Season Review 07-08

[aimaad22]

Hullo there lads, here's a piece of something Ive been upto over the last few days. Actually, I was supposed to be doing it as part of an official premier league review for a popular football site. The project was scrapped, and as I'd done the work already, I thought I'd share it with all fans possible. So if you're bored and dont have a real life, read on 

 

There's a general month by month analysis followed by a player by player one.

 

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2007-2008

 

 

August – December

 

As always, the new season at St James’ Park began with high hopes and a lot of optimism. Sam Allardyce was seen by many as the ideal man to end Newcastle’s defensive woes and establish organization and discipline at the club. And boy did he get off to the dream start, leading his team to a convincing away victory over his old club Bolton. Martins was the star of the match with two goals, and the Geordies had plenty of reason to go home happy after seeing their side display great attacking prowess and then finishing off the job professionally. The first home game saw Newcastle tackle Villa, but they failed to reproduce the kind of form they showed against Bolton and perhaps the Birmingham side got the better of a rather dull goalless draw. The Magpies were then off to the Riverside Stadium for the Tees-Tyne Derby. While neither team could produce regular free flowing football, two moments of individual brilliance from N’Zogbia and Viduka saw Newcastle leading the game until a late strike from Arca leveled things up and left the away side contending themselves with a draw again. Thus ended August, with Newcastle unbeaten and off to a very solid start.

 

Wigan came to town on the first day of the new month, and were battered for much of the game. However it took a late goal from Owen, fit and back in the team, to break the stubborn resistance of ten-man Wigan and give Newcastle a richly deserved three points. In that kind of form, Newcastle would have expected an easy win at strugglers Derby next game. However it was Newcastle who struggled to create anything in the game and paid the price when Derby scored what turned out to be the winner before half time. The disjointed and disappointing performance suddenly put a few question marks over Big Sam’s team. There were no such problems when West Ham visited St James’ Park next week. A bright performance from the impressive N’Zogbia gave Newcastle a comfortable victory. Owen got himself injured again in the game though. After a defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the Carling Cup in midweek, Newcastle next went to Manchester City hoping to bounce back. And they looked right on course to do just that after Martins put them ahead with a well taken goal midway through the first half. After that it was all Man City though, with the shaky defense of the North East outfit unable to keep out an Elano inspired team and succumbing to another defeat. Big Sam’s honeymoon period was truly over. September was an up and down month for the Magpies, the downs emphasizing some crucial weaknesses in the side that would haunt them in months to come.

 

The first game of October saw Newcastle take on Everton in a five goal thriller. The home side took a deserved first half lead through Butt but Everton came back early in the second to level the game. Supersub Emre turned out to be the difference in the end, his fierce shot from outside the box putting the Toon in front and his freekick in the last minute headed in by the returning Owen to secure the points. Spurs next came to Town, and went back with nothing as well. Martins and Cacapa capitalizing on some dodgy defending to give Newcastle an early cushion and the opposition never really came back from that. With an impressive home record thus far, it was the away form that was cause for worry for Big Sam. And that worry only grew after a very ordinary performance at Reading saw Newcastle lose on their travels again. The defense was looking as wobbly as ever, with Cacapa and Rozenhal far from looking like the quality defenders they were supposed to be.

 

November was going to be a truly miserable month for Newcastle and their fans. First, Pompey came to St James’ having not won here in 58 years and thrashed the home side in front of a stunned crowd. Almost as embarrassing as the result was the shocking defending on display, that led to three goals in eleven minutes. The haphazard substitutions by Big Sam and his tactical approach left many fans with serious doubts over his abilities. The next game against Sunderland provided a chance to bounce back in style and please the fans, but it was not to be. Sunderland dominated for much of the game and although neither side created open chances Sunderland did look more threatening. Newcastle only got the draw thanks to dodgy equalizer from Milner, his cross/shot somehow ending up in the back of the net. Things were getting no easier for the Toon, as they faced Liverpool next. An expectant St James’ crowd saw Allardyce adopt defensive tactics, and then watched in horror as their side were ripped to pieces again at home. Newcastle were astonishingly poor throughout, and Liverpool took full advantage to win in style. The home side could be thankful that they only lost by three goals in the end. Every decision, every substitution was jeered by the Newcastle faithful, who were now getting increasingly restless about their new manager’s defensive approach to the game that had the fans and the players alike frustrated and unhappy.

