Newcastle 1-0 Saints - Match Thread

[Charlie Wayman]

On 10/08/2024 at 10:22, Midfield_General said:

As it stands, with the players we currently have I’d go 1-9-1:

 

There, fixed it for you.

[malcolm waldron]

22 hours ago, ErwinK1961 said:

Would be about as much attacking threat as we had when we lost to their 9 men. 

One of the most dispiriting performances in a long list of them over recent years.  If my memory is correct we played about 35 mins against 10 men, and then the last 15 or so against 9 - and spent most of that time passing the ball between whoever it was playing at the back - Vestegaard and Bednarek??

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

8 hours ago, SNSUN said:

I don't think the squad is that bad, the first team just lacks some quality here and there.

 

7 hours ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

team spirit could make all the difference

Totally agree. Get in a loan striker and hopefully a goalkeeper (but am guessing SR think they've already got this sorted) and we'll be competitive. I like our defence, reckon Smallbone will step up this year (concerned Aribo will show his limitations) and I think many overestimate the quality in the premier league. It's fine margins between a lot of clubs. Win a couple early and we'll be on a roll. 

[Osvaldorama]

2-1 saints. Dibling on to score a late winner. 
 

 

[LGTL]

Like most of our games this season against anyone half decent, this could be absolutely anything. I’d take not being embarrassed considering the state of our team. 

[woodsaint1]

                  McCarthy

     THB      Bednarek   Stephens

Suga           Downes                KWP

           Smallbone     Aribo

           Armstrong       BBD

Can see us picking up where we left off last season and going with 5 at the back. We'll probably set up like this most away games

If we do retain KWP this season, it will be interesting to see where we play him. Sugawara or Taylor to fill the other full back spot. Personally I would play Sugawara RB.

We just need to stay in the game as long as we can. An early Newcastle goal and it could be a long day. It also highlights our lack of attacking depth that Dibling may be the best option off the bench if we need a spark in the last 20 minutes.

1-1 and I'm being very optimistic

[Harry_SFC]

7 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

                  McCarthy

     THB      Bednarek   Stephens

Suga           Downes                KWP

           Smallbone     Aribo

           Armstrong       BBD

Can see us picking up where we left off last season and going with 5 at the back. We'll probably set up like this most away games

If we do retain KWP this season, it will be interesting to see where we play him. Sugawara or Taylor to fill the other full back spot. Personally I would play Sugawara RB.

We just need to stay in the game as long as we can. An early Newcastle goal and it could be a long day. It also highlights our lack of attacking depth that Dibling may be the best option off the bench if we need a spark in the last 20 minutes.

1-1 and I'm being very optimistic

On paper that team isn't too bad defensively (minus the keeper).. it's those further forward 2 or 3 positions that really need sorting.

Edited August 14 by Harry_SFC

[Suhari]

12 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

                  McCarthy

     THB      Bednarek   Stephens

Suga           Downes                KWP

           Smallbone     Aribo

           Armstrong       BBD

Can see us picking up where we left off last season and going with 5 at the back. We'll probably set up like this most away games

If we do retain KWP this season, it will be interesting to see where we play him. Sugawara or Taylor to fill the other full back spot. Personally I would play Sugawara RB.

We just need to stay in the game as long as we can. An early Newcastle goal and it could be a long day. It also highlights our lack of attacking depth that Dibling may be the best option off the bench if we need a spark in the last 20 minutes.

1-1 and I'm being very optimistic

RM went with a more pragmatic approach, just like this, in the playoffs. We defended really well.

Fully expect this lineup. Maybe we can spring an opening day surprise.

[Chez]

14 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

                  McCarthy

     THB      Bednarek   Stephens

Suga           Downes                KWP

           Smallbone     Aribo

           Armstrong       BBD

Can see us picking up where we left off last season and going with 5 at the back. We'll probably set up like this most away games

If we do retain KWP this season, it will be interesting to see where we play him. Sugawara or Taylor to fill the other full back spot. Personally I would play Sugawara RB.

We just need to stay in the game as long as we can. An early Newcastle goal and it could be a long day. It also highlights our lack of attacking depth that Dibling may be the best option off the bench if we need a spark in the last 20 minutes.

1-1 and I'm being very optimistic

I'd be very surprised if that's not the eleven. A question though. I didn't watch the pre season games, but I can see from the Saints website a pre match photo of that 11 in one of the games, so I assume KWP played left wingback in one of the games? 

