[Albion] Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion *** Official Match Thread ***

[Goldstone1976]

Get humbled.

Get a life. You’re in the CL, and your first thought is to troll the oppo’s forum? FFS. Howay the beheaders.

Oh - banned for trolling.

 

[drew]

I know we like to back our players on here (which I like a lot) but let's not sugarcoat it, Van Hecke isn't good enough. He's had 2 stellar games this season, against Stoke and Middlesbrough. See the pattern?

Newcastle deserved their win, they were fantastic that first half but I'm mega gutted about the 2-0 goal (and not just because Dan Burn kneeslides while screaming "Let's f*cking go") because 1-0 at HT might've been something to work with.

When Undav gets that time and space he is a bloody good finisher, wonder if we can give him more service like that regularly. Like many others have mentioned, the injuries are brutal. How many teams would play as well as we do with 2 right backs, 2 centre backs, 2 midfielders and 2 wingers and 3 other starters that are unavailable or couldn't play 90? 3 signings already all but confirmed and it's not even June, RDZ and the board have identified the squad issues and are already dealing with it so hopefully next season will be better!

What's clear to me is this style of play will only work with the highest quality players, this means no Van Hecke, no Buonanotte, no leggy Welbeck and Mitoma. We need a strong, fit, regularly rotated team that can deliver this kind of football at the highest quality over and over again. I am proud of RDZ sticking to his guns 2nd half with the lineup and style of play and it shone through with 2-2 looking likely until Wilson went through in the 90th. We've got to remember that this team are probably the 3rd best team in England this season!

My train has almost arrived at Brighton, this post was a good way to spend the rest of my journey

Are you seriously suggesting we ditch Mitoma?

 

[WATFORD zero]

Having spent the day reflecting and thinking about it all, having sat through it and endured until the final whistle…

I knew it would be tough, I know how we ‘like’ to play… I recognise the brilliance of Roberto and those equally astonishing highs… this was a real low.

The locals were amazed (as they’ve repeatedly mentioned today) by our persistence at playing out, especially as it just wasn’t happening, we were extremely lucky it wasn’t four by halftime… maybe even five. Sluggish (knackered) weak in CM, poor positionally, poor in possession… lethally all over the place when chasing back… it was a incoherent jumble sale of a performance… yes, we had a lack of match ready partnerships, the legs are spent… we know this, yet we clearly expected to play our game in spite of the limitations therein… it was a time, a game, for a pragmatic plan b.

I thought I saw a chink of light, when we opened the second half with a (seemingly) refreshed approach to our goal kicks… the tempo seemed better, we looked like we might (unfairly) claim an unlikely point… the goal was good… a high point and some bluster followed, then for reasons I can’t fathom we reverted to playing out, lost impetus and, the triple change, further eroded our rhythm - Enciso aside, added little.

The implosion at the 89/90 mark was park level stuff, the following 4th near 5th was borderline embarrassing…

I was however proud to see our youngsters try so hard in very tough circumstances, I felt Van Hecke acquitted himself well, aside from his culpability for the third… BUT the game was lost in midfield.

For me, largely, fatigue was the biggest culprit - Roberto needs a plan b, or empower his players to make an in game decision to revert from type when the overwhelming evidence suggests plan a is frankly f***ed.

A very long and very tough night.

Good luck to Newcastle… they played well and deserved the three points.

Here’s hoping we find our rhythm and FAST vs the Saints.

Everything I have heard from the players of the way Plan A works, it takes an enormous amount of concentration, drilling and repetition for every player to recognise the patterns and play the expected pass (together with very high levels of fitness for the press out of possession). As we have seen, we have the level of player to do it and our first 18, when fit and not exhausted could achieve unheard of things for the Albion over the course of a season.

I don't think that a plan B is the answer to our recent woes which I think most agree are primarily down to our schedule. I think the answer is to increase the number of first team ready players (even without Europe). But I also believe TB, PBOBE and RDZ are all way ahead of me on this with Enciso, Wee Billy, Buonanotte, JPvH, Offiah, Peupion, the loanees coming back and three new signings already. Just need to wrap up Europe in the next week and then we can start work on next season

 

[MJsGhost]

View attachment 161030
Take out the World Cup winner* and that's an incredibly callow bench.

