But do you see us winning a game playing the way we are? At least with the press we beat United and should have got something out of Chelsea.
New signings look decent enough. But still think we need a proper DM and CB. Don’t think those out there today are enough of an improvement - but there are small green shoots. Thought we were pretty awful today. And were saved by the fact we were playing an awful Newcastle side. Thought Ranieri’s tactics were all over the shop. But that goal the end - what a psychological blow to the opponents. And hopefully the squad has taken a boost from that to take into the next week. I’m increasingly of the idea that we should be building around Joao Pedro for the next 6 months. That lad will flourish and it’s a bit of a scandal that he’s not been picked often enough. Decent point, no more, no less. But it’s ******* glorious not to lose.
I don’t think Dennis has been that bad, I think it’s more that he’s an arrogant individual and his recent success has made him a bit greedy and prone to hold on to the ball and over complicate things.
Agree with everything except your comments on Kucha. He doesn’t contribute in any way that is positive. I would feel that we should be looking to offload him asap and get a loan in to replace him. Easier said than done. He looks exhausted from the kick off. What is needed in the Prem League is energy, speed, focus and desire. Kucha is lacking in these areas, predominantly, in my view, because of age and no bond with the club.
I don't mind Norwich winning that one. I don't think it will spark much of a revival for them, but we could do with Everton and Leeds having a meltdown. Plus, it's Everton. I've been hoping to live to see them relegated since 1984 but they always seem to be marginally less crap than three other teams
Claudio says he wants more from us and we only really played our game in the last 30 minutes. He thinks we shat the bed after 6 defeats in a row and didn’t take our chances.
Yeah I didn't mean to say that he was equally to blame for the goal, I just wanted to point out that he played his part in that goal as well. Also, I don't think he had a good game, I was afraid every time he had the ball or when he was in an aerial duel with Wood.
One of their games in hand is against Spurs and the other is away at Leicester. They may get something but will likely lose both of those games.
that’s good like you say wouldn’t expect much from those. the league is confused now as you can, really compre like with like everybody goes on about us losing 6 in a row , but we should have had a couple of easier games in the middle
The service he is getting is abysmal. He is better when we are playing on the front foot and getting in teams faces but for some reason Ranieri has decided to sack that tactic off.
Didn’t realise that he was here on loan? I assumed we had acquired him on a short term contract. Might just about cut it in the Championship next season, but, if we survive, he is simply not up to the required level for the Prem.
He is technically on loan but I believe @Burnsy has knowledge that we’ve triggered an option to buy him already.
Yes, I’m inside his leg now and can confirm his hamstring is very unhappy. More to follow at 10pm Geoff.
And I say I want more from him - not the same predictable shape and the tactics of inviting opponents on to us, rather than pressing them hard which has brought the majority of our points to date. It’s baffling why he has us set up how he does. Doesn’t suit us at all but he does it every week. I still back him. But he’s making it harder with every game.
To be fair I do recall you also recently not being convinced by Ngakia, but the key thing is Ngakia is every bit as shaky and error prone defensively as Femenia, if not actually even more so, while providing zero going forwards - unlike Femenia who is actually good in attack. I pointed out that Kiko clearly wasn't fit against West Ham and it was clear he'd be subbed early.
JP has the ability to be a very very good player , would possibly like to see him have another go in midfield , the way he runs forward , around players and gets in to the box is class (bit like Challobah used to do before his first injury) with king, Dennis , Sarr up front and JP and sissoko in midfield you would think we would be a good side.
Also a shout out to Howe and Tindall for their pathetic attempts at returning Claudio's offer of a handshake at the final whistle - stay classy lads.
Most annoying part is a stupid mistake cost us a win again, other than that thought we looked pretty solid. Newcastle are shyte.
Team selection still a problem for me. Kucka in midfield is a huge problem and with Kayembe & sissoko he just doesn't fit. Louza will fit much better into the lineup but it's got to be Cleverley for now especially with his pressing game and tenacity. If cleverley started today I truly believe we would have won that. But we do have 3 games this week so I expect a bit of rotation but that is a point earned. 3 points on Tuesday will be massive
My view on that game and our season has completely changed by the late goal . I had almost resigned myself to relegation prior to that. However the goal has given us some hope . Thought the 3 new boys were actually all decent Kayambe showed moments of pure quality , didn’t and gets stuck in . Might take him a while to fully settle though Kamara and Samir also looked decent . Not sure Samir is the dominant centre half we need but it was a promising start . We did lack cohesion , as we generally have done recently and look unwilling to get in the front foot . I’m not sure if it’s a confidence thing . Sis solo has a rare poor game and it’s a shame it was Ngakia who made the error as he otherwise looked decent. Despite all the early pressure Newcastle didn’t really have many clear chances . I thought ours were better. We live to fight another day and Hopefully we will improve as the new boys bed in . Jao Pedro was excellent and our main threat all afternoon . Did brilliantly with the goal as well. Not sure if the Burnley game will go ahead but regardless vs Norwich at home we need to get on the front foot and take the game to them. There’s no excuse not to Cleverly to start please .
Although the facts state Howe is Newcastle’s Manager, he is powderpuff and will not be there at the end of the season! New owners won’t have any problem in pulling the trigger!
Think we're going down but good to see us not lose. Really needed a win and Newcastle were probably there for the taking but having scored first they'd have fully expected to hold on. Decent away trip overall
