jackflap

I'll use Olise as an example, he's the absolute ideal profile of player, they were in for him and missed out to Bayern Munich and if not Munich then he would've went to Chelsea. Left footers are rare so by the time a ready made option is available the market is crowded and unfortunately Newcastle aren't at the stage yet where they can compete with the usual suspects. There's a reason why it's been nearly 4 years since the takeover and they still haven't addressed the position. Think they need to be constantly firing shots at the position and hope one hits.

Nothing against Elanga he's a fine player but I don't think he's what they need and when you're signing players from a side who probably consider you a rival you're going to be paying a premium. That's okay if the player is the exact profile the squad needs and he'll solve a position for years to come. Rice to Arsenal for example but don't think that's the case with Elanga. The squad is crying out for more balance (no non defenders who are left footed) and creativity in the final 3rd. Bruno is the only real natural creator IMO and even his passing has limitations. I think the profile of player they need is a creative left footed RW who can carry the ball and with vision to pick a pass. Somebody who can cut inside in the final 3rd, look up and the defence has to worry about a ball going back post to Isak, a runner from midfield or Livramento on the overlap. We saw how Livramento's game improved going to LB with a winger in front who can cut inside. I don't like the idea of negating what could be a real strength. Now such a player might not exist in this window or want to join, think Mbeumo wouldn't been ideal but what can you do. However I'd rather not see them invest too heavily in a position if the player isn't the profile they need long term. Much rather look abroad and take a punt on someone for lesser money.

Chelsea were always going to be in for Delap whether they need him or not. Young player with a release clause below his probable market value, I'm sure he's viewed as a sound financial investment first and foremost much like Adabariyo last summer. He'll need to turn out to be a very good player to survive the inevitable hype and dysfunction at the club.

Think he's too soft and passive, could be good in the right team with a run of games but that's never going to be the case here and lacks the mentality to come into a game and impose himself. Keep going back to the miss against Brighton in the FA Cup where he virtually pulled out of a free header into an open goal.

Because he's shown he can still be very influential there. If Isak moonlighting at LW every now and then meant having to carry one less specialist LW in the squad and being able to invest in another area of weakness then that's a fair trade IMO, much rather see Isak at LW than Krafth or Targett starting meaningful games for example as not sure Trippier can be relied on for another season. I don't feel too strongly either way but if they sign a RW as expected and invest a decent sum at CF as well then I think they may look at Barnes as expendable in a PSR world.

It was done over a year ago as it's the bones of 2 years since Wilson has been fit and able but he'd be a serviceable option there if Gordon was out and there was another quality striker to lean on, the assist at Everton when he was playing there was one of his best moments in a Newcastle shirt.

I think if they sign a starting PL calibre striker like Delap we could well see Barnes move on, Isak becomes an option on the LW then as well and Osula could be cover there also, perhaps even the likes of Sanusi in an emergency. Think an extra CM, RW and CF would give that option. Might mean having the resources to sign an extra FB as the depth there isn't ideal.

Gonna be an exciting and nerve jangling week but class to go into the last weekend with all to play for. Have to think they'll get it done, haven't failed to deliver in big games at home in the new era and there have been plenty. Keeps everything relevant as well. If Wolves fail to beat Palace Tuesday it renders the game meaningless for position for Everton. Spurs beating ManU would give the latter pride to play for at home to Villa. Gonna sit back and enjoy the ride.

Would love to see them sign somebody proficient in the no.10 role and have the option of trying Bruno and Tonali as a double pivot. Think Isak could play there if they'd another option up front.

Pretty good chance that Everton won't even have League position to play for next weekend. If they beat Southampton at home tomorrow and Wolves fail to beat Palace away midweek they can only finish 13th.

Easy to find something odious about every club but Man City represent all that's rotten about contemporary football. Cmon Palace.

Should Palace win today and Forest win their last 2 games to finish ahead of Chelsea, and all other results go as expected would that leave Chelsea reliant on winning the Conference League just to get into the Europa? Trying to find an argument for rooting for Palace today, would make it a more interesting final plus fuck City. Bad enough to have to spend yesterday evening shouting for their neighbours.

Vlahovic to Arsenal that January a few years back was a tortuous saga, a sure illustration that mouse clicks can't make a transfer come true. Though clever of Vlahovic to skip the whole going to Arsenal stage of revealing himself to not be a very good striker. I'd say he has the game to do well in the PL and would be a good case of buying when the stock is low but Juve at that time were fairly spendthrift so can only imagine he's on a big wedge which would rule him out. Feels like a Chelsea signing but then what signing doesn't

Have come away from a lot of games thinking that his decision making in the final 3rd just isn't very good, particularly when there's a FB overlapping and he needs to decide whether to play him in or use him as a decoy to cut inside, he invariably seems to make the wrong call, something Gordon struggles with as well in fairness. A lot of promising situations on the left haven't materialised into much as a result. It's a crucial element as there's a lot of potential there with the energy of Hall/Livramento it really is a strength they need to be making the most of.

Doue and Barcola haven't really combined well, feel like PSG have another gear in them when Dembele comes on.

It's the type of penalty that Gordon made an art form out of winning last season but I'm not sure I'm in favour of them even though by the letter of the law it's a pen, Martinez clearly played for the penalty by moving his foot between the defender and the ball, never made any attempt to play the ball.

Would take 20m for him, he has some great attributes and could thrive in the right system but don't see it happening here, like Longstaff think he's the type of player that needs a run of games, can be scruffy on the ball. Himself and Joelinton dovetailing on the left was one of my favourite things about 2 seasons ago but not likely to see that with Gordon and Barnes in situ. Too breezy and streaky a player for Howe in general IMO, lacks aggression and decisiveness, the header he missed against Brighton being a prime example.

Not to be clogging up the rumour thread with conjecture but I wonder if Barnes retains his place for the rest of the season and somebody comes in with a big bid for Gordon in the summer would they be tempted. Chelsea is the only side I could see that might throw a bid in just because they're Chelsea and not out of any great need. Perhaps Liverpool if Diaz who's always linked away moved. It's a fairly well stocked area of the team with a lot of players who could do a job there, maybe even Sanusi could emerge as an emergency option next season. Feels like having 2 top class players competing for one position is a luxury they're a few years away from being able to afford given the deficiencies elsewhere in the side.

Villa had to win whereas a result for Newcastle would've been a bonus. Great manager, vocal support and a battle hardened and embittered side(towards Newcastle probably and after midweek) all played a part. There's a reason managers are paid handsomely and yesterday showed why. Positives are no injuries, an ideal fixture next week to negotiate. Get Howe back hopefully and go all out for next 3 games that are all winnable.

Think Villa will be full of adrenaline early, start fast and then tire, hopefully they ride the early storm. Great to be involved in games like this late in the season.

Can picture Tonali running home after the game.

Only win the home games and Chelsea have to win all their other remaining games to finish one point above.

How does Tonali make relentless pressing look elegant

Cue Chelsea selling the club to themselves.

Could see Howe been interested in Cunha for his versatility and the tactical flexibility he'd offer. I'd love to see them signing a 10 to give the option of a Bruno/Tonali double pivot but doubt they'd invest to sign a specialist in that position unless they could also cover other positions and Cunha's probably the best example of someone who could do that. Could see them being interested if they thought they were getting value but would depend on what other clubs are in for him.