1st Week of the Season
- mattlewis89
- Aug 23
- 6 min read
Our first league game of the season came and went as a bit of an after thought in the end as off the field talking points, a new signing and the 2 massive statements coming out on Tuesday night.
A Good Point or not?
On Saturday morning I was very much in the mindset that a point away at Villa would be a great result considering everything that had been going on at the club. As the game unfolded it became even clearer than it already was that we need that recognised striker up front. Anthony Gordon cannot be criticised for his effort, but he is clearly unnatural as the main striker, and it showed. Harvey Barnes was frustrating throughout the game especially with his finishing, Bruno had a rare off day and Elanga had a very bright first half but didn’t push on after the break and despite Villa going down to ten men, we were unable to capitalise. A point is a good result in the grand scheme of things but it’s hard not to believe that with a fully experienced striker on the pitch we would have won the game.
During the game Newcastle and Villa fans were united in chants directed at the Premier League and parts of the Away section were very “Strategic” in the timing their chants directed at Alexander Isak.
I mentioned in my last article that I Would be happy with 4 points from our first three League fixtures and I stand by that because of the fixtures they are as well as the other distractions I think we need to get to the international Break and things will hopefully be a lot clearer and in my mind what happens on the pitch will be the primary focus for all associated with Newcastle United including the fans.
The statements
Following his inclusion in the PFA Premier League team of the season Isak decided to put out a statement. There were thanks for his teammates but no thank you for the fans which is atrocious. My mind instantly goes to the incredible displays organised by Wor Flags as a physical display of the love he got from the Toon Army and that’s just the physical display of the love the fans gave him. As far as the “promise” goes we can speculate what was said but at the end of the day, Isak is under contract and in my mind, there is still no excuse for how he has handled things. The club gave a very quick and impressive response and very much showed that despite the obvious need for a resolution we as a club are still the ones in control.
Jacob Ramsey
The Jacob Ramsey deal was confirmed on Sunday which is a signing that I am happy about. I suspect that deal was done already but out of respect for Villa he didn’t want to announce the deal completely until after we played them. It looks like he is direct replacement for Sean Longstaff, but I think as the season gets into full swing, I can see him coming in regularly as we deal with inevitable injuries and suspensions. Joelinton Vs Xhaka in December could be as big as John Cena’s retirement match.
Under 21s and U18s
After the positive of coming back from 3-1 down to beat Gateshead in the National League cup it has been a poor week for the under 21s. We put out a strong line up out against Southampton, including Lewis Hall getting a full 90 minutes. We lost the game 2-1 and the stats are below. Senusi impressed again and based on the last word and the view from the game we should have had a penalty.
Newcastle Goal Scorers | Sean Neave | |
Newcastle |
| Southampton |
52% | Ball Possession | 48% |
13 | Total Shots | 10 |
8 | Shots on Targets | 5 |
6 | Corners | 3 |
3 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
We then played yesterday in a humbling 5-0 defeat to Chelsea. I only have the stats and X updates to go on until I watch the last word later but based on that it was a really poor performance. We currently do not have a manager for the U21s, and it is another situation that we need to get resolved as soon as possible. As I have mentioned before the academy is something that we need to push forward with because having that home grown development to either reach the first team or be able to be sold on for “Pure profit “ is an extra layer of Long term Growth that I really want us to tap into.
Newcastle Goal Scorers | ||
Newcastle |
| Chelsea |
39% | Ball Possession | 61% |
10 | Total Shots | 10 |
4 | Shots on Targets | 8 |
5 | Corners | 4 |
3 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
The Under 21st play again on Friday for their 1st Away fixture of the season in a 2 o clock kick off against Birmingham before we have an EFL trophy match away at Huddersfield on Tuesday 2nd September. On that point EFL trophy games are normally available to watch on Sky if you want to watch the U21s Live.
The Under 18s got their season off to a winning start with a 3-0 Home win against Blackburn. The goals were scored by Thomas Old, Mohamed Waddani, and Kacey Wooster. We also had Jake Durrant sent off late on so he will miss the game.
The Under 18s play again today at Wolves in a 11-o clock kick off so will be keeping an eye on that result as well.
The Lasses
There has been some big news off the pitch for the Lasses as Grace Williams was confirmed as the new Director of Football.
Grace Williams said: "I am extremely proud to be joining Newcastle United Women as the Director of Women's Football. It is clear just how ambitious this club is, and they have a clear vision for success, so it felt like the perfect fit for me. I can't wait to get started and to help build on the really strong foundations that are already here."
I think it will be a good thing for the Lasses to have their own designated Director of Football. As the Women’s academy grows and we go into a massive season not just for Newcastle but for Women’s football in this country as the Women’s Super League heads towards a 14-team league.
The Women’s Under 21s kick off their PGA Academy League campaign at home to Leicester on Wednesday 27th August in a 2-o clock kick off.
It was also announced that on Sunday 31st August the Lasses would be heading to Bristol to play a friendly against Bristol City in their last fixture before the season starts. I live in Gloucestershire, so it was far too close for me not to go to that one so looking forward to that bonus live game and seeing how we line and set up.
Liverpool on Monday night.
Monday nights atmosphere is going to be incredible to see and hear even through the tele. I can only imagine what is going to be like inside the stadium with the fire, the passion, and it has already been hinted that there will be a powerful Wor Flags display.
Liverpool are champions for a reason, and we must be at the top of our game and beyond to get any kind of result. We can beat Liverpool; they have problems of their own and based on the game against Bournemouth their defence can be got at. It will be Gordon up front again but couldn’t fault his effort against Villa and we would need a better performance from Barnes as well. The midfield is where I think the game could be key this Monday. Joelinton and Bruno must keep their discipline in the Cauldron, but if they do our midfield could boss theirs. I suspect Schar will get a chance to hit a screamer, always our has a long shot of some description and the full backs and wingers will need to protect each other when going forward.
If I were to go for a prediction it would be 3-2 and I have faith that Eddie Howe can get it tactically spot on again as he did in the cup final.
Howay The Lads
Matt
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