TheInfiniteOdyssey

Very listless performance. Going through the motions.

Got no real ill will towards Villa, brilliant win for them tonight. They seem to have the necessary squad depth to go really far.

Another brilliant result and performance. Man United were extremely poor, but we made them look that way. From the off we exerted an unshakeable control over the game. Everyone played well, but I thought the midfield three were particularly great. Bruno has been so dominant in midfield these last few games, such a great technician on the ball. We’re a very good side and it’s testament to the remarkable coaching of Howe and the rest of the team.

Astonishing performance from him really. So impressed with his tactical discipline, particularly how he screened opposition players and covered the space to make crucial blocks.

Absolutely bossed the midfield in the first half, his composure on the ball to turn out of tight spaces and beat a press with a forward ball is immense. Wonderful player, proper big-time performance from him.

Was emotionally spent after watching that last night. Couldn’t be prouder of the team for their performance, what more could you ask for. A herculean effort, considering the circumstances. They gave absolutely everything for the badge and each other. I thought we were tremendous first half and looked very much at home at this level. Our passing was crisp, effortlessly turning out of situations under pressure and improvising slick passing movements out from the wing into the centre and vice-versa. Of course, the second half descended into a real slog, physically exhausted in all areas of the pitch, but we still held firm, blessed by an outstanding goalkeeping performance by Pope. A 17 year old local lad in the middle who was fearless on and off the ball. It’s honestly surreal, miraculous even, what this coaching setup has established and imprinted on the club. We got that result (not the one we should have obviously) because of how the manager and coaching team have established a culture that everyone has fully bought into. Looking at the wider context, for Newcastle to be unbeaten against PSG, to compete at the highest level of European competition, it’s still such a thrill for me. Overjoyed that our fans could have that memory of an Isak away goal at the Parc des Princes, what a moment. Even taken as a little aside, but for our academy to get the club’s first ever UEFA Youth League win away at PSG yesterday, represents such a huge milestone for the club’s progress. Every one of those players were such a credit to the club last night.

First win in the UEFA Youth League, and against such an established opponent like PSG. Represents a massive milestone for NUFC academy.

The reaction from other fanbases to this is just so bizarre to me. Some seem absolutely foaming at the mouth for our fans to get hurt. Even taking into account sporting rivalries, when you’re delighting in the possibility of people getting caught up in violence, you really need to get a grip and reassess your life like.

This was such a tremendous win. To get a result like that, with all the injuries and associated disruption, is complete testament to the mentality Howe and his coaching staff have instilled in the team.

Got no love for Everton, but I’ve become extremely disillusioned with FFP both as a concept and in enforcement.

Absolute shite fucking hell

Not good enough. Mentally don’t look like we want to compete and that’s unacceptable.

Had the whole goal to aim for ffs.

Difficult match, but proud of the team’s resilient performance at this level, particularly considering all the injury issues we’re dealing with. Some excellent technical quality on show from us, passing and moving the ball in tight spaces, Livramento was brilliant. However, we’re missing a genuine goal-threat. Joelinton’s chance was a pivotal moment but never felt like we were going to get a goal tonight. It’s a shame we haven’t really been able to showcase our full strength in this fixture.

I suppose it’s easy to say from a Newcastle point of view, but I’d be really disappointed if Howe came out after the match and acted like Arteta. Privately you can fume to the players about any perceived injustice, recognise the unfortunate circumstances that left them with a loss in this game, but to do so publicly just sets a precedent for the entire squad. What happens when they next have a continuous decision, are they going to lose all their composure again? These things are part of sport, especially football. It’s not a sterile, pure game. Arteta just comes across as another bully-boy to me. It’s a passionate game, but his antics and behaviour aren’t acceptable.

Arsenal are just a textbook example of a club and fanbase who can’t handle not getting their own way. It was a physical, bad-tempered game. But both teams made it that way. Their defenders were putting in some full-blooded challenges as well. There seems to be a fundamental misconception in their own fanbase that their players are these perfectly elegant, graceful players on and off the ball. They aren’t at all, they’re very physical and aren’t afraid to show it when they can. Perfectly illustrated by the duel between Wilson and Gabriel. I think a more underlying issue here is that Arsenal have traditionally enjoyed getting their run of St James’ and the Emirates whenever we play. Think we managed a meagre 1 win in 20, now it’s 2 wins in 4. I just think they can’t handle this change in intensity when we play them now. Arteta’s comments are basically an elaborate distraction for a team that didn’t impose a legitimate control on the game.

His absolutely explosive acceleration when he’s striding with the ball sets him apart from a lot of other midfielders. He seems to glide with the ball, he’s that fast.

His distribution really helped us maintain control of the game. Impressed with him tonight. Still a good goalkeeper no matter what anyone says,

What a performance and result man. Just doesn’t get any better, especially beating them lot in their own backyard.

Another Pauly D masterclass.

Joelinton has been incredible tonight, personally my MOTM.

That little yelp from Reguilon

Couldn’t have hit it any better.

Brilliant driving run, what a player

Hannibal looking hungry for another card