Alan Pardew

[Wullie]

he pretty much fielded a team that most of us would have done.

 

the players just didn't turn up. 

 

we went with 4-2-3-1 and got 2 buried past us, he changed the formation to a back three with wing backs, got 2 buried past us again,

 

the opposition were just that much better, and us being so shyte was a shocking combination today.

 

not sure what pardew could have done different.

 

Definitely, the manager can only do so much to try and send the players out to play with the intensity that Wigan did today. We got done by a team who are playing exactly how you need to play at the bottom in April. You might not be better than your opponents but after a long season, you can make sure you're first to every ball and make sure you press all over the pitch.

 

They did exactly the same to Arsenal in the opening stages, and at the Emirates too, taking advantage of complacency and taking advantage of the fact that it can be tough to motivate yourself for a game against Wigan towards the close - we know even as fans that it can be hard in these games to be up for it. Fair play to them I say, 18 from 21 is still an outrageous return and we can still make the Champions League with a bit of bad luck for Spurs and a response on Wednesday - where we should be looking to do to Chelsea what Wigan did to us.

[Guest palnese]

It really felt like they had 2 or 3 extra players on the pitch today. They were pretty much everywhere.

 

You've got to credit Martinez for his tactics.

 

I do wonder if Levy has got him on his shortlist at Spurs.

[Ronaldo]

He hasn't.

[madras]

he pretty much fielded a team that most of us would have done.

 

the players just didn't turn up. 

 

we went with 4-2-3-1 and got 2 buried past us, he changed the formation to a back three with wing backs, got 2 buried past us again,

 

the opposition were just that much better, and us being so shyte was a shocking combination today.

 

not sure what pardew could have done different.

 

Definitely, the manager can only do so much to try and send the players out to play with the intensity that Wigan did today. We got done by a team who are playing exactly how you need to play at the bottom in April. You might not be better than your opponents but after a long season, you can make sure you're first to every ball and make sure you press all over the pitch.

 

They did exactly the same to Arsenal in the opening stages, and at the Emirates too, taking advantage of complacency and taking advantage of the fact that it can be tough to motivate yourself for a game against Wigan towards the close - we know even as fans that it can be hard in these games to be up for it. Fair play to them I say, 18 from 21 is still an outrageous return and we can still make the Champions League with a bit of bad luck for Spurs and a response on Wednesday - where we should be looking to do to Chelsea what Wigan did to us.

agree with most of that except the motivation for playing at wigan, the motivation was a champs league spot NOT the opposition. got to say i was very impressed with wigan when not in possession, they closed everything down so quick without leaving gaps anywhere.

[Wullie]

he pretty much fielded a team that most of us would have done.

 

the players just didn't turn up. 

 

we went with 4-2-3-1 and got 2 buried past us, he changed the formation to a back three with wing backs, got 2 buried past us again,

 

the opposition were just that much better, and us being so shyte was a shocking combination today.

 

not sure what pardew could have done different.

 

Definitely, the manager can only do so much to try and send the players out to play with the intensity that Wigan did today. We got done by a team who are playing exactly how you need to play at the bottom in April. You might not be better than your opponents but after a long season, you can make sure you're first to every ball and make sure you press all over the pitch.

 

They did exactly the same to Arsenal in the opening stages, and at the Emirates too, taking advantage of complacency and taking advantage of the fact that it can be tough to motivate yourself for a game against Wigan towards the close - we know even as fans that it can be hard in these games to be up for it. Fair play to them I say, 18 from 21 is still an outrageous return and we can still make the Champions League with a bit of bad luck for Spurs and a response on Wednesday - where we should be looking to do to Chelsea what Wigan did to us.

agree with most of that except the motivation for playing at wigan, the motivation was a champs league spot NOT the opposition. got to say i was very impressed with wigan when not in possession, they closed everything down so quick without leaving gaps anywhere.

 

Absolutely but maybe the players did think they had it made after the last few games and thought we just had to turn up, with the games to come being the tough ones. If a team comes out of the blocks like Wigan did, intent on such intelligent pressing, it can probably be quite tough to get to grips with if you're not expecting it, especially when their chances all go in early on, then you're fucked. For all the quality we've shown in our recent form, our opposition have rarely made it difficult for us to play.