The average age has got to be around (maybe under) 20?!

*still weird saying that, particularly as he's only good enough for our BENCH

It's been bugging me, so I thought I'd work out the average age of the bench last night. It turns out it's not as simple a calculation as I'd hoped, so I would be very happy to be corrected by anyone with a larger brain...

Average age of all nine is 20 years, 8 months (and 8 days)
Take out Alli Mac and it drops to 19 years 11 months (and 21 days)

The DOBs are enough to make an aging man weep...

McGill: March 25 2000 (23 years, 1 month and 24 days or 8455 days old)
Alli Mac: December 24 1998 (24 years, 4 months and 25 days or 8912 days)
Ayari: October 6 2003 (19 years, 7 months and 13 days or 7165 days)
Enciso: January 23 2004 (19 years, 3 months and 26 days or 7056 days)
Ferguson: October 19 2004 (18 years, 7 months, 0 days or 6786 days)
Moran: October 15 2003 (19 years, 7 months and 4 days or 7156 days)
Offiah: October 26 2002 (20 years, 6 months and 23 days or 7165 days)
Peupion: September 23 2002 (20 years, 7 months and 26 days or 7543 days)
Samuels: February 5 2003 (20 years, 3 months and 14 days or 7408 days)

In the unlikely event that anyone's interested, my method was to take an average of the number of days old, then used an online calculator to tell me how many years, months and days that is.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

Yeah, there is a rule that you have to have a section of fans pitch side but Newcastle (and Sunderland when they were in the Premier League) have exemptions due to safety, which let's be fair is boll*cks. The argument is it would entail fans mixing at the end, but I was at Elland Road last weekend and we were put straight out with the Leeds fans, who are a feisty bunch to say the least. There was no bother that I seen.

I suppose on the other hand if you split up the away fans (as has been mooted at St James' to allow a block pitchside) then the away fans are not together and to me that would take away the experience as an away fan. I've been to Oakwell before where we had some at the side and some behind the goal and it was rubbish - songs are not coordinated etc. So it's a double edged sword, though I took take your point for sure. Personally I prefer being higher up as I feel like you get to see the full game, but that's just personal preference. I do not enjoy walking up to Level 7 after a few beers!

Understand your points regarding ownership too and stand by what I said earlier; a state shouldn't own a football club, especially one as despicable as KSA. I would find it incredibly hard to walk away from something that gives me so much joy - win, lose or draw. But again that's just me and I could understand people voting with their feet.

Sadly, the precedent was set when Man City and subsequently PSG were bought by Gulf states. The Premier League should have never allowed our takeover to be passed, but were put under pressure from the British Government due to us being in bed with the Saudis. It stinks, but it will always be my club - they're just custodians for a period. Like any industry, money always wins. Sad but true.

While you're here, you don't feel like recommending a pub in the centre of Newcastle for a pint of decent beer do you?
I'm up here semi regularly but always seem to find myself in the pub opposite the station or Wetherspoon-type places.

 

[SeagullsoverLondon]

It's been bugging me, so I thought I'd work out the average age of the bench last night. It turns out it's not as simple a calculation as I'd hoped, so I would be very happy to be corrected by anyone with a larger brain...

Average age of all nine is 20 years, 8 months (and 8 days)
Take out Alli Mac and it drops to 19 years 11 months (and 21 days)

The DOBs are enough to make an aging man weep...

McGill: March 25 2000 (23 years, 1 month and 24 days or 8455 days old)
Alli Mac: December 24 1998 (24 years, 4 months and 25 days or 8912 days)
Ayari: October 6 2003 (19 years, 7 months and 13 days or 7165 days)
Enciso: January 23 2004 (19 years, 3 months and 26 days or 7056 days)
Ferguson: October 19 2004 (18 years, 7 months, 0 days or 6786 days)
Moran: October 15 2003 (19 years, 7 months and 4 days or 7156 days)
Offiah: October 26 2002 (20 years, 6 months and 23 days or 7165 days)
Peupion: September 23 2002 (20 years, 7 months and 26 days or 7543 days)
Samuels: February 5 2003 (20 years, 3 months and 14 days or 7408 days)

In the unlikely event that anyone's interested, my method was to take an average of the number of days old, then used an online calculator to tell me how many years, months and days that is.

