All,
for those of you unable to attend games at Gallowgate for whatever reason here is another of my match accounts for this season, including personal thoughts as a Newcastle supporter as the day’s events unfolded both outside and inside St James Park.
No pre match training this week because of junior football so it was late dash into Toon and straight to the ground.
Once inside I quickly checked the monitors for team info. As expected the back four and keeper were all as for the previous game against the Hammers. Given the injury to Cabaye midfield consisted of the returning Tiote from suspension alongside Anita with what looked like either Sameobi or young Ferguson joining them on the left. Considering recent Euro and Premier League games APee giving the young lads a go was hardly a shock as he only had eighteen players within his squad to choose from and that was if Cisse was available. As it happens there was no sign of Cisse's name on the team sheet so I could only surmise Senegal had invoked the five day rule. Up front Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa would provide the goal threat. The bench didn't exactly fill me with much hope The Mags would be able to turn it around should this game prove a tough nut to crack.
The first half started with Newcastle attacking the Leazes End. The opening ten or fifteen minutes proving to be quite lively compared to last weeks encounter against Big Sam's Hammers. Ben Arfa certainly looked up for the game and The Mags had a great deal more urgency about them with both Fergie and Sammy also seeing plenty of the ball. It was also quite clear that Swansea would play on the counter and as the half progressed I became more and more impressed with their lone forward Shechter. The loan player from FC Kaiserslautern giving both Saylor and Williamson plenty to think about with his clever runs and intelligent use of the ball. With the oppositions fluid passing game and the movement of Michu, Pablo and De Guzman our central pairing again showing signs of panic on more than one occasion. That said The Toon did create some good opportunities to score albeit they were squandered. Ben Arfa testing the keeper on a number of occasions and Ba not
quite managing to get a header on target. Some of Newcastle's approach play far better than what had been seen the previous game, however that elusive first goal would not come. It was that aspect of not being able to score while on top that filled me with dread. The side still have a bad habit of giving the ball away, with both Anita and Tiote guilty as charged, or reverting to just launching it forward from Krul or Williamson. Whether that
is just an issue over confidence I don't really know, but by comparison Laudrup's Swansea looked very composed when
in possession. Somewhat surprisingly the half had passed quite quickly and considering it was goaless had been far more entertaining to watch than the last home encounter.
The half time interval provided the crowd with the joy of watching some kids go past three card board cut out defenders to then score past the Magpies mascot in Goal. Clearly a cue for the quick witted to point out they were more alert than some of our defenders had been during the first half.
With the second half about to commence APee had obviously decided to change things around and go 4 4 2 with Fergie
being the player sacrificed for Stroller. Not that I thought the lad had done much wrong exactly, but took it as a toss of
the coin between him and Sammy. Neither of their crosses had been of sufficient quality to cause problems, however of the
two Sammy had probably just edged his retention in the game. The opening ten minutes of this half again had Newcastle pressing for a goal. Ba missing a great chance when through following a scuffed Sameobi effort. Stroller was also holding the ball up front better allowing other players time to support him and Ba. Yet despite this Swansea were still looking dangerous on the counter. Williamson and Saylor anything but comfortable when turned towards their own goal. Far too often relying upon Krul to launch it long from the back pass. As it happens the opening goal came from such a shambles as Krul completely screwed a clearance on just under the hour mark straight to Hernandez. After that it was an almost exact
duplicate of the goal conceded against The Baggies as our defenders scrambled around looking at each other over their shoulders while the ball was played in for Michu to pick his spot and head past Krul. The collective moan of despair from the crowd was
tangible. The goal clearly gave The Swans a boost and they started to really knock the ball about and go for the second goal. With still twenty minutes to go on the clock Anita was struggling and for me was either injured or simply knackered. Never a good sign to see the visitors run past the home teams midfield as though they are not there. It also appeared to take an age to make the next substitution although when it arrived it did leave me puzzled. Not so much for the player arriving, Bigirimana, but the one leaving,
Danny Simpson. With Anita on his last legs in my opinion it just didn't make sense. Swapping him to left back and shoving Santon
across to the right had me even more confused, but I gave APee the benefit of the doubt in avoiding having The Dutchman exposed to the pace of Routledge. Thoughts of another one nil home defeat crossed my mind and was further compounded when with just under ten minutes of normal time to go APee made his final change, Marveaux for Sameobi. Sammy had played okay without ever looking like setting the game afire, but he must deliver better quality balls into the box as no good having all the tricks in the world if nowt on the end of them. Yet despite that I just couldn't understand why Anita was still on the pitch. By now Newcastle were looking tired and once more were undone with a simple move. The ball played across field from the left to Graham all on his own who advanced on goal and should have scored. However Krul pulled off a good save to prevent the local lad from doing so only for the rebound to fall to Jonathan De Guzman. The Dutchman still with plenty to do, but made no mistake smashing the ball home past Krul while most of The Toons defence were still trying to get back and cover. The second goal possibly flattering Swansea regarding the scoreline, however they were worthy winners as Newcastle once again failed to do themselves justice.
Having said that The Mags did manage a consolation goal from Ba deep in extra time to reduce the deficit, but that was about it.
Positives: Young players among squad gain more experience of playing at this level and how cruel, hard or both it can be. Certainly more entertaining than the last game although must admit most of the pleasure came from watching Laudrup's side. Few weeks grace until the next home game.
Negatives: Confidence shot to hell with defenders all over the place. Fringe players not good enough or too inexperienced to cope. On and off the pitch mighty short on ideas of how to change the game once the side goes a goal behind.
Next up an away trip to St Mary's to play Southampton. Could be in need of a few hail Mary's should The Mags lose that one.
WL
I've seen Newcastle United win silverware!