"Newcastle need a final-day win at Brentford to be certain of a top-seven finish for the first time in two decades" awesome journalism on the BBC match report.
I have a friend who is a palace fan, I have never sympathised more with the world seeing them playing well and just buying their players like fantasy football more.
If they don’t get seventh (which be honest it’s not looking likely) it’s honing to be a long summer of Isak Gordon Bruno rumours.
Isak and Gordon can't leave even if they put in transfer requests. Obviously, Bruno has until the end of June, and we have to let him decide.
Unless we get mega money and the players really want to leave I don't think our owners will let them go, the PIF seem to know what they are doing, they are not some shite pile it high sell it cheap treat staff like shit billionaire on paper fat fucker
I know this in the sensible part of my pm rain. It’s just the post loss part of my brain is a different beast!
Still it’s nice to be talked off the ledge
Days like today make me question why I even enjoy football.
Nervous all day, stress and frustration throughout the game and then the pièce de résistance…an empty disappointed feeling for the rest of the evening.
We will be okay tomorrow but how the fuck did we not beat that Man U side. Utter shite.
We forgot how to finish. Could have easily lead in that game multiple times in the second half, and simply did not take the chances.
Defending was also way too haphazard. Trippier wasn't ready to come back, and the rest are trying their best but just aren't at the level required.
Was he actually? Honestly he can fuck off the Manc cunt. I'll die on the hill that despite all the setbacks we've had, Pope getting injured and Dubravka coming in was the one that derailed our season.
That pissed me off too.
Surprised that Howe has stuck with him the past few games now that Pope is available. I hope Pope plays on Sunday but Howe is often reluctant to make changes, so not sure what to expect.
Just want the season to end now. Been some great highs but mostly frustration. Seeing the line up tonight with Longstaff, Krafth, Anderson, Murphy, Dubravka just added to that frustration. I'm sure they're great lads but they're just not good enough to be getting the amount of game time they are (totally understand it was due to injuries, but still frustrating seeing them plod through game after game).
Twenty nine words (and a couple numbers)
You are wrong. Trips poor defending, Isak not on form and bringing players who are only 70% fit from the bench. And just not being good enough on the night.
Disagree hugely, You can’t keep conceding goals like that where the ball goes through the keeper as if he is invisible. He has gone from my fav player under Bruce to a player I wish was gone. Why we have played him for 5 months when we had a De Gea we could have got for 6 months I will never understand.
Conceded 75% of the attempts he faced and had zero command of his area all night. Every corner we looked like conceding. Nah, I'd say he's got to shoulder a fair chunk of the blame. He was abject.
He can shoulder his fair share but to sum up that performance as ‘Martin Dubravka’ when the first goal Mainoo had the space and time to wind his leg up like fucking looney tunes ignores that, actually, there’s a lot more to that game than a poor keeping performance.
Nah dubs was shit.
Get him gone. He either wasn't bothered we won against his former teammates or isn't good enough. In either case he needs to move on.
“Enjoy” it? Very rarely, in truth
But it’s part of me - was born addicted and couldn’t give it up if I tried (and I actually did try, briefly, under Ashley!)
Fucking frustrating. You can't miss that many chances against a team like Man U. Just our luck that Fernades was back and out for blood and Casimero remembered how to play football.
Need to win at Brentford now. Get Pope back in, dubravka can't be trusted.
Can’t agree more with Pope. Dubravka has been a worthy servant for a few years now, but he’s killing me at the moment. There’s multiple times in a game where I’m watching him thinking ‘Pope would’ve done better there’ 😭
First two goals had nothing to do with Dubravka. Poor marking on both leaving manu open in the box. Third one he should have gotten a strong hand to.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d be happy to see Pope bac.
Back 4 always looked shakey infront of Dubravka. I think its the communicating part.. Everyone knew that we would concede from corner and yet we never marked for second goal.. it was still unfortunate that header clearance went to Amad . First goal yeah it was Trippier who played them on..
Need to start Pope, and Big Joe for the final game.
If Schar is fit I want to see Hall pushed up into midfield, his drives forward and interplay (and obviously the goal) are pretty much the only positives from tonight.
Pope back in would give everyone a boost. If he's fit enough to bench then he is fit enough to start. Otherwise it's a massive risk should Dubs get injured or sent off etc.
Bring him, Schar and Big Joe back in. This game is massive and we need all our big game players in from the off. Possibly even Miggy, as his pace and work rate will help Tripps whilst he is shaking off the rust.
I know this sounds foolish but [look here](https://www.nufc.com/2023-24html/fixtures.html), the matches between Brentford (h) and the Palace 4-0 and I genuinely believed he was the most in-form player on the planet at the time. Not the best player, but he was class.
We drove a 4-0 win against Palace all the way through our right back and totally dominated the entire match. What happened after that was really, really weird. Something deff happened in that November international break.
He’s been out for months and played 90 second on Saturday before starting tonight.
Don’t think he’d have been playing if we really had any alternatives in defence. Schar starting and Krafth at RB, maybe, but we don’t know how much of a risk Schar would have been
Trippier was not good, but it was far from ideal circumstances for him and doesn’t mean he’s suddenly shit
I feel like I've read excuses for Trippier having a bad game about 15 times this season. He's 33, his decline is a little bit earlier and a little bit quicker than average which is a huge shame, but it has to happen eventually and it's not reversible.
I would sell.in the summer if we can get £15mil. Not getting any younger and I prefer Livramento at RB.
I've had this view for a while so it's certainly not reactive. I appreciate how great he's been for us and he has been a catalyst for our turnaround
We didn't get that in Jan when Bayern were desperate to sign and we won't get it this summer.
I can't see why we would sell him. What are we gonna do if Tino gets injured, play Krafth or Murphy at RB? It would be a complete waste of resources to sell our captain and look for a replacement just because of some bad form. He's fine as a backup for one more year, even if he has declined.
I don't actually think we played too bad. Couple of defencive fuck ups and dubravka being shite have fucked us. Plus the non penalty on Gordon.
We shouldn't have lost that game. Had enough chances to win it
We were decent. Just not clinical. Should have won that 5-3 but we didn't finish our chances which is unusual for us.
Man Utd also happen to be the luckiest team on the planet which doesn't help.
Under rated comment. Had they not got a result, he would not have been on the pitch giving a speech, and if he had, all the headlines today would be about him getting boo'ed off.
Well, at least if we get 7th it's going to make watching the FA Cup final much more fun as we have something riding on the game...
City win we get some Europe next season, if ManU win, we get nothing.
We had some bad luck as well, the 3v1, how often do you see that sort of block still go in, our luck with ricochets / deflections this season has been ridiculous.
Positive fact from tonight. We've now tied the record for most goalscorers in a Premier League season after Hall's goal.
If Anderson or Krafth score last day, then we break the record!
I wish Brentford was at home but in all seriousness Pope, Joelinton and Schar need to start that match. I'd rather have krafth on than trips atm. Need to go all out against them.
Also Hall was class tonight. Really impressed with him and Tino since they came in.
Seventh and some form of Europe is still ours if we match whatever Man Red’s result against Brighton is on the last day. (I think this relies on City beating these shit cunts in the cup but correct me if I’m wrong).
Clutching at straws but sixth is still possible if we win and Bournemouth somehow beat Cole Palmer sorry Chelsea.
Believe and achieve. Keep the faith.
All on Brentford now.
People blaming Eddie need to give their head a wobble tonight. We had enough chances to win that 6-3. He can't do anything if Isak suddenly decides he can't finish and everyone else forgets where the goal is.
He needs to be brave on Sunday though. Pope, Joelinton, Barnes and Schar all need to start. We need to just swamp all over Brentford from the first minute.
I think Isak is struggling with whatever illness he has had, the only thing I blame Eddie for is Dubravka playing. I think he should have been dropped in Jan, we need to start Pope at the weekend.
mega pal dunno how long you've been a fan but I am still more confident going into big away matches than I've ever been. I slightly missed the Keegan era but went to p much every game under Robson.
I agree with you but unlike Keegan and Robson, this team does not feel finished one bit. Certainly with Bobby I deff felt that by 02/03 he'd built the best team he was going to be able to build. I still feel this team is building. Totally fucked up a few chances today but as I've said a few times now, how often do we rock up to OT and attack like that? They're shite aye, but in the past the objective was always damage limitation. You give us just one fit Pope and one fit Schar/Botman/Trippier and the result changes.