[Chez]

16 hours ago, LGTL said:

Like most of our games this season against anyone half decent, this could be absolutely anything. I’d take not being embarrassed considering the state of our team. 

Newcastle have often taken us to pieces at their place over the last four or five years.  Joel Linton is a monster in the middle and Bruno is quality next to him. I am not sure who in our side is going to grab hold of the midfield.

[HarvSFC]

"Ross Stewart is nearly in contention and Adam Lallana is nearly back"

Get ready to hear this every week.

[Saint86]

On 14/08/2024 at 22:07, woodsaint1 said:

                  McCarthy

     THB      Bednarek   Stephens

Suga           Downes                KWP

           Smallbone     Aribo

           Armstrong       BBD

Can see us picking up where we left off last season and going with 5 at the back. We'll probably set up like this most away games

If we do retain KWP this season, it will be interesting to see where we play him. Sugawara or Taylor to fill the other full back spot. Personally I would play Sugawara RB.

We just need to stay in the game as long as we can. An early Newcastle goal and it could be a long day. It also highlights our lack of attacking depth that Dibling may be the best option off the bench if we need a spark in the last 20 minutes.

1-1 and I'm being very optimistic

This is the best 11 for me. We have to play to our strengths... 

The keeper is the weak spot so protect him - 3cbs. Nothing else we can do with this as it stands. 

Our first choice wingbacks are good frankly, especially on the attacking front. Having 3 cb's and cdm frees them up nicely to cause problems. 

CM - I actually think flynn is a quality CM engine room for most prem teams (outside the big boys). He's a great midfield anchor for us. Only issue is there is only one of him in the squad. But charles has looked good. 

Other CMs - smallbone, aribo, and alcaraz... This is okay for a bottom half team. Not great. Not bad. I think they work well together within the tactics and alongside Downes and arma etc. We'll be effective against sides.

Arma and bbd. Good movement (which suits our style), pace and a bit of a live wire threat from AA. BBD has a bit more guile and control about him. They compliment each other / the side quite well. Will be okay again for a bottom half side.

---

5-1-2-2 is the right starting formation for us. Edozie and SAA allow us to switch to a 4 with wingers. And dibling gives us some attacking CM cover. 

We have a weakness at GK, and zero cover there.

Lose flynn and we're in serious trouble. 

We've got no real cover for AA or BBD frankly. 

The likes of Flynn, AA, BBD cannot play every game all season. We need depth badly. 

 

 

Edited August 15 by Saint86

[Geordie]

Anyone heading up needs pub or food advice, let me know. 

Away fans welcome in every pub as long as they're not acting up. 

We're still missing Botman and Lascelles, and that naughty Tonali won't be available until the 28th. However there remains a lot of confidence on Tyneside. We've won 3 of the last 4 opening day fixtures.

[Charlie Wayman]

If we play RM's system well we could surprise them. I fancy us to get off to a flying start with a sensible 2-1 victory. Howe will be gone by Christmas, the rot having started here.

[Midfield_General]

2 hours ago, Saint86 said:

5-3-2-2 is the right starting formation for us

Good call, playing against 13 players is the last thing they'll be expecting 

[suewhistle]

23 minutes ago, Geordie said:

Anyone heading up needs pub or food advice, let me know.

 

No issues in the pub and very welcoming when I went there - The Bodega, some very nice pints and lovely fan lights - but could you do something about the away end and all the stairs?!

[Wade Garrett]

We’ll surprise those sportswashing cunts on Saturday.

Hopefully, there won’t be any Saudi state murders as a result of it.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

47 minutes ago, Geordie said:

We've won 3 of the last 4 opening day fixtures.

Really happy for you. We have an excellent opening day record in the Premier League too. Combined with our excellent record at St James's Park, it should be an easy 3 points for Saints.

[Charlie Wayman]

22 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

We’ll surprise those sportswashing cunts on Saturday.

Hopefully, there won’t be any Saudi state murders as a result of it.

We're on the same page my friend COYR.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 -0 to us. They push up, to put pressure on us, only to be undone with a couple of incisive passes and a AA goal.

[saintant]

9 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

1 -0 to us. They push up, to put pressure on us, only to be undone with a couple of incisive passes and a AA goal.