[madras]

he pretty much fielded a team that most of us would have done.

 

the players just didn't turn up. 

 

we went with 4-2-3-1 and got 2 buried past us, he changed the formation to a back three with wing backs, got 2 buried past us again,

 

the opposition were just that much better, and us being so shyte was a shocking combination today.

 

not sure what pardew could have done different.

 

Definitely, the manager can only do so much to try and send the players out to play with the intensity that Wigan did today. We got done by a team who are playing exactly how you need to play at the bottom in April. You might not be better than your opponents but after a long season, you can make sure you're first to every ball and make sure you press all over the pitch.

 

They did exactly the same to Arsenal in the opening stages, and at the Emirates too, taking advantage of complacency and taking advantage of the fact that it can be tough to motivate yourself for a game against Wigan towards the close - we know even as fans that it can be hard in these games to be up for it. Fair play to them I say, 18 from 21 is still an outrageous return and we can still make the Champions League with a bit of bad luck for Spurs and a response on Wednesday - where we should be looking to do to Chelsea what Wigan did to us.

agree with most of that except the motivation for playing at wigan, the motivation was a champs league spot NOT the opposition. got to say i was very impressed with wigan when not in possession, they closed everything down so quick without leaving gaps anywhere.

 

Absolutely but maybe the players did think they had it made after the last few games and thought we just had to turn up, with the games to come being the tough ones. If a team comes out of the blocks like Wigan did, intent on such intelligent pressing, it can probably be quite tough to get to grips with if you're not expecting it, especially when their chances all go in early on, then you're f***ed. For all the quality we've shown in our recent form, our opposition have rarely made it difficult for us to play.

not too sure, given wigan's recent form i doubt any of our team were thinking we just needed to turn up, agree with everything else.

[MW]

I really thought we'd win today and im normally pessimistic. For the past week I couldnt help but feel we would finish top 4, despite trying to force myself not to

 

The disappointment is in now and its easier to take than I thought it would be, anything else is a bonus

 

Wednesday will decide our season. Beat chelsea and spurs drop points, its back on

[madras]

I really thought we'd win today and im normally pessimistic. For the past week I couldnt help but feel we would finish top 4, despite trying to force myself not to

 

The disappointment is in now and its easier to take than I thought it would be, anything else is a bonus

 

Wednesday will decide our season. Beat chelsea and spurs drop points, its back on

if you win 6 on the trot and are playing a team in the bottom half it's easy to think that. I did!.

[MW]

mm I knew it would be tough, I just thought we'd murder them on the break

[madras]

mm I knew it would be tough, I just thought we'd murder them on the break

so did  I. I missed the first 15mins (haven't seen their first two and don't care if I never see them) but was amazed at the lack of space and time we seemed to have.

[Mole_Toonfan]

mm I knew it would be tough, I just thought we'd murder them on the break

 

We probably would have done, if they didnt score 4 times from 4 attempts..... just one of those days.

[thorin]

It's too easy to blame "one of those days" too, I think (because it is repetitive).

 

Let's take United as an example, even though it's not exemplary for this specific season - let's look at the overall picture.

 

Having won everything there is to win? as manager and players throughout the years, Ferguson has kept the team going. They've had hiccups, yeah, but not to the extent we have (imo). I mean, I'd take 2-0 loss, ok. But 4-0? When goal difference counts? It's just beyond me.

 

I saw Pards making changes on the sideline, but I think what we do "miss" is a Barton (without hazardous tackles)/Nolan-type of player. A general that can lead the troops through the war, through the midfield. I just couldn't see it today. Without ball we were terrible, no pressure whatsoever. With ball, we couldn't seem to know where to pass it.

 

And players always stated they weren't "complacent"?! I mean, losing for a better side is one thing, but losing because you couldn't/wouldn't/cared enough to make an impression is another thing. No passion whatsoever today. It was about 10-15 min in the second half there when we had those Cisse chances, but besides that everything was a joke really.

 

Need 8 points of the 9 remaining, doubt it'll be done.

[Dave]

What a seismic crock of shit. Well done.

 

PS: we are United.

[Ronaldo]

Need 8 points of the 9 remaining, doubt it'll be done.

 

So do I, somehow.

[SEMTEX]

Man Utd lost 6-1 at home to city. It happens.

