JP

Joey Barton anyone?

Agree with many here, did enough for 3 points but second half was a poor performance. First time Shelvey has been man-marked, something we could definitely see more often and I'm amazed no manager has thought of that until now. He was a lot quieter than normal as Kieron Richardson was his shadow for 70 mins until he went off. Mitro's hold up play wasn't up to his usual standard, thought Bamba had a good game against him. Would've suited Gayle more to stretch them in behind 2nd half especially. Having said that, great composure for the assist from Mitro. Other points of note; Dummett improving all the time IMO. He made a good chance for Mitro 2nd half. Clark brilliant again - Rafa mentions the balance added by having a left footed CB and it really noticeable being at the game. The fact Shelvey was man marked allowed a CB to step out of defence more often and Clark is better with the ball than Lascelles, he played really well again. Final thing, if the ref gives the blatant handball in the build up I think the tone of posts would've been more like 'comfortable 2-0, but average 2nd half'. We still did plenty to win the game and only had one scare when Noone hit the post. 1st half was dominant though. Leeds away be a good test. 2 weeks of training with Rafa could be a blessing, last 2 wins have been closer/more edgey than we've hoped for.

What is the injury? Not sure it's been made public?

Rafa saying we need to be cautious with Gayle's fitness for the weekend. I'm expecting to see Mitro and Perez start if that's the case come Saturday.

You've got to wonder if they watch full games to decide this or just go for the headline makers (goalscorers). How Shelvey hasn't made the shortlist is beyond me.

Bruce will get it imo. Steadied the ship well yes, but still only won 2/5 games? We've convincingly (other than Preston) won every game in October.

Nailed on for October MOTM?

Also late but Dwight Gayle was out in Newcastle 22nd after Ipswich game, bonbar. Hasn't played since

Have I really just read that N'dong is better than Shelvey on RTG?

Going to this, hoping for an equally dominant display as my last home game (Brentford 3-1). Hopefully the early new manager effect has worn off at Cardiff as I see they lost at home to Wigan on Saturday? Brighton have a tougher game on paper than us this weekend, could be cushty at the top going in to the international break.

Looking at it without Newcastle tinted glasses on, they looked so poor on Saturday. Watched the whole game and it was staggering how Moyes set them up to sit deep and let Elneny and Coquelin have an eternity of time on the ball. He must've been trying to plug the gap in between his own CB's and midfield to stop Ozil, Iwobi, Ox finding space between the lines. Trouble is when Rodwell and Ndong are the two players expected to pick talents like Ozil up it will never work. He's also got a massive problem that the whole squad bar Defoe lacks confidence massively. That game coming up against Hull is huge for their season.

How does the song actually go? 'Ain't nobody, like Jonjo Shelvey Makes me happy, makes me feel this way' Basically a sped up version of that?

The beauty of our squad now; our top goalscorer ruled out and Mitrovic is our back up. This time last season we'd be looking at Cisse/Riviere coming in for a start I feel our squad is genuinely a lot better now, despite a lower league. Fancy Mitro to do well tomorrow, Perez or Diame behind?

What a signing. Exactly what the club should be about. Talented players but with that hate losing/hard working attitude.

Expecting something very close to this. They seem to get joy through Paul Gallagher so the more defensive minded wingers (Gouff/Ritchie) will get the nod over Atsu. Same applies to Anita over Yedlin.

Been reading here for a while, thought I'd sign up as it was inevitable eventually. Obviously delighted with how things are at present, first time in years and years we've had a squad which can be rotated without too much loss (if any) of quality. One thing I keep reading from posters/on Twitter/through the chronicle etc is that Gayle and Mitrovic should be played together. The benefits of Rafa going 4-2-3-1 throughout all of last season, pre season and this season is now beginning to shine through. Everyone in that squad knows their jobs, why? Because Rafa plays a system of which he has recruited personnel to fit the system and not just thrown money at names/players with sell-on potential. Whether it's Colback/Hayden/Shelvey/Diame/Perez starting in the midfield 3 if you like, they know exactly what is expected of them offensively and more importantly defensively. The wingers who play know they have a slight license to go express themselves and create, as one of the two deeper central midfields can always shift across to protect if a counter attack for the opposition occurs. Go 4-4-2 with Mitro + Gayle and we lose all of that instantly. The 'everyone knowing their jobs' in this current squad is pivotal to what we're seeing it now. Seen it for years with England as well, we pick personnel and have no idea of the best system. Rafa has gone system first over the summer and recruited accodingly, drilled it into the players and we are now reaping the benefits as fans. Long may it continue! In reference to the thread, would take a point Saturday as Brighton play Norwich. Optimist in me wants to grind a 1-0 out - Gayle.