Wow, I wonder if any PL team has had a bench with no players born after the Year 2000? We are mighty close there .

 

[albionalex]

No defend properly, and take a better position to start with.

It’s an experience thing and I’m sure he’ll make a better decision next time

And what position would that be? Get touch tight and let them play the ball in behind anyway?

Dunk got dragged over when Moises slipped, whereas the better move would have been to keep his position and let Almiron run with the ball. (Not that I am criticizing Dunk for that, it's just one of those hindsight things.).

 

[NUFC1]

While you're here, you don't feel like recommending a pub in the centre of Newcastle for a pint of decent beer do you?
I'm up here semi regularly but always seem to find myself in the pub opposite the station or Wetherspoon-type places.

It all depends what you want really, but for a bit of history try the Old George in the Bigg Market. There's a pub been on that site since the 1600s to my knowledge, and does some cask ales (buy 6, get your 7th free) if that's what you're after. There's a few 'proper' pubs round there - none of the Wetherspoon/Greene King shi*e we seem to be subjected to most of the time.

The Bridge Tavern is a personal favourite though - their terrace/beer garden is directly beneath the Tyne Bridge. The beer is pretty poor though. The Charles Grey just outside of Monument metro station has some nice beers and panoramic views of the city.

To be honest, you don't have to look far. Crown Posada still has it's Victorian decor too, that's just down towards the Quayside.

It must be a real kick to the balls, reasonably not wanting to walk away, whilst success will always be somewhat sullied; its a shame, with no good option, only least bad!

I understand what you're saying for sure, but from my perspective there is no kick in the balls. I support the XI on the pitch and nothing more. I was there during the Ashley years (I'm in no way comparing Ashley to KSA btw) and I'll be there after the Saudi's are gone, God willing. I understand that it will be somewhat tainted but I'm here to enjoy the game, it's not the players or the fans fault this has happened. The Premier League are to blame - it should never have happened.

More to the point, in 2021 I lost my brother who I had attended matches with since we were 8 and 6 respectively. Our last match together was just before COVID hit in 2020. We used to joke on about reaching cup finals and being in the Champions League and it saddens me that he won't see this version of Newcastle as he should be beside me in the Gallowgate like it always was. His final memory was of the shower that was Messrs Ashley & Bruce. The football & general mood was horrific.

I've no doubt he'd have been as uncomfortable as me and my Dad both are with the ownership, but as I've said in previous posts - whether you like to admit it or not, football fans are fickle. The politics are put to the side once you enter the stadium, as is all of your other worries - whether that be paying bills, feeding your kids or even where to go on fuc*ing holiday. It's a release and an escape, nothing more. It's slowly been taken from the working man as it was originally intended, now filling the pockets of Americans, Russians, Chinese or even actual states. Will I ever agree with that? Never. Will I still enjoy myself on a Saturday with friends and family? Always.

Some of the days/nights I've had this season in that stadium were absolutely magic, last night included. Seeing old blokes in their 70s/80s jumping for joy as we were 5-0 up against Spurs in 20 minutes. Seeing young lads on their Dad's shoulders singing 'We're going to Italy!'. It's just what it's all about. I wish I was bold enough to care about tainted success or even walk away, but I just can't and never could. It's my club, my first love and it always will be, no matter who's on the pitch or in the Director's box.

I'd be all for British football following the German model, but it will never happen because the Premier League brand = ££. The rich get richer. Football itself is broken, I will always admit that. But money will always win, in any walk of life. It's absolutely sh*t.

 

[Skuller]

It's like climbing up Durham Cathedral, isn't it!?

I used to sit in Level 7 back in my younger days and can't lie, it was always a bit of a p*sser walking up all them stairs after sinking a good few beers before the match.

However, you do get amazing views over the City. You can even see Sunderland on a clear day, although not sure you'd want to mind...

I counted the steps (I’m a bit like that). It was 140 to the concourse compared to 123 to WSU at the Amex, so it wasn’t that much different. I was feeling quite smug having managed that with ease for someone 70 years old this year (who last went to St James Park as a university student here 50 years ago). What I wasn’t expecting was then another 55 steps to the back row of the block which drained me a bit. I then turned round and had to grab the shocked guy standing next to me as vertigo flooded through me (along with the remnants of too many pints of Abbott at £2.68 in town).