 

ONE OF THOSE DAYS

[cp40]

PS: we are United.

 

Quoted for extra clarity

 

and again in case he missed it.

[aussiemag]

It's too easy to blame "one of those days" too, I think (because it is repetitive).

 

Let's take United as an example, even though it's not exemplary for this specific season - let's look at the overall picture.

 

Having won everything there is to win? as manager and players throughout the years, Ferguson has kept the team going. They've had hiccups, yeah, but not to the extent we have (imo). I mean, I'd take 2-0 loss, ok. But 4-0? When goal difference counts? It's just beyond me.

 

I saw Pards making changes on the sideline, but I think what we do "miss" is a Barton (without hazardous tackles)/Nolan-type of player. A general that can lead the troops through the war, through the midfield. I just couldn't see it today. Without ball we were terrible, no pressure whatsoever. With ball, we couldn't seem to know where to pass it.

 

And players always stated they weren't "complacent"?! I mean, losing for a better side is one thing, but losing because you couldn't/wouldn't/cared enough to make an impression is another thing. No passion whatsoever today. It was about 10-15 min in the second half there when we had those Cisse chances, but besides that everything was a joke really.

 

Need 8 points of the 9 remaining, doubt it'll be done.

 

Impossible to get 8 points from 3 games mate.

[OzzieMandias]

[Guest Gemmill]

I mean, I'd take 2-0 loss, ok. But 4-0? When goal difference counts? It's just beyond me.

 

Inconceivable!

[bowlingcrofty]

3 wins and docked a point for NUFC being too god damn cool.

[Guest sicko2ndbest]

Well done pards

 

Doing his best to avoid that dreaded manager of the month

[Guest elbee909]

What a seismic crock of shit. Well done.

 

PS: we are United.

[arnonel]

It's too easy to blame "one of those days" too, I think (because it is repetitive).

 

Let's take United as an example, even though it's not exemplary for this specific season - let's look at the overall picture.

 

Having won everything there is to win? as manager and players throughout the years, Ferguson has kept the team going. They've had hiccups, yeah, but not to the extent we have (imo). I mean, I'd take 2-0 loss, ok. But 4-0? When goal difference counts? It's just beyond me.

 

I saw Pards making changes on the sideline, but I think what we do "miss" is a Barton (without hazardous tackles)/Nolan-type of player. A general that can lead the troops through the war, through the midfield. I just couldn't see it today. Without ball we were terrible, no pressure whatsoever. With ball, we couldn't seem to know where to pass it.

 

And players always stated they weren't "complacent"?! I mean, losing for a better side is one thing, but losing because you couldn't/wouldn't/cared enough to make an impression is another thing. No passion whatsoever today. It was about 10-15 min in the second half there when we had those Cisse chances, but besides that everything was a joke really.

 

Need 8 points of the 9 remaining, doubt it'll be done.

 

 

 

you ARE the weakest link

 

 

[Fugazi]

Need 8 points of the 9 remaining, doubt it'll be done.

 

So do I, somehow.

 

[Skirge]

Alan Pardew: Confidence is still there despite defeat

by Mark Smith, The JournalApr 30 2012

 

ALAN Pardew insists Newcastle United’s confidence remains intact despite a nightmare weekend of results which sent them sliding out of the top four.

 

Chelsea’s 6-1 dismantling of Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Blackburn yesterday leaves United in fifth on the back of their own 4-0 defeat at Wigan the previous day.

 

Despite Chelsea now lying just a point behind them, and Spurs taking fourth spot on goal difference, the Magpies travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday still in with a realistic shout of a top-four finish.

 

Whether or not fourth spot ultimately means Champions League football relies on Chelsea blowing the final against Bayern Munich in two and a half weeks’ time, with Pardew admitting: “It certainly got talked about, but there are a million factors you can say about a team.

 

“I don’t know if that was a factor [at Wigan], is the honest answer, but it is something that is hanging over all those teams who are going for fourth.

 

Focusing on keeping the wheels turning despite a weekend to forget, he added: “I don’t think confidence is a problem.

 

“We have just got to make sure we are strong defensively, that we keep in our roles and keep it tight. If we do that we can score goals.

 

 

“Saturday is gone, there is nothing we can do to change that and we will go to Chelsea not without any confidence – I can assure you of that.