 

Thus came December, and a difficult trip to Ewood Park. It started promisingly as Martins headed us into the league, but as was becoming habit, things quickly fell apart and Newcastle were unable to stop a Bently inspired Blackburn from hitting back with three goals of their own and taking the points. The pressure was building on the manager. The team needed a performance at home against high flying Arsenal to get the fans behind them again. This time Newcastle did not disappoint. A pulsating encounter saw the home team come down from a goal down to get a draw. The fight and energy displayed that night put some hope back in the Toon faithful. And things certainly looked to be turning for the better next week when the impressive Habib Beye headed his team to a late win against strugglers Birmingham. A rather painful winless run was ended. A somewhat rejuvenated Toon eleven next took on Fulham in London. A very lackluster game saw Newcastle awarded a dubious late penalty, and Barton finally got his Toon career off to some kind of start after tucking away the spot kick and seeing his side claim three points when perhaps a draw would have been the fair result. Despite being the only team to have lost to Derby thus far, Newcastle would have expected to beat them when they made the trip to Tyneside at the start of the busy Christmas period. Yet the unpredictability and inconsistency of the team was again on display as they struggled to a draw, and even that courtesy a late Viduka effort. The boxing day fixture at Wigan saw both sides failing to produce their best and seemingly suffering from a Christmas hangover. Wigan won the game courtesy a brilliant set piece, but it was the same old story for the Toon, another scrappy and unconvincing performance. And the games weren’t getting any easier. Newcastle next made the trip to Stamford Bridge. This time a much improved performance was put in, yet a dodgy decision from the linesman handed Chelsea a late victory, leaving the Mags feeling a bit hard done. The year was over, another year of disappointment and not much improvement. The defense was as jittery as ever, the attack far from firing on all cylinders, and the midfield struggling to impose themselves against opposition. Nothing was working for Big Sam, and the Magpie faithful were getting restless. Time was running out for the big man.

 

January – May

 

Manchester City visited Newcastle for the first game of the new year. There was nothing new about what proceeded though. After failing to convert a number of openings early in the first half, Newcastle eventually paid the price as City took their chances to take the game and pile more misery on the Toon. This proved to be Big Sam’s last Premiership game as Newcastle manager, as after the goalless FA Cup draw with Stoke, he left the club by ‘mutual consent’. Many had thought that Allardyce was the perfect man to solve Newcastle woes, but an overly defensive and unattractive approach to the game(which was not yielding results) was too much too take for the Newcastle faithful in the end. Thus a managerless Newcastle traveled to Old Trafford next, a fixture they haven’t won in over thirty years. And that wasn’t to change at all, a brilliant second half display from the English Champions saw them score six against the hapless visitors. The massacre was quickly forgotten back up in the North East though, as Newcastle announced the return of King Keegan. The return of the ‘Messiah’ made headlines everywhere, and had most Toon fans optimistic that at the least they would see good football again. It seemed almost like a new season when Bolton visited St James’ for the KK’s first game. Bolton were there to spoil the party though, as they piled men behind the ball for long periods of the game and Newcastle showed a distinct lack of cutting edge in failing to break them down. After all the hype, Keegan’s first game in charge produced a very uninspiring goalless draw. After seeing his team get outclassed at the hands of Arsenal in the FA Cup at the weekend, Keegan would have been under no illusions as to the size of the task at hand. Yet he could do little to stop the Newcastle again lose three – nil to the same opposition in the midweek league game. There was much work to be done.

 

On the 3rd day of February, Newcastle faced their North East rivals Middlesbrough, one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year for the fans. And it looked to be going well for the magpies, as Owen headed in his first league goal since October to give the home side the lead. Yet the jittery defense could not hold up again, and Keegan was denied his first win as Boro equalized late on with a header of their own. The next game at Villa was hardly going to be comfortable, and it turned out to be another nightmarish performance as Newcastle conceded four after having initially taken the lead. Nobody was expecting anything special then as Man Utd visited St James’ Park for the last game of the month, indeed, the game saw Newcastle concede 5 again in front of their faithful. The results were getting thoroughly embarrassing now, and KK’s much heralded return to his beloved Newcastle wasn’t going to plan.

 

A lot of questions were being raised about the desire of the Newcastle players following a thus far terrible season. As Newcastle horrible form continued and they lost the next match at home to Blackburn, most fans were not bemoaning lack of fight but the cruelness of football. They had seen their team dominate the game and lose to a late goal as they went forward looking for a deserved winner. The alarm bells were ringing now, the points table showed Newcastle could far from consider themselves safe, and debate raged hot among fans as to whether their team is too good to go down. Another mauling, at the hands of Liverpool this time, did little to allay these fears. Even the most optimistic fans were looking nervously at the points table now, and many of those who had supported Keegan’s return were questioning the wisdom of the decision. The next game at fellow strugglers Birmingham was vital. The game was a typical relegation dogfight, a scrappy affair that produced a draw in the end. Newcastle again had Owen to thank for rescuing them a point. Fulham’s visit to the North East five days later was just as important, if not more. Viduka’s smartly taken early goal and a second half header from Owen gave Keegan his first victory, and the city breathed a huge sigh of relief. It was pleasing to see the team play open football and take risks despite the immense pressure.

