue sounds like Charnley and Co aren't getting the job done. Penny pinching which is costing us to miss out on players

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4772610/Rafa-Benitez-admits-s-preparing-relegation-battle.html Title says it all.

Cracking up the pressure on Ashley maybe - all out media.

He's clearly had offers from overseas clubs but he wants to stay in England which is lucky for us as it reduces the number of teams that could offer him an escape out.

He's still at Newcastle I am guessing?

A few subs then...

Dummett Knackered.

So am I !! Think they've sacked off the log in.