Newcastle United v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[pauliewalnuts]

I don't think we were that bad today, at times we played some really nice stuff. There's signs of a good side there. We could do with picking up points in the next few games though to make ourselves a bit more comfortable.

The trouble is we haven't been "that bad" in most matches since Arse at home (Swansea apart). It's just the same errors appearing each time.

Yup.

We have played good stuff for spells in most of those matches, too, we just seem to be picking up few points.

Our home record in particular is of worry. No win in more than three months at home is something any side should be concerned about.

[olaftab]

I didn't see the match  but followed it on the match thread. Up to HT we were out playing Newcastle and were unlucky yo be 1-0 and rightly we equlaised. So far that was Eck's team and his tactics. A *anker in the team decides to have a go at the Manager and is removed. Little bit later another waster starts being the biggest asset to the opposirion and is removed. Again that is what you would expect the Manager to do. So we lost but this was not Eck's fault. Some of our players on and off the pitch should be ashamed of themselves.

[dave.woodhall]

I don't think we were that bad today, at times we played some really nice stuff. There's signs of a good side there. We could do with picking up points in the next few games though to make ourselves a bit more comfortable.

The trouble is we haven't been "that bad" in most matches since Arse at home (Swansea apart). It's just the same errors appearing each time.

Yup.

We have played good stuff for spells in most of those matches, too, we just seem to be picking up few points.

Our home record in particular is of worry. No win in more than three months at home is something any side should be concerned about.

The annoying, frustrating, tear our hair out thing about it is that Newcastle aren't much better than us, yet in the middle of February they're still in Champions League contention.

[pauliewalnuts]

I'd disagree with that. Don't know about today but over this season they've been much better than us, I'd say.

They were without Cabaye and Tiote today. Put those two back in and they're a much better side than us, and the results show it.

He's done well there, Pardew. Who'd have thought it? Sometimes it just clicks for a manager at a club.

[JJ-AV]

Heskey came on to tighten it up down the left. Clark was having a poor game and Warnock was getting roasted time after time. N'Zogbia did nothing to help out. If Gabby was fit he'd have come on to provide defensive stability.

There was little he could have done. Heskey was the right sub, personally I'd have taken Warnock off and put Clark at left back to tighten it up, but with those subs he had little choice.

[Somniloquism]

The annoying, frustrating, tear our hair out thing about it is that Newcastle aren't much better than us, yet in the middle of February they're still in Champions League contention.

Apart from the better defence (less prone to mistakes) and the better centre midfield duo (didn't play against us) and the better striker who can score and contribute to the all around play of the team.

[dave.woodhall]

I'd disagree with that. Don't know about today but over this season they've been much better than us, I'd say.

They were without Cabaye and Tiote today. Put those two back in and they're a much better side than us, and the results show it.

He's done well there, Pardew. Who'd have thought it? Sometimes it just clicks for a manager at a club.

It sure does.

[Bad English]

I didn't watch the game, didn't follow the game, didn't go on the match thread. When my daughter told me the score I wasn't even surprised.

So I am STILL boycotting Villa Direct although I really, really, really do need new mugs.

[pauliewalnuts]

Moyes is another one.

Done a great job at Everton, but if he'd joined us in the summer, would we be much better than we are now?

[villadelph]

Moyes is another one.

Done a great job at Everton, but if he'd joined us in the summer, would we be much better than we are now?

Do you think he could at least win a home game? I think he would change our entire atmosphere whether the play actually improved or not.

[Dave Cooper please]

I'd disagree with that. Don't know about today but over this season they've been much better than us, I'd say.

Yes, they have been better than us, but they aren't really that much better than us if you know what I mean!

[saunders_heroes]

I think Newcastle are one season wonders. Everything seems to be going their way for some reason. Fair play to them though.
I thought we should have won today. We probably would have done if we a had defence worth it's salt.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Have not read all the thread but I notice the usual `Have a go at Heskey, so therefore Mcleish too` comments.
The reality is that during the 2nd half we were coming under increasing pressure and Newcastle were dominating possession. This was due to us giving away ther ball cheaply and being unable to hold the ball up outside our own half.
Immediately Heskey came on, that pressure was relieved and our levels of possession improved and we were playing more of the game in their half.
Heskey held the ball up, he brought players into the game and provided important link play. We lost because of errors at the back, in the case of the second goal poor defending by Dunne. Not because of Heskey or because of the managers substitution decisions.

[villan1975]

Can we please get back to the petty arguing?
This thread is not for agreement and coming to a general consensus.

[villadelph]

Have not read all the thread but I notice the usual `Have a go at Heskey, so therefore Mcleish too` comments.
The reality is that during the 2nd half we were coming under increasing pressure and Newcastle were dominating possession. This was due to us giving away ther ball cheaply and being unable to hold the ball up outside our own half.
Immediately Heskey came on, that pressure was relieved and our levels of possession improved and we were playing more of the game in their half.
Heskey held the ball up, he brought players into the game and provided important link play. We lost because of errors at the back, in the case of the second goal poor defending by Dunne. Not because of Heskey or because of the managers substitution decisions.

It seemed to me that when Heskey came on Toon dropped back a bit expecting three strikers to have a go. I didn't see as much value in the Heskey sub as some, but I understand where you are coming from.