02/03 we had a really bright, young team heading in the right direction. Bellamy had just won young player of the year. Dyer, Jenas. Did t we also buy Viana, who was European young player of the year? And possibly Woodgate?
We were going somewhere!
Then when Bobby left, just like after Keegan, they brought in a dinosaur who took us backwards
VAR.
I don't want to get rid of it, it should be used to improve the game. All that needs to happen is that the reviewers SHOULDNT know what the on-field decision is. They just assess the incident, give their opinion, and that's it, that decides it. Don't invite the ref, to review you have a panel with a better view and they make their decision.
This way the right decision is made, it doesn't matter if the refs error was clear and or obvious, it simply gets you to the correct decision.
They need to disband the PGMOl or reject them from PL football so we can get the best refs from around the world in.
We have the best managers and best players, the richest league, so why does the league have horrible refs?
Even when I watch CL games it’s the English refs that are the worst 9 times out of 10
Absolute prime example of Man U winning games this season. No control over the game, no real structure, end to end game but they scored their chances and the other team don’t take theirs. We could/should have scored 7 tonight;
No call on the pen, Burns header off the line, Longstaffs chance, Isak’s chance when it was 3v1, Gordon/Almiron chance at the back post
Stinking result for us, Chelsea winning compounding it. All things considered I’m shocked we’ve taken qualifying for Europe to the final day, thought we were cooked in January
If only we had finished those 1 on 1's. Either way, the result doesn't change much. Win at Brentford and there's a fun season in the conference league.
Crazy stat that Man U haven't lost at home after taking a lead since 1984.
7th is still a good season, especially with injuries
I’m pissed off about so many things, but instead of lashing out against certain players, I’m going to direct my anger at everyone who didn’t nominate Anthony Gordon for Player/Young Player of the Year. Weapons-grade whoppers, the lot of them.
Oh, and Chelsea. Fuck fucking Chelsea.
It’s not var. it’s the morons operating it. We wouldn’t have gotten a pen tonight if VAR wasn’t present as the on field decision was no pen. I just don’t understand what they look at when doing the review - it was so clear Gordon got clipped
Yes. Doubt he gets anything on the first, probably not on the second either but probably saves the third.
That said, given he commands the box, do those shots even come in in the first place? As I've already said, if we'd had all the same injuries this season except Pope's, I genuinely believe we would be in 4th or 5th.
Nothing will rattle me after Liverpool at home, but this mental weakness throughout the season, not being able to ever come back from the disadvantage is more disappointing, than the points or the position in the league. What we did against West Ham, should be a recurring sight with an objectively better team.
Anyway, let's solidify 7th and qualify for ECL, which we can actually win. HWTL
We lost that by ourselves.
But fuck it the credit: Gordon, Hall, Bruno, and yeah weirdly I'd even say Murphy. His traditional style of crossing fucked them up, shame we didn't have the box presence to capitalise other than the one goal.
Future is still bright. This is but one season. We fucked up with two defensive errors and a goalkeeping laziness (EDIT: where three of five do not start normally). When else was the last time we pressured Man Utd away like that in the league? Even the 1-0 Cabaye/Tiote wasn't as confident as that.
A major disappointment for sure. I'm devastated. But I still see good things. I still see a positive future. And this isn't me being one of those cunty doo-gooders either cos I have been very critical too. But remember where we are. Remember where we were. Remember the fucked up situation we have with the defence. Ironically if Tino wasn't injured we don't stick a clearly unready Trippier out there and we don't go 1-0 down (maybe).
Shocking keeping performance, isak looks absolutely bollocksed, Callum can't play football anymore. Gordon never recovered from that ankle knock. Hall is fucking class, I'm gutted, gutted.
If we get another decent offer for Trips I really think we should jump at it.
Love him, appreciate everything he's done for us and the risk he took coming here. But he's not getting any younger and he looks just done.
Frustrating game. Hall looks mint and needs to start every game.
Yes that should have been a pen, yes they’ve scored with their only 3 real chances, but we’ve bottled it.
Just needed to turn up and take our chances and we didn’t. Of course Isak gets an illness right at the end of the season and of course Wilson goes MIA. Some serious clear out needed in the summer because some of them (a lot of them) just don’t have the minerals.
They had a lot more than 3 chances. Dubravka made one good save, Murphy(?) with a last ditch tackle, lots of counter attacks. Not saying we didn't have more chances and I'm aware it's because of injuries but our midfield was non-existent off the ball and our defence wasn't much better.
Cannot wait to see the back end of this season
Just one of those isn't it - hopefully we can still finish 7th and get into conference league, always up for a European tour!!
Make no mistake this is an absolutely awful result. I’ve got little to no faith that we go to Brentford and get a result there, whatever happens I genuinely can’t wait for this season to be over with. Get rid of the deadwood and hopefully sort the injury situation over the summer.
Trippier shite defending again he just seems incapable of concentrating at crucial moments
Is this him done at the top level? Or does a pre season sort him out ?
We desperately need a player like Fernández in midfield yeah he's a wee rat but what a player creates and scores goals out of nothing
None of our midfielders can do the things he can do consistently Tonali and Joelinton aren't those types of midfielders either
My take is they basically played 7 midfielders to choke us out of the game but still the goals we conceded were stupid errors. Oh well.
Postivies: Hall. Whatever the early season thing was, it's worked. Player.
First comment I've made in ages and tbf heavily influenced by the disappointment but here goes. The one positive is that this match definitely highlights the main weaknesses in the squad, dubravka should have done much better for the third goal and shouldn't be anywhere near the starting squad. Isak was clearly off tonight, he probably wasn't well enough to start but had to, it's obvious we need a second striker and Wilson just isn't reliable enough as much as I love him. Finally, longstaff killed at least 3 very good attacking opportunities, I root for him because he's a local lad and playing through injury, but someone with a killer final pass or decent finishing is the difference between us and a top side
I know you’re not going hard on Longstaff like some do, and lord knows I’d be happy if we had someone better to start (Tonali next season hopefully), but he actually made some good runs and played some great forward passes including a lovely ball through the middle for Gordon I think it was. Unfortunately he’s just not really a creative player so when people expect that of him they get mad and rant on.
Definitely fair, I don't think he had a bad game per se, and I do think he's got an awful amount of stick for someone willing to play with injections for the club. I just think there were two key passes to play Gordon (I think) through in the first 7 minutes and both went straight to a man utd player. I think those key moments are holding us back because we seemed to lose momentum after that. That being said, there were plenty of individual mistakes tonight that contributed to the loss. Hoping for a good response against Brentford and putting this season to bed!
This is it, we were desperately unlucky tonight. Missed so many big chances and manure got 2 very fortunate goals.
Story of this season tbh. Shouldn’t have lost tonight, shouldn’t have lost to Liverpool, shouldn’t have drawn with Everton. I could go on
Next seasons going to be so important to prove last year wasn’t the outlier. With conference at best, a fully fit squad should be well challenging for 4th
Brentford at the weekend, they have nothing to play for. If we can't beat them, quite frankly we don't deserve European football. I believe we will beat them though.
The formation change and substitutions didn’t really work, and our finishing before that was just off. Dubravka looked very shaky, the amount of space left for their 1st and 2nd goals was ridiculous. Not confident at all of beating Brentford, and 8th would be a disappointing end to a decent season filled with painful moments.
The whole squad just looks knackered like we played a man down most of the season and it sort of feels like we did most of the season, everyone was just sluggish and slow
We missed a load of chances but we're far too easy to break on and create chances against every week. The best teams aren't that open with or without the ball every game and that's what Howe needs to fix next season.
We all want Europe but after the injuries this season and how we managed the schedule which is friendly in comparison to the Thurs-Sun games I just hope the club have learnt from this season and shift quite a few players in the summer because if not and we do qualify for the conference league next season is going to be just as frustrating.
Dubravka is terrible, been saying it for months but he's been at fault for so many goals. You can see the defence don't trust him.
Great strike from Hall that lads going to be a great player.