The next game at White Hart Lane would be a challenge, and one that not many people picked the visitors to win. Keegan picked an aggressive three pronged strikeforce, and boy did it pay dividends. A breathtaking second half display saw his men tear the Carling Cup champions to pieces, and left the country wondering if this was the same team that had been a relegation scrap until very recently. A month that had started with doom and gloom hanging over the club finished with a sense of relief and new found optimism. The team was playing well, the players starting to look like they were enjoying themselves, and most important of all they were getting much needed results.

 

It was thus a confident team that took on Reading in the first game of April, and the good run was continued as the Toon dispatched their opponents in fine style in front of the home crowd. The next game at high flying Portsmouth would be a different matter though, as both teams missed some good chances and had to settle for a goalless draw. Newcastle were nearly there as far as premier league safety was concerned. They guaranteed that status,in fact, against arch rivals Sunderland after a fine first half performance. Owen was again the star man and finally showing his true form for the black and white. The Toon were showing the potential to play good football now, but it was another quality that came to their rescue against West Ham next time around. Losing by two goals away from home, Newcastle fought back to level the game and grab a point.

 

Newcastle entertained Chelsea for the last home game of the season. The visiting team had all to play for, and their superior quality came through as they took the three points without much bother. The last game of the season again emphasized that there was a lot of work still to be done in the summer, Newcastle were distinctly second best against an impressive Everton side.

 

ANALYSIS OF THE SEASON

 

Thus ended another season. In short it was another season of disappointment and underachievement. Perhaps even underachievement isn’t the right word here, as for a time Newcastle fans were left wondering nervously if they would stay in the division. Although results got better towards the end of the season, performances generally were very poor. To tell the truth, they were embarrassing at times. For instance, the 4-1 defeat at home to Portsmouth was our first in 58 years! And when will we beat Manchester United again? Hell, conceding less than five would be a start. Then, in Alan Smith we just might have one of the few strikers in Europe who failed to score a single goal in the season.

 

The Allardyce experiment failed miserably. His brand of football and approach to the game were simply unacceptable, although some fans might argue he should have been given more time. Big Sam simply failed to realize good football is just as important as results up there, perhaps more. And when you play rubbish football and don’t get results, well…Keegan adopted a more expansive style immediately, yet even his methods took a while to get going and he must have heaved a huge sigh of relief after that first win. The season overall can best be describe as a rollercoaster ride.

 

PLAYER EVALUATION

 

Goalkeeper #1 – Shay Given: One of our most outstanding and consistent performers over the last decade. While this season he didn’t produce many of the spectacular performances of the last two years, when he did play he was as solid and dependable as ever. Injuries kept him out for long periods of the season though.

 

Goalkeeper #2 – Steve Harper: Given’s injury problems meant long time bench warmer Harper finally got extended runs in the team. And he rose to the challenge as best as could be hoped. In turbulent times, his all round solid performance ensured Given’s absence wasn’t really felt. With some people even calling for an England summons, Harper has reasons to be pleased with his work this year.

 

Right Back#1 – Habib Beye: Player of the season according to many Newcastle fans. It is well known defending has been a big weakness for the magpies for a long time. Beye came into the team looking to sure up those problems and he fit in from day one. Full of running, strong in the air, sure in the tackle and possessing the ability to make forward runs and provide assists, Beye was impressive from start to finish of the season. On this season’s evidence, it can be easily said Newcastle have solved this right back problem for the time being.

 

Centre Back#1 – Abdoulaye Faye: Another one of the few success stories of the season, Faye formed a solid partnership with Taylor towards the end of the season and provided much needed aerial prowess in a small side. Dependable and responsible, Faye was an asset for the team this season.

 

Centre Back #2 – Steven Taylor: We’ve all heard about his potential, and at times he put in magnificent performances this season, yet the occasional loss of concentration cost Newcastle a couple of times. Overall, it was another season of learning for him and you could see with experience he can be a rock at the back for Newcastle.

 

Centre Back# 3 – Claudio Cacapa: He arrived from Lyon having captained them and having won nearly half a dozen league titles. Yet all that experience didn’t count for much as he far from impressed for Newcastle. Too many slip ups cost us too many times, and eventually and thankfully he was dropped from the side. Not much more to say, his time here is probably at an end.