The view might have been good from up there, but it’s wierd watching football next to a hundred foot wall. The screen’s on the wall so I couldn’t see it and I could hear no announcements. The players were ants so I had no idea who was going on and off.

I’m staying over for a couple of nights and went to Sunderland today. I won’t go on about crap city centre planning but they have a great city museum and winter garden.

Please pray for my safe return tomorrow in the midst of a train drivers’ overtime ban.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

Please pray for my safe return tomorrow in the midst of a train drivers’ overtime ban.

Just stay up here, it's great.

 

[um bongo molongo]

Yeah, there is a rule that you have to have a section of fans pitch side but Newcastle (and Sunderland when they were in the Premier League) have exemptions due to safety, which let's be fair is boll*cks. The argument is it would entail fans mixing at the end, but I was at Elland Road last weekend and we were put straight out with the Leeds fans, who are a feisty bunch to say the least. There was no bother that I seen.

I suppose on the other hand if you split up the away fans (as has been mooted at St James' to allow a block pitchside) then the away fans are not together and to me that would take away the experience as an away fan. I've been to Oakwell before where we had some at the side and some behind the goal and it was rubbish - songs are not coordinated etc. So it's a double edged sword, though I took take your point for sure. Personally I prefer being higher up as I feel like you get to see the full game, but that's just personal preference. I do not enjoy walking up to Level 7 after a few beers!

Understand your points regarding ownership too and stand by what I said earlier; a state shouldn't own a football club, especially one as despicable as KSA. I would find it incredibly hard to walk away from something that gives me so much joy - win, lose or draw. But again that's just me and I could understand people voting with their feet.

Sadly, the precedent was set when Man City and subsequently PSG were bought by Gulf states. The Premier League should have never allowed our takeover to be passed, but were put under pressure from the British Government due to us being in bed with the Saudis. It stinks, but it will always be my club - they're just custodians for a period. Like any industry, money always wins. Sad but true.

I really want to hate Newcastle because of the owners but find it quite hard. It’s a great City, good away day (better when not midweek mind) and fans are generally quite genuine, self deprecating and not plastics. I think you’re right that my ire should probably be mainly directed at the PL and the Government.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

It all depends what you want really, but for a bit of history try the Old George in the Bigg Market. There's a pub been on that site since the 1600s to my knowledge, and does some cask ales (buy 6, get your 7th free) if that's what you're after.

Challenge accepted


In all seriousness, sorry to hear about your brother.

 

[um bongo molongo]

It all depends what you want really, but for a bit of history try the Old George in the Bigg Market. There's a pub been on that site since the 1600s to my knowledge, and does some cask ales (buy 6, get your 7th free) if that's what you're after. There's a few 'proper' pubs round there - none of the Wetherspoon/Greene King shi*e we seem to be subjected to most of the time.

The Bridge Tavern is a personal favourite though - their terrace/beer garden is directly beneath the Tyne Bridge. The beer is pretty poor though. The Charles Grey just outside of Monument metro station has some nice beers and panoramic views of the city.

To be honest, you don't have to look far. Crown Posada still has it's Victorian decor too, that's just down towards the Quayside.


I understand what you're saying for sure, but from my perspective there is no kick in the balls. I support the XI on the pitch and nothing more. I was there during the Ashley years (I'm in no way comparing Ashley to KSA btw) and I'll be there after the Saudi's are gone, God willing. I understand that it will be somewhat tainted but I'm here to enjoy the game, it's not the players or the fans fault this has happened. The Premier League are to blame - it should never have happened.

More to the point, in 2021 I lost my brother who I had attended matches with since we were 8 and 6 respectively. Our last match together was just before COVID hit in 2020. We used to joke on about reaching cup finals and being in the Champions League and it saddens me that he won't see this version of Newcastle as he should be beside me in the Gallowgate like it always was. His final memory was of the shower that was Messrs Ashley & Bruce. The football & general mood was horrific.