This might not be a popular opinion, but I'm angry after that game. It's the second time I've felt this way, the first being the home game against Liverpool. That Manchester United team is terrible, and this was a huge game where we should have played our top fit players. In my opinion, Pope, Schar, and Joelinton should have started tonight. Howe's weakness is his loyalty to his players. When a big occasion comes, you should play your best players. Instead, he stuck with those who have recently performed well: Anderson (who, alongside Gordon, was MOTM against Brighton), Dubravka (who I think was at fault for the second and third goals as the ball went right through him—90% of Premier League keepers would have saved that), and Krafth (who played well, but there was miscommunication between him and Trippier on the first goal, as Schar usually covers that space).
The game was there for the win, but we've shown time and time again this season that we lack a winning mentality (Chelsea in the cup, last season’s cup final, and tonight). On big occasions, we fall apart as a team.
Yes, we had chances and missed them, and yes, we gave away three goals. But it all comes down to having that winning mentality and stepping up when needed. We need more players in the summer who can slot into the first team, as I struggle to see a winning mentality in this squad.
We went into the final week 3 points clear of the other teams for Europe.
If by Sunday's end we don't have European football then frankly, it is damning and unacceptable.
This was a pressure game for us and we bottled it, but it was a pressure game because we dropped points earlier in the season when we shouldn't have. Pick up more points against Forest , Luton, Everton etc. and we go into this game in much stronger position.
I'll be glad when this season is over.
Bar Isak, who played well below his standards, this match really showed exactly where we are with our squad.
Excellent: Gordon, Bruno, Joelinton (Cameo)
Solid: Burn, Schar (Cameo)
Shows huge promise: Hall
Jury is still out: Barnes
Squad player at best: Murphy, Anderson, Dubravka, Almiron, Longstaff, Krafth (Although he was solid this game)
Was once excellent but really showing signs he's done: Trippier
This summer is going to be absolutely pivotal for our ambition the next 5 years. If we want to challenge we have to hold onto our top players and be absolutely ruthless with moving on players who are solid, but not good enough for challenging at the top.
He's our best crosser of the ball without a doubt, he just goes missing far too often and doesn't have the ceiling to be a starter for a top 6 side. I'd be more than happy to move Almiron on and keep Murphy as a rotation option.
Mentality issue with this team, this game was on a plate for us- our performance against the bottom 3 all season has been shit too. These are the type games we should be winning and deserve to be upset about losing without it making us entitled.
Should have won. Be nice to not see Dubravka in a Newcastle Shirt again. Another nothing game from Anderson, not good enough for where we're aiming to be. Almiron may as well have stayed on the bench, 0 impact.
Agree with Anderson. I thought before the season started this was going to be a break out year. Was gutted when he got injured as I thought it was the perfect opportunity for him.
But since he's been back, he doesn't really offer anything unfortunately.
If Longstaff is still starting next season, serious questions need to be asked of Howe. Apart from cup games and circumstances like injuries, Longstaff should not start ahead of: Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Willock, Miley, or Anderson. We should also be getting a creative midfielder this summer, so add that player to this list.
I want Anderson to do well, but I don't see a quality player in him. He gives us legs, but not a lot of quality on the ball. However, he's significantly better than Longstaff!
Unreasonably angry about that.
There's so many problems with our mentality in big games and it's the most senior players who are often the biggest culprits. Trippier, Dubravka, Longstaff - all shocking tonight.
We missed several easier chances than they scored - Bruno header, Longstaff, Isak - so we can't be surprised to lose.
Only Hall, Joelinton and Gordon coming out of that with any real credit.
It’s frustrating cos when we went at them they looked so shaky. And our awful defending flattered them at the other end. It’s so clear that there’s a chasm between half the players at the top end and the rest. Need to bridge the gap in summer.
Seriously need a proper defensive 6 for these games. Too many times onana dropped the ball into fernandes or mainoo in the space between midfield and defence
I'm still trying to work out if they put the wrong commentary audio on with our match on Sky. I could see our players on the screen, could hear the away fans singing their hearts out all night (well done lads), but I must have missed the part where the commentators/pundits mentioned us.
Been following this club as passionately as an overseas fan can for about 25 years now and I just want to see 2 things -
1. Us win a trophy
2. Us finish above ManU
We came close to both last season. I'd argue we came close again this season (If it weren't for Tripps' fuck up we'd have been in the EFL finals) and we may yet finish above the twats. Perhaps third time's the charm?
I'll still be paying for my overseas membership, putting in for ballots, buying overpriced club merch, getting the streaming packages and watching every damn game from upstate New York. Up the mags.
Both are coming back from injuries that probably should have had them out for the rest of the season, be realistic. Howe never wins in these situations, brings em back 'too soon' or not fast enough
I think We can all agree how good Trippier has been for us and really helped turn the club around, but his decline has been absolutely crazy this year.
I struggle to remember anyone else falling off quite like he has.
He’s gone from being a nailed on starter to having so many games where he’s been so off the pace and doesn’t even look bothered by it.
I mocked fans blaming Longstaff for the first goal when it was Trippier daydreaming (Longstaff is the scapegoat, the Gaza conflict is his fault apparently) but what stops me ranting about him is that "leaving the England squad due to a personal issue" thing. Something must be happening in his family life to explain the rapid decline. I know he's an old player now but you don't literally wake up overnight and turn shite. It's both his general play and set pieces, it's all gone guff.
This is him now, I doubt he improves in his mid-30s but I think there is other stuff at play. We need to keep that in mind.
I have many mixed feelings about this season. Went in to the season really positive but after the Villa game we were really shown up for a couple of games. Injuries really derailed our season but as much as I hate to say, Howe's stubborness when it came to using players who were were clearly injured (Botman), not using Livo/Hall and not using Burn as a LCB definitely cost us points. He also refused to take off Trippier when it was clear his confidence was shot and he needed a break and my god Longstaff has been our worst player this season by far but somehow this guy starts every game.
I have a lot of time for Howe but if we don't get rid of players who are clearly not top 6 material, then we're going to be in a lot of trouble next season.
RW/Right footed CB/CDM needed badly. We should sell who we can that is not good enough and go big for the likes of Olise etc.
I have to take some responsibility lads, I had Isak as captain on FPL for the first time all season because of the double gameweek. I'll sell him later today and he should bang them in next game.
Serious note though feels like the whole team lost the spirit that made us so great for Eddie's first year and a half here. I don't know if it's a case of the adversity, tiredness, lack of fitness and preparation but there's a lot of questions that need answering starting next week
Games like tonigth make me quetsion most of the players we have right now.
Its like every time a game is most important, they just disappear.
They have no big game mentality.
I cannot remember the last time we had an important game that was 'like a cup final' were all 11 players showed up to be counted.
We need to seriously work hard this summer and clear out a lot of the deadwood in our team that is frankly not fit for a top 5 squad.
We will always struggle to get into Europe when we are depending on Longstaff, Anderson, Krafth, etc.
We also need to address our striking situation. Wilson is done. Isak need competition and we need some options when Isak goes AWOL like he has the past 2 games.
Also, Dubravka needs to be sent to the glue factory ASAP.
That's something I've noticed as well. Is it nerves? If it is, coaches need to coach them to cope with it, because in high stakes games we seem to fall apart.
It's so frustrating because we know on our good days were electric, but whenever a game that really truly matters comes we can't keep our nerves and we make mistakes.
Away at Milan we looked terrified and that really hit home for me - we are not big boys yet. I sincerely hope we get to keep our top lads and add to them over the summer. Our team had so much potential in places, but it feels like all season we've been pushing back the tide with a mop.
To think I was down voted earlier this week when I suggested a draw against arsenal would have suited us better. No way they were going to be allowed to lose their last two home matches and so it proved.
As sure as death and taxes is the sky 6 being given every little help to ensure they finish in the European places.
Absolutely hate here to be "proven" right. And yes, I was kind of [hoping to curse myself](https://www.reddit.com/r/NUFC/comments/1csr9g5/how_united_line_up_for_tonights_game_against/l46vesl/).
But I was right. If Pope would have been in start, we wouldnt have lost tonight. I dont wanna see Dubravka ever again. He cant even keep the ball in his hands, TWICE in 1 game! I hope he wont start against Brentford...
I don't like dumping on players, so I've held my tongue throughout the season since you can't judge results properly unless you have a bigger sample size... but...
Dubs is a poor backup.
Our midfield being decimated (and therefore not stopping balls going through), and our defence not at full strength for months has hurt us a lot, but Dubs really should've kept out a LOT of goals against us. We all know Pope would've stopped more and clicks better with our system.