Would be great but I'd be amazed if we keep a clean sheet in this game.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Just now, saintant said:

Would be great but I'd be amazed if we keep a clean sheet in this game.

There will be some nervousness, but Stephens' leadership at the back steadies us, and we see it through.

[AlexLaw76]

14 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

There will be some nervousness, but Stephens' leadership at the back steadies us, and we see it through.

McCarthy will display effortless skill in the box, kind of like an English goalie version of Pirlo

Edited August 15 by AlexLaw76

[egg]

2 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

1 -0 to us. They push up, to put pressure on us, only to be undone with a couple of incisive passes and a AA goal.

You've persuaded me to add AA to my fantasy squad as the cheap striker ahead of Joao Pedro. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

11 minutes ago, egg said:

You've persuaded me to add AA to my fantasy squad as the cheap striker ahead of Joao Pedro. 

You know it mocks sense. Makes sense. I mean makes sense.

[sad saints fan]

Should be getting to Newcastle about 11pm tomorrow night. Very convoluted travel arrangements including flying to Glasgow and train to Newcastle via Carlisle but it was the cheapest flying option . Staying at the Holiday in Express until Sunday . 

 Hopefully meet some you lot up there.

[allsa001]

2 hours ago, sad saints fan said:

Should be getting to Newcastle about 11pm tomorrow night. Very convoluted travel arrangements including flying to Glasgow and train to Newcastle via Carlisle but it was the cheapest flying option . Staying at the Holiday in Express until Sunday . 

 Hopefully meet some you lot up there.

I should be getting there around 12:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, and will be looking for a decent pub to drink in.

Edited August 16 by allsa001

[Dadthesaint]

For those driving up on Saturday, what time are you leaving?  I'm in North Hampshire, thinking of leaving around 6:00.

[Harry_SFC]

8 hours ago, sad saints fan said:

Should be getting to Newcastle about 11pm tomorrow night. Very convoluted travel arrangements including flying to Glasgow and train to Newcastle via Carlisle but it was the cheapest flying option . Staying at the Holiday in Express until Sunday . 

 Hopefully meet some you lot up there.

I'm getting the train up later this afternoon. I normally drive it but done a fair few lengthy car journeys lately so another one all the way up there wasn't worth thinking about. 

[Geordie]

15 hours ago, suewhistle said:

No issues in the pub and very welcoming when I went there - The Bodega, some very nice pints and lovely fan lights - but could you do something about the away end and all the stairs?!

It's a nightmare, I know. Comes down tot he bones of the stadium being such that we can't safely accommodate away fans near to the pitch. There are discussions about expanding SJP or relocating, but nothing is concrete yet. There are lifts that you could use, but I dunno if I'd fancy the wait.

Stock up on Sausage rolls to fuel your ascent?

[Geordie]

10 hours ago, sad saints fan said:

Should be getting to Newcastle about 11pm tomorrow night. Very convoluted travel arrangements including flying to Glasgow and train to Newcastle via Carlisle but it was the cheapest flying option . Staying at the Holiday in Express until Sunday . 

 Hopefully meet some you lot up there.

You're a 5 minute walk away from four really good bars; Bodega, The Forth Hotel, The Town Wall and Tilleys. Decent coffee at Pink Lane Coffee as well.

[sad saints fan]

1 hour ago, Geordie said:

You're a 5 minute walk away from four really good bars; Bodega, The Forth Hotel, The Town Wall and Tilleys. Decent coffee at Pink Lane Coffee as well.

Cheers mush

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

Piece on the Athletic with each team's "strongest 11 for the season"

Ours is McCarthy, Sugawara, TBH, Stephens, KWP, Downes, Smallbone, Alcaraz, Arma, BBD and Mara. Mara playing as a left winger seemingly.

I would not be happy with that 11 starting the first game of the season.

[austsaint]

10 minutes ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Piece on the Athletic with each team's "strongest 11 for the season"

Ours is McCarthy, Sugawara, TBH, Stephens, KWP, Downes, Smallbone, Alcaraz, Arma, BBD and Mara. Mara playing as a left winger seemingly.

I would not be happy with that 11 starting the first game of the season.

I'd be very downbeat if McCarthy, Stephens, Smallbone and Mara were represented in our strongest 11 for the season.  

[trousers]

 

[hypochondriac]

I'm just chuffed that we probably get at least one more game out of the legend kwp. 

