Fielding weakened teams

[Surrey Phil]

I genuinely feel sorry for Pardew with Newcastle's injury problems but the press did widely report that they had to field a considerably weakened team. Funny then how no one mentioned we had 7 players unable to play or start the game (Kuszczak, Bruno, Calderon, Painter, Vicente, Buckley, LuaLua). Why was that?

 

[Bob!]

Because, apart from Ankergren and Dicker all our players have played a large number of games this season.

 

[albion534]

What was wrong with koooozshshalk?

 

[TSB]

What was wrong with koooozshshalk?

Rested. Gus didn't think Newcastle would trouble Casper. He was right.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Because Newcastle losing was the main story, not us winning.

 

[JBizzle]

Because Newcastle losing was the main story, not us winning.

You could tell that as soon as we were made favourites. The cup upset that wasn't an upset...

 

[StonehamPark]

Because Newcastle losing was the main story, not us winning.

Exactly right.
Also, their injuries/transfer losses are all over the National papers and International media, whilst our widely unheard of, unfit players just about get into The Argus.
The reporters probably didn't even realise we also had few options.

 

[Beach Hut]

I genuinely feel sorry for Pardew with Newcastle's injury problems but the press did widely report that they had to field a considerably weakened team. Funny then how no one mentioned we had 7 players unable to play or start the game (Kuszczak, Bruno, Calderon, Painter, Vicente, Buckley, LuaLua). Why was that?

Think Townsend called it right on the highlights program where a lot of this was Pardew posturing to his Chairman demonstrating how poor the Newcastle reserves are

 

[The Optimist]

I genuinely feel sorry for Pardew with Newcastle's injury problems but the press did widely report that they had to field a considerably weakened team. Funny then how no one mentioned we had 7 players unable to play or start the game (Kuszczak, Bruno, Calderon, Painter, Vicente, Buckley, LuaLua). Why was that?

Calderon and Painter aren't first team players, Vicente's been injured all season so not really worth mentioning and LuaLua was probably not selected for tactical reasons rather than just resting him. So Kuszczak, Bruno and Buckley are the only players we can really claim to have missing from our first choice 11.

 

[Titus]

Most of those Newcastle players were in the team against Villa in the week.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

For the record, the female presenter on ESPN at the Arse game did just stress that it wasn't our best team either.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

For the record, the female presenter on ESPN at the Arse game did just stress that it wasn't our best team either.

She did indeed, almost sounded like a few of us had emailed them to remind them of the fact.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

She did indeed, almost sounded like a few of us had emailed them to remind them of the fact.

What? A WOMAN presenter making a valid point on the subject of football?

Ring the bells.

 

[Telford Seagull]

I think playing ankergen was a master stroke to be fair. We started with the three defensive minded centre midfielders to counter act their 3 attacking central midfielders. Also knowing that hammond would bomb on when attacking and dicker could get the ball forward quickly. They were always going to press us pretty high and with the amount of young players they had playing, there were going to come flying at us. So playing ankergren meant would could have the ball even futher back knowing they would press us as high as possible, and ankergrens distribution is very good, then with a longer ball over the top we could break on them and cause problems like we did when we scoref the first. Kuszczaks much the better keeper no doubt, but a great idea by playing ankergren. Also to note, i guess with the 3 defensive centre midfielder, with orlandi and barnes wide, they wouldnt get too many chances. Great work Poyet!

 

[brightonmark1234]

i dont feel sorry for pardew hes a wanker and a twat

 

[slartibartfast]

Most of those Newcastle players were in the team against Villa in the week.

Well - thats amazing. Exiled Geordie here, so have a foot in both camps. Firstly - Newcastle didnt play Villa in the week. Secondly, Eliot in goal has barely played (Krul, first choice, was rested). Tavernier, Abeid, have hardly ever troubled the first team, Ammy Ameobi and Bigiramana are subs usually, Obertan hasnt been first choice for about a season now, and Shola is only in the team because Ba has gone. NIle Ranger hasnt been near the first team for about two years until he popped up as a surprise sub v Everton , so has about 10 minutes first team football this season. Ive never heard of Dummett. The onlt ones who would be considered first choice, were Santon and Anita.... Williamson plays but is acknowledged as poor to shyte, and the sooner Taylor is back the better. It was a dire performance, and Brighton were brilliant, but Elliot, Tavernier, Abeid, Dummett, Bigirimana, Sammy Ameobi, were not starters v "Everton" in midweek, and the late introduction of Marveaux - the Ben Arfa-lite play maker, tells you all you need to know about what Pardews priorities were.

That was a Newcastle team without Krul, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse, Tiote, Coloccini, Guttierez, and for most of the match, Marveaux.

That said - fantastic Brighton performance - lets hope we get someone at home in the 4th round, and a performance as good as that could put us into the 5th....

 

[Surrey Phil]

It's just funny that modern football we're told is a squad game but apparently we only won because Newcastle had to play a weak team!?

 

[Del Fenner]

Because Newcastle losing was the main story, not us winning.

Unfortunate fact of life when playing any Premier League outfit.

 

[slartibartfast]

It's just funny that modern football we're told is a squad game but apparently we only won because Newcastle had to play a weak team!?

I dont know where you are reading that - most of the articles, and feedback, and reports etc from both Newcastle, and neutral national broadcasters, are full of praise for Brighton. And totally slating Newcastle for the crap performance. I think you are being a tad selective there. Obviously the "bigger" story (arguably) is a top premiiership side who finished 5th last year and years of European football blah blah sliding ineptly down the table and of them being outplayed by an exciting up and coming, promising upwardly mobile Championship side.... I think thats been the general tone of most reports. Brighton getting a lot of praise. Newcastle getting a lot of stick. And rightly so in both cases.