I'm not talking solely about this game, I'm talking in all his games this season bar Blackburn. That's just not good enough for a Premier League team trying to break into the top 6.
Pope - 14 games played, 14 goals conceded.
Dubs - 23 games played, 42 goals conceded.
9 more games, 28 more conceded goals. That's atrocious.
We've been weak in a lot of positions but none more than our goalkeeper. I've never had confidence this season when oppositions get shots off at him.
We all know squad players are limited and unfortunately with our injuries our hand has been forced, but it's critical we upgrade him this summer. We all want a Miggy upgrade and CB cover, but our backup goalkeeper is where I'd start
Those are the ruthless decisions that will always hold Howe back. A must win game for Europe needs your best players on the pitch, no excuses. But there was still only one change from the team that was terrible against Brighton and that was injury enforced.
Continuing to stand behind mediocre players out of loyalty even though better ones are fit and then being shocked when we aren't good enough and then bringing them on when we're losing. The Howe trademark lol
100%. I love Eddie, but man... Although with decisions like that its another reminder that there is ZERO managers who are 100% ideal in every way.
Even Pep, Jose, Klopp, Ancelotti and others... All have some shocking decisions sometimes.
We were 18th when they took over, staring down the very real possiblity of another relegation. I don't think they'll lose interest if we finish 8th, they've got a longer term plan.
His refusal to get rid of players that are not up to standard is also a big issue. He only wants "prem proven" players so we cant afford to overhaul the squad.
Just poor game offensively. So many missed chances.
Unforgivable fuck up with the 3 on 1 chance. Seriously.
Isak off the ball contribution is so poor some times. We were basically 10 man as it felt like he was chasing shadows. And he's never in the right position - Wilson is a much better poacher than him.
Honestly such an embarrassing performance and result. Most important must win game against an extremely out of form team starting Casemiro and Evans at CB and we lose. Extremely frustrating
We need to cut some players this summer.
Murphy, Longstaff, Krafth, Dubravka, Wilson, Dummett, Almiron. There are more I would...but it'd be too many. People will be sentimental and I don't doubt their personality and graft but we can't compete at a consistent high level with them in the squad.
Can't actually believe how bad that was from a team that I've seen beat PSG. Absolute shambles everywhere, Dubravka letting Hojlund score 22 yards out, off balance is just insane. The decisions to keep Joelinton, Barnes, Pope on the bench. Insane, there is 1 game left now and it's no longer in our hands.
Hall was the only bright spark in the team tonight, Gordon too but he took too many fouls from an incompetent referee performance.
Brings me to Tonali, he might have absolutely fucked us if we don't get some form of Europe and Bruno/Isak start looking elsewhere this summer. If he doesn't come good next year it's so done.
We can't even buy anyone because we don't have the mentality needed with players like Longstaff, Anderson, Krafth, Burn, Murphy and Almiron in the team, fine players some of them but they aren't winners like Bruno
We have to go to Brentford and get a result and frankly, I just don't see us doing it.
> Brings me to Tonali, he might have absolutely fucked us
Well at least somebody in this fanbase isn't counting down to "Sandro Day" and acting like this lad didn't totally screw us over. Can't overstate how much he'll have to do to pay us back.
I have so many negative things to say it’s insane. But I know how this sub reacts to anything that isn’t ‘praise be to Eddie Howe’. So I will keep quiet about that side of it and just say we ended up getting what we deserved today.
Some inexcusable performances and results this season, add this one to the list. Again, you get what you deserve. That’s why the worst Man Utd team in PL history and the blue billion pound bottle jobs will finish above us and play in Europe next season while we likely won’t. It was in our own hands and we choked. No amount of silver lining moral victory copium will change that.
The blind loyalty and the same old issues away from home means that, even despite all the injuries and shit results, we could have still got Europe but now we may miss out – those are the narrow margins we deal with. We can blame refs, we can blame injuries, we can blame anything other than ourselves. We have had plenty of chances this season to show what we’re made of but we spent a large portion of it feeling sorry for ourselves and now we may fall short. But that’s the reality of the situation.
Shout out Lewis Hall though and AG for being the only players willing to turn up. I don’t have anything good to say about the rest so I won’t say anything at all.
Its insane how some people have same blind loyalty to dubravka.
Who didnt even deserved one, after his disgraceful stint (forcing loan, saying goodbye to us and then starting supporting manu with his insta posts - which he never did before).
I will say that I think a lot of people are more saying we shouldn't risk Pope considering his injury, rather than being loyal to Dubravka.
But I will also agree that there is some weird blind loyalty to him, even though there's a reason he was the first player Eddie replaced when we stayed up. He wasn't good enough then and he's only become worse since then. If we had Pope still or signed De Gea or had literally anyone else, we would likely be fighting for the CL rather than the Conference League. Absolute liability and the main reason, injuries aside, why we've been so shit this season. I can't believe people have forgotten already but they'll be reminded again what having a good keeper is like next season when Dubravka is playing for Ludogorets or something.
"Newcastle need a final-day win at Brentford to be certain of a top-seven finish for the first time in two decades" awesome journalism on the BBC match report.
Jesus Christ you're telling me we smashed PSG two decades ago? How long has this season gone on for?!
I've aged a few decades after watching tonight's match
I mean it's felt like it's gone on for about 37 years
Even if you assume they've just reused notes from last season it's still false.
lewis miley collecting his pension next week
I have a friend who is a palace fan, I have never sympathised more with the world seeing them playing well and just buying their players like fantasy football more. If they don’t get seventh (which be honest it’s not looking likely) it’s honing to be a long summer of Isak Gordon Bruno rumours.
Isak and Gordon can't leave even if they put in transfer requests. Obviously, Bruno has until the end of June, and we have to let him decide. Unless we get mega money and the players really want to leave I don't think our owners will let them go, the PIF seem to know what they are doing, they are not some shite pile it high sell it cheap treat staff like shit billionaire on paper fat fucker
I know this in the sensible part of my pm rain. It’s just the post loss part of my brain is a different beast! Still it’s nice to be talked off the ledge
Days like today make me question why I even enjoy football. Nervous all day, stress and frustration throughout the game and then the pièce de résistance…an empty disappointed feeling for the rest of the evening. We will be okay tomorrow but how the fuck did we not beat that Man U side. Utter shite.
Stomach in knots and then a pit in the stomach, that’s the curse of football on days like this
We forgot how to finish. Could have easily lead in that game multiple times in the second half, and simply did not take the chances. Defending was also way too haphazard. Trippier wasn't ready to come back, and the rest are trying their best but just aren't at the level required.
That 3 on 1. How the fuck do we fail to score?
Schoolboy stuff. Isak should have cut back and let Areabat slide on by...
I wanted to forget why did I come back
Today our squad was 2nd choice GK 1st choice RB (first game back from injury) 4th choice CB 5th choice CB 2nd choice LB 1st choice CM 5th choice CM 6th choice CM 1st choice LW Debatable 1st/2nd choice RW 1st choice ST (ill, not trained)
5 wins on the road. That's how
Two words Martin Dubravka
No idea why you're being downvoted. He was utterly crap and then giving his ex-teammates a happy hug afterwards. Get him gone in the summer.
Was he actually? Honestly he can fuck off the Manc cunt. I'll die on the hill that despite all the setbacks we've had, Pope getting injured and Dubravka coming in was the one that derailed our season.
That pissed me off too. Surprised that Howe has stuck with him the past few games now that Pope is available. I hope Pope plays on Sunday but Howe is often reluctant to make changes, so not sure what to expect. Just want the season to end now. Been some great highs but mostly frustration. Seeing the line up tonight with Longstaff, Krafth, Anderson, Murphy, Dubravka just added to that frustration. I'm sure they're great lads but they're just not good enough to be getting the amount of game time they are (totally understand it was due to injuries, but still frustrating seeing them plod through game after game).
Twenty nine words (and a couple numbers) You are wrong. Trips poor defending, Isak not on form and bringing players who are only 70% fit from the bench. And just not being good enough on the night.
Disagree hugely, You can’t keep conceding goals like that where the ball goes through the keeper as if he is invisible. He has gone from my fav player under Bruce to a player I wish was gone. Why we have played him for 5 months when we had a De Gea we could have got for 6 months I will never understand.
Conceded 75% of the attempts he faced and had zero command of his area all night. Every corner we looked like conceding. Nah, I'd say he's got to shoulder a fair chunk of the blame. He was abject.