I've no doubt he'd have been as uncomfortable as me and my Dad both are with the ownership, but as I've said in previous posts - whether you like to admit it or not, football fans are fickle. The politics are put to the side once you enter the stadium, as is all of your other worries - whether that be paying bills, feeding your kids or even where to go on fuc*ing holiday. It's a release and an escape, nothing more. It's slowly been taken from the working man as it was originally intended, now filling the pockets of Americans, Russians, Chinese or even actual states. Will I ever agree with that? Never. Will I still enjoy myself on a Saturday with friends and family? Always.

Some of the days/nights I've had this season in that stadium were absolutely magic, last night included. Seeing old blokes in their 70s/80s jumping for joy as we were 5-0 up against Spurs in 20 minutes. Seeing young lads on their Dad's shoulders singing 'We're going to Italy!'. It's just what it's all about. I wish I was bold enough to care about tainted success or even walk away, but I just can't and never could. It's my club, my first love and it always will be, no matter who's on the pitch or in the Director's box.

I'd be all for British football following the German model, but it will never happen because the Premier League brand = ££. The rich get richer. Football itself is broken, I will always admit that. But money will always win, in any walk of life. It's absolutely sh*t.

This is a really good post. I’ve always gone to games with my dad and, while he’s fortunately still with us, he isn’t really able to go to games these days. The irony of having gone fairly regularly in all of the years we were s**t and now not going much when we’re brilliant isn’t lost on me. I also completely agree with your final paragraph.

 

[Crispy Ambulance]

While you're here, you don't feel like recommending a pub in the centre of Newcastle for a pint of decent beer do you?
I'm up here semi regularly but always seem to find myself in the pub opposite the station or Wetherspoon-type places.

The Forth was superb last night for food and ales.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

And what position would that be? Get touch tight and let them play the ball in behind anyway?

Dunk got dragged over when Moises slipped, whereas the better move would have been to keep his position and let Almiron run with the ball. (Not that I am criticizing Dunk for that, it's just one of those hindsight things.).

No, a slow defender playing so high is a bad start, and nowhere near his CB colleague is also a bad starting position. He should be slightly diagonal to Dunk not square.

Incidentally, touch tight would have been better than stepping up as well, as he could have grabbed his shirt or blocked him, see Veltman or even Hunenmeir.

Arguably Dunk was also too high, and could have held his position as well a little longer, even if it ended 2 on 2, but still better than a clear run on goal. Perhaps that is harsh though.

Sorry Alex, I don’t agree with you on this, stepping up is poor defending and rarely comes off….

 

[PlayMoran]

Brighton have had too many injuries and games to stay consistent during this gruelling schedule. The injuries and forced rotation will lead to inconsistency. When you see van Hecke and Buonanotte starting, it was obviously going to be a very difficult game. They lack experience at this level.

Your best XI is probably:

Ferguson

Mitoma-----Mac Allister------March

Groß-----Caicedo

Estupiñán-----Dunk----Webster----Lamptey

Steele
​

So, there's no shame in losing this game. Newcastle are very strong at home.

The next two home games are winnable. Especially if City wrap up the league this weekend.

​

 

[trueblue]

I do think though that Mac and Moises have to be starting every game. I know they had the WC too, but they're not going to be here next year and are two of our greatest ever players. You just say to them 'look boys I know you're tired, I know you're hurting, but it's four more games. That's it. Four games and you get your big move. Four more games and you're on the beach. Just one last massive effort'.

Agreed - but if they get injured because their bodies are too fatigued, we won't have them for the remaining games anyway. I don't think RDZ changes the line-up for the sake of it. They have so much data these days to tell them what condition a player is in. Just look at what happened with Solly.

 

[Triggaaar]

They have so much data these days to tell them what condition a player is in. Just look at what happened with Solly.

I agree with your overall point, but doesn't the injury to Solly suggest they didn't have enough data on the condition he was in?

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

Fairer than singling out any of the players.

Yeah I don't blame the players and he even admitted after he made a mistake. But it does worry me that we will have too much pressure on ourselves tomorrow and with Villa making me shit it they will get a win, I think it could f*** Europe. Anyway, I'm always nervous with BHA as we are so unpredictable.

 

[zefarelly]

But between full time now and kick off then, we've only got 60 hours to save the squad.

Going to have to come up with a real Flash plan . .Fit for a Queen.