 

“We had a bad half at Fulham, and a couple at Tottenham, so it is important we keep it in perspective.”

 

Chelsea’s unceremonious hammering of QPR yesterday suggested that Newcastle will still have their hands full midweek in the capital despite the Blues having FA Cup and Champions League finals to distract them, although injuries to defensive duo Gary Cahill and David

 

Luiz offered some small crumbs of comfort.

 

And after six wins on the bounce Pardew was in no mind to dwell on one off day at the DW Stadium, crediting Wigan for their well-deserved triumph rather than labouring on the shortcomings of his own troops.

 

With one-time United target Victor Moses putting the Latics two up inside 14 minutes, the manager said: “Wigan’s early goals were the key. We lost our way a little bit in that last 20 minutes of the first half, and that really is unlike us.

 

“When you have won six in a row you think you are going to get the game back. We chased it and gave them opportunities to get the extra two goals, and then it really was gone.”

 

Aiming to find the route of the problem, he added: “There are a lot of factors to consider, but the bottom line is that it is very difficult to put your finger on a single reason why.

 

“Wigan were aggressive, their movement was great and things were coming off for them. I thought the referee didn’t really help us either.

 

“Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t, but it all seemed to be going Wigan’s way in the first half.”

 

With wing-backs Emmerson Boyce and Jean Beausejour freed by a flat back three to fly up and down the channels and supply the ammunition, Pardew credited opposite number Roberto Martinez for a formation change which has pulled them out of the doldrums.

 

“Yeah, it does cause you a problem,” he said. “They overload the wide areas and pull you around, but I don’t want to say too many negative things about my team because I think that is unfair on Wigan.

 

“The great beauty of the Premier League is that teams come alive at a certain time of the season, and Wigan are certainly doing that at the moment.

 

“They did a good job on us, and you couldn’t say that they lacked confidence. Some of their play was very, very good, but for us it is about the next three games.”

 

 

 

Read More http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2012/04/30/alan-pardew-confidence-is-still-there-despite-defeat-61634-30866471/#.T55GnxsHOz4.twitter#ixzz1tVc1PpVM

 

 

Champions League push remains on track

by Mark Smith, The JournalApr 30 2012

 

FABRICIO Coloccini is adamant that Newcastle United’s 4-0 drubbing at Wigan is not going to derail their Champions League push, writes MARK SMITH.

 

The Magpies travel to Chelsea on Wednesday in a game key to their ambitions of rejoining the European elite, with the skipper confident that Saturday’s North West rout was little more than a flesh wound.

 

“Yes, it was disappointing,” said Coloccini, whose slip inside the penalty area allowed Victor Moses to poke home the second of his two early goals.

 

“We played badly, but all we can do now is think about the next game and make sure we take points from it. Arsenal only drew, so we’ll see. We have to show some patience, and it’s a big game at Chelsea now.”

 

The Blues have Saturday’s FA Cup final as well as the Champions League final to distract attention, but for Coloccini and his Newcastle team-mates their focus is crystal clear.

 

“It’s like a dream for us, and we still have a chance to fight for it,” said the centre-back, when asked about the prospect of his side returning to Europe’s top tier. “We know we have to get something at Chelsea. We know the Europa League place is already in the bag, so we can push for a top-four finish. Maybe if we play Europa League the young players can get a taste for it, but we want to finish in the top four.”

 

The open-ness with which Newcastle’s players and their manager are prepared to confront the Champions League issue is a testament to the success of their season, even if Wigan’s first-half blitz on Saturday provided a painful speed-bump along the way.

 

 

“They played really well,” admitted Coloccini, who along with Mike Williamson was pulled from pillar to post by a quicksilver home attack.

 

“It was a tough game. We just have to keep going – we can still do well at Chelsea. We’re having a great season so our confidence is still high.”

 

Revealing manager Alan Pardew’s post-match reaction, the skipper added: “He was disappointed. We have two days to have a look at where we went wrong, then try to get ready for the next game.”

 

“We have to carry on and get as many points as we can and see where it leaves us.”

 

 

 

Read More http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2012/04/30/champions-league-push-remains-on-track-61634-30866469/#.T55HG17ub7o.twitter#ixzz1tVclaDau