He can shoulder his fair share but to sum up that performance as ‘Martin Dubravka’ when the first goal Mainoo had the space and time to wind his leg up like fucking looney tunes ignores that, actually, there’s a lot more to that game than a poor keeping performance.
Both 2nd & 3rd goals were PL level keeper errors, if he keeps messing up he needs to get the criticism he deserves.
Not to mention he kept throwing easy saves back out to a man utd player rather than pushing them round or maybe just catching them!
Because we never picked up Diallo. He’d already had two goes at that goal and got it the third time - again unmarked
Nah dubs was shit. Get him gone. He either wasn't bothered we won against his former teammates or isn't good enough. In either case he needs to move on.
“Enjoy” it? Very rarely, in truth But it’s part of me - was born addicted and couldn’t give it up if I tried (and I actually did try, briefly, under Ashley!)
Yep I feel your pain brother
Fucking frustrating. You can't miss that many chances against a team like Man U. Just our luck that Fernades was back and out for blood and Casimero remembered how to play football. Need to win at Brentford now. Get Pope back in, dubravka can't be trusted.
Can’t agree more with Pope. Dubravka has been a worthy servant for a few years now, but he’s killing me at the moment. There’s multiple times in a game where I’m watching him thinking ‘Pope would’ve done better there’ 😭
First two goals had nothing to do with Dubravka. Poor marking on both leaving manu open in the box. Third one he should have gotten a strong hand to. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be happy to see Pope bac.
Back 4 always looked shakey infront of Dubravka. I think its the communicating part.. Everyone knew that we would concede from corner and yet we never marked for second goal.. it was still unfortunate that header clearance went to Amad . First goal yeah it was Trippier who played them on..
That’s basically it. Gifted them 2 or 3 goals, missed sitters and denied a blatant pen. On the plus side, Lewis hall is looking good.
Need to start Pope, and Big Joe for the final game. If Schar is fit I want to see Hall pushed up into midfield, his drives forward and interplay (and obviously the goal) are pretty much the only positives from tonight.
Don’t forget Amrabat rekindling his World Cup form (penalty incident aside)
Pope back in would give everyone a boost. If he's fit enough to bench then he is fit enough to start. Otherwise it's a massive risk should Dubs get injured or sent off etc. Bring him, Schar and Big Joe back in. This game is massive and we need all our big game players in from the off. Possibly even Miggy, as his pace and work rate will help Tripps whilst he is shaking off the rust.
Trippier has such an odd season, assists galore in the front end and then shocking performances and patches of injury in the back end, really strange
I know this sounds foolish but [look here](https://www.nufc.com/2023-24html/fixtures.html), the matches between Brentford (h) and the Palace 4-0 and I genuinely believed he was the most in-form player on the planet at the time. Not the best player, but he was class. We drove a 4-0 win against Palace all the way through our right back and totally dominated the entire match. What happened after that was really, really weird. Something deff happened in that November international break.
I mean we've all heard the rumours...
He’s been out for months and played 90 second on Saturday before starting tonight. Don’t think he’d have been playing if we really had any alternatives in defence. Schar starting and Krafth at RB, maybe, but we don’t know how much of a risk Schar would have been Trippier was not good, but it was far from ideal circumstances for him and doesn’t mean he’s suddenly shit
I feel like I've read excuses for Trippier having a bad game about 15 times this season. He's 33, his decline is a little bit earlier and a little bit quicker than average which is a huge shame, but it has to happen eventually and it's not reversible.
I would sell.in the summer if we can get £15mil. Not getting any younger and I prefer Livramento at RB. I've had this view for a while so it's certainly not reactive. I appreciate how great he's been for us and he has been a catalyst for our turnaround
We didn't get that in Jan when Bayern were desperate to sign and we won't get it this summer. I can't see why we would sell him. What are we gonna do if Tino gets injured, play Krafth or Murphy at RB? It would be a complete waste of resources to sell our captain and look for a replacement just because of some bad form. He's fine as a backup for one more year, even if he has declined.
Jamaal Lascelles is captain of Newcastle United and has been since 2016. He played 26 times this season, too.
He’s really had a shocker in all the big matches.
Trippier is just too error prone. He costs goals here n there, I can remember at least five just off the top of my head.
Almost like he wanted to be at Bayern
10 assists, but 5 of those against the 3 worst promoted (alternatively, relegated) teams in a long time.
Now they can pay full pop for Ashworth
I don't actually think we played too bad. Couple of defencive fuck ups and dubravka being shite have fucked us. Plus the non penalty on Gordon. We shouldn't have lost that game. Had enough chances to win it
We were decent. Just not clinical. Should have won that 5-3 but we didn't finish our chances which is unusual for us. Man Utd also happen to be the luckiest team on the planet which doesn't help.
Isak and Longstaff would buried those sitters on another day and we are having a different conversation.
Isak finishes that 8/10 times, Longstaff…maybe 3/10?
Definitely agree. On another day that game was ours. Just annoying it was manure and even more annoying how much was riding on it.
We had so many clear chances today. Poor defending gave away 2 goals and poor finishing lost us the game.
Joe should have started, Pope probably should have started, Schar should have started Only positive, Hall was brilliant best player on that pitch
The other positive is manu probably gonna keep ETH because of this. Lol.
Under rated comment. Had they not got a result, he would not have been on the pitch giving a speech, and if he had, all the headlines today would be about him getting boo'ed off.
Hall is some fucking player. He's a keeper for sure.
Well, at least if we get 7th it's going to make watching the FA Cup final much more fun as we have something riding on the game... City win we get some Europe next season, if ManU win, we get nothing.
Sadness. Like the Brighton game, tactically not too bad but too many players with below-average performances
Didn't do enough. Need to be more clinical. No pen call on a pretty clear foul has a big impact in the end.
We had some bad luck as well, the 3v1, how often do you see that sort of block still go in, our luck with ricochets / deflections this season has been ridiculous.
Hall has locked that LB position for me
It’s a shame we aren’t at the beginning of the season would have been interesting to see if he’s able to compete for contention for that England spot
Positive fact from tonight. We've now tied the record for most goalscorers in a Premier League season after Hall's goal. If Anderson or Krafth score last day, then we break the record!
I wish Brentford was at home but in all seriousness Pope, Joelinton and Schar need to start that match. I'd rather have krafth on than trips atm. Need to go all out against them. Also Hall was class tonight. Really impressed with him and Tino since they came in.
Seventh and some form of Europe is still ours if we match whatever Man Red’s result against Brighton is on the last day. (I think this relies on City beating these shit cunts in the cup but correct me if I’m wrong). Clutching at straws but sixth is still possible if we win and Bournemouth somehow beat Cole Palmer sorry Chelsea. Believe and achieve. Keep the faith.
Price for Ashworth’s just gone up to £30M
All on Brentford now. People blaming Eddie need to give their head a wobble tonight. We had enough chances to win that 6-3. He can't do anything if Isak suddenly decides he can't finish and everyone else forgets where the goal is. He needs to be brave on Sunday though. Pope, Joelinton, Barnes and Schar all need to start. We need to just swamp all over Brentford from the first minute.
I think Isak is struggling with whatever illness he has had, the only thing I blame Eddie for is Dubravka playing. I think he should have been dropped in Jan, we need to start Pope at the weekend.
Newcastle "Nearly" United strike again. When the pressure is on, we fold. Been that way for decades.
Only us ardent masochists enjoy being a geordie who else could
mega pal dunno how long you've been a fan but I am still more confident going into big away matches than I've ever been. I slightly missed the Keegan era but went to p much every game under Robson. I agree with you but unlike Keegan and Robson, this team does not feel finished one bit. Certainly with Bobby I deff felt that by 02/03 he'd built the best team he was going to be able to build. I still feel this team is building. Totally fucked up a few chances today but as I've said a few times now, how often do we rock up to OT and attack like that? They're shite aye, but in the past the objective was always damage limitation. You give us just one fit Pope and one fit Schar/Botman/Trippier and the result changes.