[CSA96]

 

[FarehamSaintJames]

Undecided between a 3-0 or 4-0 defeat.

But I think the score will flatter Newcastle, it’ll be one of those types of games, just a gulf in quality overall.

No need to panic, we’re effectively competing against the bottom ten, not the top ten.

[Chewy]

On 15/08/2024 at 18:13, Holmes_and_Watson said:

There will be some nervousness, but Stephens' leadership at the back steadies us, and we see it through.

Stephens’ leadership at the back? What about his leadership in midfield, on the wing, up front and wherever else RM asks him to play?

 

[Harry_SFC]

16 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Undecided between a 3-0 or 4-0 defeat.

But I think the score will flatter Newcastle, it’ll be one of those types of games, just a gulf in quality overall.

No need to panic, we’re effectively competing against the bottom ten, not the top ten.

I'd just like to see a decent performance - show some encouraging signs, no giving up etc. A loss is expected but no one wants to start the season with a heavy defeat. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

34 minutes ago, Chewy said:

Stephens’ leadership at the back? What about his leadership in midfield, on the wing, up front and wherever else RM asks him to play?

 

He will be inspirational, wherever he happens to be on the park. It's an attitude that unsettles the home crowd this afternoon, and then their players.

[hypochondriac]

Oh flynn Downes oh flynn Downes 

Saints are premier league 

Flynn Downes Downes Downes Downes doooownes 

Sit down - James 

 

Can we make this happen please? 

[SaintBobby]

I'm bracing myself for a tonking tbh. 3 or 4 nil. I think I'd accept a less brutal defeat and a reasonable performance as a good start. But am assuming it's going to take time for the new-ish system and players to gel. Playing BBD and AA on the extremity of the wings v Getafe was just odd. If it does work somehow, it will take time.

I'm assuming 5-3-2 is our default formation?

[revolution saint]

Newcastle always start the season like a train, and we always start like a train wreck.  3-0.

[Sheaf Saint]

2 minutes ago, SaintBobby said:

I'm assuming 5-3-2 is our default formation?

I think so. We'll definitely be seeing more of it this season, after it proved so effective against Leeds in the playoff final. It certainly makes us much more solid defensively, and given our propensity to concede 3+ at times last season, that will be much needed in the PL.

[saint francis]

Expecting us to get smashed 4 - 0 putting doubt in the system we play, at least against the top half teams in the league, and hoping RM has an effective plan B or at least some serious tweaks.  

Hoping this post looks foolish at 5pm.  

[jimmer42]

 may regret this but I'm more positive. I think we'll get some hidings this year but dish out a few bloody noses as well.....hard working, battling performance but 2 or 3-1 defeat

[Nordic Saint]

18 minutes ago, jimmer42 said:

 may regret this but I'm more positive. I think we'll get some hidings this year but dish out a few bloody noses as well.....hard working, battling performance but 2 or 3-1 defeat

Until we get a new goalkeeper, it looks like it's going to be about outscoring the opposition, 3-2 or 4-3, but to do that we need a new striker. On a more positive note, the transfer window's not closed yet and Brereton-Diaz looks like he's got a few goals in him so maybe he'll score today. Then, if Dibling comes on as a sub, he could score another one. So, then the result would depend on how many shots on target Newcastle get. If we can keep them down to 2 or 3, we just might get a 2-2 draw; probably not though.

Later in this thread, I'm expecting the inevitable, "Oh no, McCarthy" and "passing around at the back again."

Edited August 17 by Nordic Saint

[Tom & Gerry]

Is this the same McCarthy that was so sound at the end of last season that everyone is rubbishing or have we signed another one?

People seem to have been spooked because in a few practice matches he practiced doing a few things he's not very good at and found he's not very good at them  which is what practice matches are for, I thought.

So he won't do them in a league game, I hope.

[Saint_clark]

3 minutes ago, Tom & Gerry said:

Is this the same McCarthy that was so sound at the end of last season that everyone is rubbishing or have we signed another one?

People seem to have been spooked because in a few practice matches he practiced doing a few things he's not very good at and found he's not very good at them  which is what practice matches are for, I thought.

So he won't do them in a league game, I hope.

It would surprise me if we went from the pragmatic approach of not forcing the ball on him like we saw in the playoffs to suddenly treating him like Ederson.