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Cant say Im too surprised at what Ive seen, think too many people were getting carried away.
But we seem to have lost the zip on the counter attack from last year, not controlling midfield at all, missing the Yates Garner pivot, getting ripped down the flanks although I think Williams has done OK.
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We knew the first month would be a bit rough. Newcastle will be top 8 too maybe higher so tough opener. Plus they've got basically the same team.as last year
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Played like strangers and Johnson got bullied throughout. Always a big ask and impressed by Henderson. Midfield I think we missed physicality of Yates. Gulf in class today but against a side that is now established.
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Location: 4 corners, Florida
Newcastle were pretty good to be fair.
Lots of power, energy and their pace was electric. Precise accurate passing and running in behind at every opportunity. Toffolo has no pace I’m afraid. Williams more interested in going forwards than defending.
Johnson anonymous. Niakhate …oh dear.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle were top 6.
Those who got carried away have had a rude awakening.
Any positives?
Henderson stopped it being a cricket score.
Mighten in his cameo performance was ok.
Southampton conceded 4
We need a good performance against west ham in front of the sky cameras.
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Agree with that summary ^
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Newcastle something like 3rd most points in 2022, with a settled side from last season. Guimares £40mio? January signing subbed late on and Botman (£35mio) recent signing comes on for him. And we’re playing them at their place.
We haven’t finished our rebuilding work never mind them gelling. Midfield we were struggling to get control of the ball - last season Yates and Garner, both missing for different reasons, this match we played Colback, a reserve for that position in the Champ, and O Brien who I assume was bought as competition but not first choice.
Mangala only got some minutes late on and the big buy we all know we need for midfield hasn’t been made yet. And the rumoured other couple like MGW to help knit things together and create, not in yet.
We weathered an excellent side with one significantly below what ours will be like when all signings are in and up to speed (so long as we get our targets).
I don’t think people should extrapolate our season off this.
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We desperately need someone like Freuler in the middle to get on the ball and make us tick.
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I actually think Newcastle were very good. Lots to improve on.
I actually think Colback and O'brien did OK. We just couldn't get front 3 involved and in the end Newcastle put too much pressure on.
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The frustration today is seeing an opposition able to name an almost unchanged lineup from the end of last season whereas we have to almost start again from scratch (particularly with no Yates).
Just annoying seeing Spence as probably 4th choice RWB at Spurs, Garner likely not in squad tomorrow, Davis not in squad for Villa. Not saying these guys are amazing or even better than what we have (in spence case) however it would've definitely allowed for some more continuity if we could've got a few of them.
Not blaming the club or the players involved, just a bit annoying I guess. Hope we can settle in the next few weeks and everyone get used to each other quickly.
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Davis would have been an advantage to us today to hold the ball up. Instead Brennan had long balls knocked up to him which he couldn't deal with last season never mind this. Im still trying to work how what went wrong but there's not one single factor but our players from last season didnt turn up. The new players weren't good and the team looked scared as hell.