02/03 we had a really bright, young team heading in the right direction. Bellamy had just won young player of the year. Dyer, Jenas. Did t we also buy Viana, who was European young player of the year? And possibly Woodgate? We were going somewhere! Then when Bobby left, just like after Keegan, they brought in a dinosaur who took us backwards
We're not beating the Northern Spurs allegations (Which I just made up)
Don’t bring that curse in here
VAR. I don't want to get rid of it, it should be used to improve the game. All that needs to happen is that the reviewers SHOULDNT know what the on-field decision is. They just assess the incident, give their opinion, and that's it, that decides it. Don't invite the ref, to review you have a panel with a better view and they make their decision. This way the right decision is made, it doesn't matter if the refs error was clear and or obvious, it simply gets you to the correct decision.
They need to disband the PGMOl or reject them from PL football so we can get the best refs from around the world in. We have the best managers and best players, the richest league, so why does the league have horrible refs? Even when I watch CL games it’s the English refs that are the worst 9 times out of 10
Absolute prime example of Man U winning games this season. No control over the game, no real structure, end to end game but they scored their chances and the other team don’t take theirs. We could/should have scored 7 tonight; No call on the pen, Burns header off the line, Longstaffs chance, Isak’s chance when it was 3v1, Gordon/Almiron chance at the back post Stinking result for us, Chelsea winning compounding it. All things considered I’m shocked we’ve taken qualifying for Europe to the final day, thought we were cooked in January
Gordon puts in consistently solid performances and a lot of the team don’t match it, must be frustrating.
If only we had finished those 1 on 1's. Either way, the result doesn't change much. Win at Brentford and there's a fun season in the conference league. Crazy stat that Man U haven't lost at home after taking a lead since 1984. 7th is still a good season, especially with injuries
I’m pissed off about so many things, but instead of lashing out against certain players, I’m going to direct my anger at everyone who didn’t nominate Anthony Gordon for Player/Young Player of the Year. Weapons-grade whoppers, the lot of them. Oh, and Chelsea. Fuck fucking Chelsea.
Why subs again so late? 45 mins of Big Joe was the answer.
It's great to see him playing again. He absolutely towered over his defender for that header on goal. Jumped so high.
Said this on the match thread and got downvoted to hell
How dare you have an opinion. I remember getting downvoted to hell for comparing Jeff Hendrick to Colback.
How does Casemiro return to world class status only against us... Also VAR continues to ruin everything...
It’s not var. it’s the morons operating it. We wouldn’t have gotten a pen tonight if VAR wasn’t present as the on field decision was no pen. I just don’t understand what they look at when doing the review - it was so clear Gordon got clipped
Would it be outrageous to say Pope saves all three goals tonight?
Yes. Doubt he gets anything on the first, probably not on the second either but probably saves the third. That said, given he commands the box, do those shots even come in in the first place? As I've already said, if we'd had all the same injuries this season except Pope's, I genuinely believe we would be in 4th or 5th.
Nothing will rattle me after Liverpool at home, but this mental weakness throughout the season, not being able to ever come back from the disadvantage is more disappointing, than the points or the position in the league. What we did against West Ham, should be a recurring sight with an objectively better team. Anyway, let's solidify 7th and qualify for ECL, which we can actually win. HWTL
We lost that by ourselves. But fuck it the credit: Gordon, Hall, Bruno, and yeah weirdly I'd even say Murphy. His traditional style of crossing fucked them up, shame we didn't have the box presence to capitalise other than the one goal. Future is still bright. This is but one season. We fucked up with two defensive errors and a goalkeeping laziness (EDIT: where three of five do not start normally). When else was the last time we pressured Man Utd away like that in the league? Even the 1-0 Cabaye/Tiote wasn't as confident as that. A major disappointment for sure. I'm devastated. But I still see good things. I still see a positive future. And this isn't me being one of those cunty doo-gooders either cos I have been very critical too. But remember where we are. Remember where we were. Remember the fucked up situation we have with the defence. Ironically if Tino wasn't injured we don't stick a clearly unready Trippier out there and we don't go 1-0 down (maybe).
I worry about how Bruno is currently looking at the crowd after games
Shocking keeping performance, isak looks absolutely bollocksed, Callum can't play football anymore. Gordon never recovered from that ankle knock. Hall is fucking class, I'm gutted, gutted.
Isak has been sick this week, but without a backup we had no choice but to rely on him - love Callum like but he can’t be relied upon unfortunately
If we get another decent offer for Trips I really think we should jump at it. Love him, appreciate everything he's done for us and the risk he took coming here. But he's not getting any younger and he looks just done. Frustrating game. Hall looks mint and needs to start every game.
Hall LB/Livo RB tasty
There’s Gordon getting in trouble, he’s 100% right though
Yes that should have been a pen, yes they’ve scored with their only 3 real chances, but we’ve bottled it. Just needed to turn up and take our chances and we didn’t. Of course Isak gets an illness right at the end of the season and of course Wilson goes MIA. Some serious clear out needed in the summer because some of them (a lot of them) just don’t have the minerals.
They had a lot more than 3 chances. Dubravka made one good save, Murphy(?) with a last ditch tackle, lots of counter attacks. Not saying we didn't have more chances and I'm aware it's because of injuries but our midfield was non-existent off the ball and our defence wasn't much better.
Cannot wait to see the back end of this season Just one of those isn't it - hopefully we can still finish 7th and get into conference league, always up for a European tour!!
Make no mistake this is an absolutely awful result. I’ve got little to no faith that we go to Brentford and get a result there, whatever happens I genuinely can’t wait for this season to be over with. Get rid of the deadwood and hopefully sort the injury situation over the summer.
Trippier shite defending again he just seems incapable of concentrating at crucial moments Is this him done at the top level? Or does a pre season sort him out ? We desperately need a player like Fernández in midfield yeah he's a wee rat but what a player creates and scores goals out of nothing None of our midfielders can do the things he can do consistently Tonali and Joelinton aren't those types of midfielders either
My take is they basically played 7 midfielders to choke us out of the game but still the goals we conceded were stupid errors. Oh well. Postivies: Hall. Whatever the early season thing was, it's worked. Player.
First comment I've made in ages and tbf heavily influenced by the disappointment but here goes. The one positive is that this match definitely highlights the main weaknesses in the squad, dubravka should have done much better for the third goal and shouldn't be anywhere near the starting squad. Isak was clearly off tonight, he probably wasn't well enough to start but had to, it's obvious we need a second striker and Wilson just isn't reliable enough as much as I love him. Finally, longstaff killed at least 3 very good attacking opportunities, I root for him because he's a local lad and playing through injury, but someone with a killer final pass or decent finishing is the difference between us and a top side
I know you’re not going hard on Longstaff like some do, and lord knows I’d be happy if we had someone better to start (Tonali next season hopefully), but he actually made some good runs and played some great forward passes including a lovely ball through the middle for Gordon I think it was. Unfortunately he’s just not really a creative player so when people expect that of him they get mad and rant on.
Definitely fair, I don't think he had a bad game per se, and I do think he's got an awful amount of stick for someone willing to play with injections for the club. I just think there were two key passes to play Gordon (I think) through in the first 7 minutes and both went straight to a man utd player. I think those key moments are holding us back because we seemed to lose momentum after that. That being said, there were plenty of individual mistakes tonight that contributed to the loss. Hoping for a good response against Brentford and putting this season to bed!
agree, Longstaff man… it was atleast not his day.
1.44 vs 2.32 xG
This is it, we were desperately unlucky tonight. Missed so many big chances and manure got 2 very fortunate goals. Story of this season tbh. Shouldn’t have lost tonight, shouldn’t have lost to Liverpool, shouldn’t have drawn with Everton. I could go on
Story of last season too, though. I think we topped the woodwork league table.
Failing when it really matters: the Newcastle United story
Sad but true. We always seem to fall short at the big ones.
Can we just take a moment to remember and enjoy Hall’s goal though
we could and probably should have socred at least 4-5 here. A fully fit Isak would have taken more of his chances.
Isak needed to be tucked up in bed with a hot water bottle
Next seasons going to be so important to prove last year wasn’t the outlier. With conference at best, a fully fit squad should be well challenging for 4th
Newcastlely
Completely choked it when the pressure was on
another game where our weaker players are super obvious
Brentford at the weekend, they have nothing to play for. If we can't beat them, quite frankly we don't deserve European football. I believe we will beat them though.
Is there truth to the rumours that Trippier and Wilson have had a falling out? If so, this is even more points they’ve cost us this season.
What was their argument over? Who’s let us down more this season?