 

Centre back#4 – David Rozenhal: Another one with good experience behind him, another one who failed to use it. His story is much the same as Cacapa’s, just not dependable enough to play regularly, made too many mistakes.

 

Left Back#1 – Jose Enrique: It was a turbulent season for the highly rates Spanish youngster. He made a dodgy start, looked nervous at the beginning. It was clear though he has loads of natural ability, and towards the latter parts of the season he impressed with composed performances. His ability to go past people and skillfully maneuver out of tight spots was delightful to watch at times.

 

Right Winger#1 – James Milner: Much was expected from Milner after a good season last time round. But he just couldn’t do the same this year. Perhaps tactical changes were partly to blame, but Milner could not have a big effect on games and was rather subdued when he did play. Keegan eventually dropped him after moving to the 4-3-3 system.

 

Right Winger#2  - Geremi: Not really an out an out winger, Geremi did the job that was required under Keegan’s new system which was to keep things solid. His passing left a lot to be desired though and it is clear he doesn’t have the same legs anymore. Not a player Im looking forward to seeing next season.

 

Centre Midfield #1 – Nicky Butt: Another consistent performer, did his job well and offered good protection for the backline. His ability to break up opposition attacks and win the ball was valuable, yet some fans will argue his inability to create chances upfront hindered us at times.

 

Center Midfield #2 – Joey Barton: Began the season horribly, with very unimpressive performances. That changed with time however, and towards the end of the season he was looking like the player he was at Man City. Off the field problems are continuing to wreck havoc on his career, and overall it can be said his contribution over the whole season was unsatisfactory.

 

Centre Midfield# 3 – Emre: Played very few games due to injury and inconsistency. Those exact two things were making it clear he was never going to become anything special for us.

 

Left Winger# 1  - Chalres N’Zogbia: Started out at left back, and impressed with his ability going forward and scoring goals. Yet he was restricted at that position, and never really got a good run in the midfield. In the end a season that promised much fizzled out due to injury problems.

 

Left Winger#2  - Damien Duff: Another injury plagued season for him. When he did play he was a shadow of his former self. Duff has continued to disappoint for Newcastle.

 

Striker #1 – Micheal Owen: Yet another player who was heavily affected by injury. His return was timely though, and his goals ensured survival for the club in the end. At long last, fans were getting to see a Micheal Owen somewhere close to his old form.

 

Striker #2 – Mark Viduka: Didn’t score a lot of goals, and was far from consistent. Another player who blossomed towards the end of the season, he seemed to enjoy playing the 4-3-3 with Martins and Owens and linked up well with them. Hardly a spectacular season on his own, he was an important part of the system that did eventually click.

 

Striker # 3  - Alan Smith: Played nearly as many games in midfield as upfront, but was just as unimpressive in both roles. Couldn’t score, couldn’t pass, couldn’t contribute anything to the team really. I would go as far as saying he was a liability for Newcastle this season. 

 

Striker #4  - Obafemi Martins: Big things were expected of him after that explosive first season. Yet he couldn’t quite deliver this time round. Perhaps a lot of that could be due to the inability of the midfield to provide chances for much of the season. Even during that time he provided a little spark for us at times. And towards the end of the season, Martins was vital in Newcastle’s little revival under Keegan, with some important goals and a lot of grit and fight.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

It is quite clear the squad needs reshuffling, so the Toon fans will keep on eye out for what looks like another busy summer.  The solid thinker will say Newcastle need a season of rebuilding and stability. Yet, despite one of the worst seasons in our recent history, Keegan’s return and Ashley’s money will ensure Newcastle fans will once again be expecting big things next season.

 

Like myself, many Newcastle fans will be wondering how many more seasons like this one they will have to see before witnessing any kind of success. And that’s what we’ll take, any kind of success!!

[Happy Face]

Can someone give me the essence in two sentences?

 

 

[Dave]

Can someone give me the essence in two sentences?

 

 

 

We woz crap. Next season should be better.

 

(Haven't read it)

[Guest Stephen927]

Good start turned shit, changed managers. Positive run under Keegan fizzled out.

[aimaad22]

Can someone give me the essence in two sentences?

 

 

 

Two words: shite season

 

 

This was basically meant as a read for general football fans, not Newcastle ones.

[kirkwdavis2001]

Three words from me: WELCOME BACK KEEGAN!

[ozzie1980]

Does anyone know if a DVD will be released of last season?

[ShearMagic]

Does anyone know if a DVD will be released of last season?

 

Why would you want one even if there was?

[relámpago blanco]

Does anyone know if a DVD will be released of last season?

 

Why would you want one even if there was?

In case its got some extra's on including Mort doing a conga in Quinn's face.