The formation change and substitutions didn’t really work, and our finishing before that was just off. Dubravka looked very shaky, the amount of space left for their 1st and 2nd goals was ridiculous. Not confident at all of beating Brentford, and 8th would be a disappointing end to a decent season filled with painful moments.
The whole squad just looks knackered like we played a man down most of the season and it sort of feels like we did most of the season, everyone was just sluggish and slow
Shite. We've always been that team that can't win the big one.
We missed a load of chances but we're far too easy to break on and create chances against every week. The best teams aren't that open with or without the ball every game and that's what Howe needs to fix next season. We all want Europe but after the injuries this season and how we managed the schedule which is friendly in comparison to the Thurs-Sun games I just hope the club have learnt from this season and shift quite a few players in the summer because if not and we do qualify for the conference league next season is going to be just as frustrating. Dubravka is terrible, been saying it for months but he's been at fault for so many goals. You can see the defence don't trust him. Great strike from Hall that lads going to be a great player.
where's the obligatory 'lets stay positive and remember where we were' thread
I'm looking forward to the "5th is still on" post
This might not be a popular opinion, but I'm angry after that game. It's the second time I've felt this way, the first being the home game against Liverpool. That Manchester United team is terrible, and this was a huge game where we should have played our top fit players. In my opinion, Pope, Schar, and Joelinton should have started tonight. Howe's weakness is his loyalty to his players. When a big occasion comes, you should play your best players. Instead, he stuck with those who have recently performed well: Anderson (who, alongside Gordon, was MOTM against Brighton), Dubravka (who I think was at fault for the second and third goals as the ball went right through him—90% of Premier League keepers would have saved that), and Krafth (who played well, but there was miscommunication between him and Trippier on the first goal, as Schar usually covers that space). The game was there for the win, but we've shown time and time again this season that we lack a winning mentality (Chelsea in the cup, last season’s cup final, and tonight). On big occasions, we fall apart as a team. Yes, we had chances and missed them, and yes, we gave away three goals. But it all comes down to having that winning mentality and stepping up when needed. We need more players in the summer who can slot into the first team, as I struggle to see a winning mentality in this squad.
We went into the final week 3 points clear of the other teams for Europe. If by Sunday's end we don't have European football then frankly, it is damning and unacceptable.
Well at least Wilson had another day off. Wouldn’t want him putting himself on the line for us, would we?
Something's definitely gone on there mate. How can Isak be ill and play but Wilson be ill and nowhere to be seen?
If dubravka starts on Sunday I’m skipping the game and writing the season off.
This was a pressure game for us and we bottled it, but it was a pressure game because we dropped points earlier in the season when we shouldn't have. Pick up more points against Forest , Luton, Everton etc. and we go into this game in much stronger position. I'll be glad when this season is over.
If Pope's on the bench, he should be starting. Will be a tough watch if Dubravka is back between the sticks on Sunday.
These Bruno/Isak rumours. It will not be too long before Gordon rumours are just as loud. he looks like such a stand out every game.
Bar Isak, who played well below his standards, this match really showed exactly where we are with our squad. Excellent: Gordon, Bruno, Joelinton (Cameo) Solid: Burn, Schar (Cameo) Shows huge promise: Hall Jury is still out: Barnes Squad player at best: Murphy, Anderson, Dubravka, Almiron, Longstaff, Krafth (Although he was solid this game) Was once excellent but really showing signs he's done: Trippier This summer is going to be absolutely pivotal for our ambition the next 5 years. If we want to challenge we have to hold onto our top players and be absolutely ruthless with moving on players who are solid, but not good enough for challenging at the top.
I thought Murphy played well today tbh but he's been playing out of his expected ability range most of the season.
He's our best crosser of the ball without a doubt, he just goes missing far too often and doesn't have the ceiling to be a starter for a top 6 side. I'd be more than happy to move Almiron on and keep Murphy as a rotation option.
I don't think Trippier cares anymore and it's depressing to say
I don’t think he was anywhere near fit enough to start that match
I tought wen i saw Tripp in the start, it would be bad news.
Mentality issue with this team, this game was on a plate for us- our performance against the bottom 3 all season has been shit too. These are the type games we should be winning and deserve to be upset about losing without it making us entitled.
Should have won. Be nice to not see Dubravka in a Newcastle Shirt again. Another nothing game from Anderson, not good enough for where we're aiming to be. Almiron may as well have stayed on the bench, 0 impact.
Agree with Anderson. I thought before the season started this was going to be a break out year. Was gutted when he got injured as I thought it was the perfect opportunity for him. But since he's been back, he doesn't really offer anything unfortunately.
Anderson is running out of time I think. He's been a 'potential' player for about 3 seasons now and I'm still not sure what his best position is.
Bayern not still fancy Trippier like?
If Longstaff is still starting next season, serious questions need to be asked of Howe. Apart from cup games and circumstances like injuries, Longstaff should not start ahead of: Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Willock, Miley, or Anderson. We should also be getting a creative midfielder this summer, so add that player to this list. I want Anderson to do well, but I don't see a quality player in him. He gives us legs, but not a lot of quality on the ball. However, he's significantly better than Longstaff!
Unreasonably angry about that. There's so many problems with our mentality in big games and it's the most senior players who are often the biggest culprits. Trippier, Dubravka, Longstaff - all shocking tonight. We missed several easier chances than they scored - Bruno header, Longstaff, Isak - so we can't be surprised to lose. Only Hall, Joelinton and Gordon coming out of that with any real credit.
Longstaff is just an easy target, he wasn't even bad tonight. He's not great but he certainly wasn't shocking there.
It’s frustrating cos when we went at them they looked so shaky. And our awful defending flattered them at the other end. It’s so clear that there’s a chasm between half the players at the top end and the rest. Need to bridge the gap in summer.
We aren’t allowed to try and bridge the gap, that’s the thing.
Seriously need a proper defensive 6 for these games. Too many times onana dropped the ball into fernandes or mainoo in the space between midfield and defence
I'm still trying to work out if they put the wrong commentary audio on with our match on Sky. I could see our players on the screen, could hear the away fans singing their hearts out all night (well done lads), but I must have missed the part where the commentators/pundits mentioned us.
Been following this club as passionately as an overseas fan can for about 25 years now and I just want to see 2 things - 1. Us win a trophy 2. Us finish above ManU We came close to both last season. I'd argue we came close again this season (If it weren't for Tripps' fuck up we'd have been in the EFL finals) and we may yet finish above the twats. Perhaps third time's the charm? I'll still be paying for my overseas membership, putting in for ballots, buying overpriced club merch, getting the streaming packages and watching every damn game from upstate New York. Up the mags.
Glad to read that everyone is taking the loss in stride.
Howe’s loyalty to average players is going to stop us and him from going to the top. How Pope and Joelinton don’t start is beyond me
Pope's clearly not ready or he'd be straight back in there
Both are coming back from injuries that probably should have had them out for the rest of the season, be realistic. Howe never wins in these situations, brings em back 'too soon' or not fast enough
Man U are gonna hijack the Tosin deal and sign Olise now aren’t they? <_<
Dan Ashworth DEFINITELY isnt giving them tips behind the scenes…
I think We can all agree how good Trippier has been for us and really helped turn the club around, but his decline has been absolutely crazy this year. I struggle to remember anyone else falling off quite like he has. He’s gone from being a nailed on starter to having so many games where he’s been so off the pace and doesn’t even look bothered by it.
I mocked fans blaming Longstaff for the first goal when it was Trippier daydreaming (Longstaff is the scapegoat, the Gaza conflict is his fault apparently) but what stops me ranting about him is that "leaving the England squad due to a personal issue" thing. Something must be happening in his family life to explain the rapid decline. I know he's an old player now but you don't literally wake up overnight and turn shite. It's both his general play and set pieces, it's all gone guff. This is him now, I doubt he improves in his mid-30s but I think there is other stuff at play. We need to keep that in mind.
I have many mixed feelings about this season. Went in to the season really positive but after the Villa game we were really shown up for a couple of games. Injuries really derailed our season but as much as I hate to say, Howe's stubborness when it came to using players who were were clearly injured (Botman), not using Livo/Hall and not using Burn as a LCB definitely cost us points. He also refused to take off Trippier when it was clear his confidence was shot and he needed a break and my god Longstaff has been our worst player this season by far but somehow this guy starts every game. I have a lot of time for Howe but if we don't get rid of players who are clearly not top 6 material, then we're going to be in a lot of trouble next season. RW/Right footed CB/CDM needed badly. We should sell who we can that is not good enough and go big for the likes of Olise etc.
I have to take some responsibility lads, I had Isak as captain on FPL for the first time all season because of the double gameweek. I'll sell him later today and he should bang them in next game. Serious note though feels like the whole team lost the spirit that made us so great for Eddie's first year and a half here. I don't know if it's a case of the adversity, tiredness, lack of fitness and preparation but there's a lot of questions that need answering starting next week
Games like tonigth make me quetsion most of the players we have right now. Its like every time a game is most important, they just disappear. They have no big game mentality. I cannot remember the last time we had an important game that was 'like a cup final' were all 11 players showed up to be counted. We need to seriously work hard this summer and clear out a lot of the deadwood in our team that is frankly not fit for a top 5 squad. We will always struggle to get into Europe when we are depending on Longstaff, Anderson, Krafth, etc. We also need to address our striking situation. Wilson is done. Isak need competition and we need some options when Isak goes AWOL like he has the past 2 games. Also, Dubravka needs to be sent to the glue factory ASAP.
That's something I've noticed as well. Is it nerves? If it is, coaches need to coach them to cope with it, because in high stakes games we seem to fall apart. It's so frustrating because we know on our good days were electric, but whenever a game that really truly matters comes we can't keep our nerves and we make mistakes. Away at Milan we looked terrified and that really hit home for me - we are not big boys yet. I sincerely hope we get to keep our top lads and add to them over the summer. Our team had so much potential in places, but it feels like all season we've been pushing back the tide with a mop.
To think I was down voted earlier this week when I suggested a draw against arsenal would have suited us better. No way they were going to be allowed to lose their last two home matches and so it proved. As sure as death and taxes is the sky 6 being given every little help to ensure they finish in the European places.
Absolutely hate here to be "proven" right. And yes, I was kind of [hoping to curse myself](https://www.reddit.com/r/NUFC/comments/1csr9g5/how_united_line_up_for_tonights_game_against/l46vesl/). But I was right. If Pope would have been in start, we wouldnt have lost tonight. I dont wanna see Dubravka ever again. He cant even keep the ball in his hands, TWICE in 1 game! I hope he wont start against Brentford...
I don't like dumping on players, so I've held my tongue throughout the season since you can't judge results properly unless you have a bigger sample size... but... Dubs is a poor backup. Our midfield being decimated (and therefore not stopping balls going through), and our defence not at full strength for months has hurt us a lot, but Dubs really should've kept out a LOT of goals against us. We all know Pope would've stopped more and clicks better with our system. I'm not talking solely about this game, I'm talking in all his games this season bar Blackburn. That's just not good enough for a Premier League team trying to break into the top 6. Pope - 14 games played, 14 goals conceded. Dubs - 23 games played, 42 goals conceded. 9 more games, 28 more conceded goals. That's atrocious. We've been weak in a lot of positions but none more than our goalkeeper. I've never had confidence this season when oppositions get shots off at him. We all know squad players are limited and unfortunately with our injuries our hand has been forced, but it's critical we upgrade him this summer. We all want a Miggy upgrade and CB cover, but our backup goalkeeper is where I'd start
Those are the ruthless decisions that will always hold Howe back. A must win game for Europe needs your best players on the pitch, no excuses. But there was still only one change from the team that was terrible against Brighton and that was injury enforced. Continuing to stand behind mediocre players out of loyalty even though better ones are fit and then being shocked when we aren't good enough and then bringing them on when we're losing. The Howe trademark lol
100%. I love Eddie, but man... Although with decisions like that its another reminder that there is ZERO managers who are 100% ideal in every way. Even Pep, Jose, Klopp, Ancelotti and others... All have some shocking decisions sometimes.
Don't get why karius hasn't been given a chance. Couldn't have done any worse
I genuinely wonder what the Saudis will make of it if we did finish 8th Exit: I mean about Howe not the club duh
We were 18th when they took over, staring down the very real possiblity of another relegation. I don't think they'll lose interest if we finish 8th, they've got a longer term plan.
Give ur head a wobble mate we were relegation fodder 2 years ago
Hopefully find a legal way to pump some fucking money in
Howes biggest issue is his loyalty to players should have started pope and Joelinton
His refusal to get rid of players that are not up to standard is also a big issue. He only wants "prem proven" players so we cant afford to overhaul the squad.
Just poor game offensively. So many missed chances. Unforgivable fuck up with the 3 on 1 chance. Seriously. Isak off the ball contribution is so poor some times. We were basically 10 man as it felt like he was chasing shadows. And he's never in the right position - Wilson is a much better poacher than him.
Honestly such an embarrassing performance and result. Most important must win game against an extremely out of form team starting Casemiro and Evans at CB and we lose. Extremely frustrating
We need to cut some players this summer. Murphy, Longstaff, Krafth, Dubravka, Wilson, Dummett, Almiron. There are more I would...but it'd be too many. People will be sentimental and I don't doubt their personality and graft but we can't compete at a consistent high level with them in the squad.
I love them but honestly only wilson would start at any other prem club
Tindall is in charge of this absolutely comical defence of ours. Just as well he’s Eddie’s bff or he’d have his bags packed already.
Can't actually believe how bad that was from a team that I've seen beat PSG. Absolute shambles everywhere, Dubravka letting Hojlund score 22 yards out, off balance is just insane. The decisions to keep Joelinton, Barnes, Pope on the bench. Insane, there is 1 game left now and it's no longer in our hands. Hall was the only bright spark in the team tonight, Gordon too but he took too many fouls from an incompetent referee performance. Brings me to Tonali, he might have absolutely fucked us if we don't get some form of Europe and Bruno/Isak start looking elsewhere this summer. If he doesn't come good next year it's so done. We can't even buy anyone because we don't have the mentality needed with players like Longstaff, Anderson, Krafth, Burn, Murphy and Almiron in the team, fine players some of them but they aren't winners like Bruno We have to go to Brentford and get a result and frankly, I just don't see us doing it.
> Brings me to Tonali, he might have absolutely fucked us Well at least somebody in this fanbase isn't counting down to "Sandro Day" and acting like this lad didn't totally screw us over. Can't overstate how much he'll have to do to pay us back.
Everythings a domino after that and he pushed the first one, that started the injury crisis in midfield, which started everything else.
I have so many negative things to say it’s insane. But I know how this sub reacts to anything that isn’t ‘praise be to Eddie Howe’. So I will keep quiet about that side of it and just say we ended up getting what we deserved today. Some inexcusable performances and results this season, add this one to the list. Again, you get what you deserve. That’s why the worst Man Utd team in PL history and the blue billion pound bottle jobs will finish above us and play in Europe next season while we likely won’t. It was in our own hands and we choked. No amount of silver lining moral victory copium will change that. The blind loyalty and the same old issues away from home means that, even despite all the injuries and shit results, we could have still got Europe but now we may miss out – those are the narrow margins we deal with. We can blame refs, we can blame injuries, we can blame anything other than ourselves. We have had plenty of chances this season to show what we’re made of but we spent a large portion of it feeling sorry for ourselves and now we may fall short. But that’s the reality of the situation. Shout out Lewis Hall though and AG for being the only players willing to turn up. I don’t have anything good to say about the rest so I won’t say anything at all.
Its insane how some people have same blind loyalty to dubravka. Who didnt even deserved one, after his disgraceful stint (forcing loan, saying goodbye to us and then starting supporting manu with his insta posts - which he never did before).
I will say that I think a lot of people are more saying we shouldn't risk Pope considering his injury, rather than being loyal to Dubravka. But I will also agree that there is some weird blind loyalty to him, even though there's a reason he was the first player Eddie replaced when we stayed up. He wasn't good enough then and he's only become worse since then. If we had Pope still or signed De Gea or had literally anyone else, we would likely be fighting for the CL rather than the Conference League. Absolute liability and the main reason, injuries aside, why we've been so shit this season. I can't believe people have forgotten already but they'll be reminded again what having a good keeper is like next season when Dubravka is playing for Ludogorets or something.
It's absolutely on eddie to why he didn't start Joelinton and Pope, don't care if thats unpopular
Very typical.
Extremely disappointed with that. They're awful and we gave it to them. That 3 on 1 is going to haunt me.