NEWCASTLE GAME THREAD

[MrT]

Absolutely insane subs from the senile one, but we won and I guess that's all that matters. Happy we put those geordie wankers in their place.

[QuartzGooner]

I credit Newcastle for playing a game that neutralised our strengths.

The way we play, a slight bit of tiredness causes a large drop off in our effectiveness.

One worry though was our failure to regularly shoot from distance in such circumstances, if the opposition penalty is crowded then what harm are a few distance shots, at least they have a chance of going in?

I actually think Ozil would have been good today, his eye of the needle passing might have been that bit extra to make the difference.

I guess he will return for the Spurs game?

[StuartL]

Didn't see the game but checked in at half time to see 0-0 and read a few comments.

Very pleased with the win, as stated Newcastle can and have beaten some of the other top teams so a vital 3 points today.

Wenker I assume Is trying to play Giroud through this poor spell (he did the same previously with Ramsey) but it could cost us in some games we should win and potentially in keeping an out of form player in the team sends out a dangerous signal that form / effort isn't important.

I would play Bendtner v Cardiff as we should have enough midfield dominance to bombard their goal, with Podolski playing too from the left.

A bit of a patched up team today seeing how only Podolski on the bench would have made any positive difference.

[cameron326]

if we can keep beating the bottom 15 sides and earning the odd draw here and there then theres no reason we can't do the unthinkable- other than obvious mental blocks and the pressure that will inevitably get to us

It's a game of fine fine margins. The top ten teams can all get a result on their day, particularly this season. Has Szczesnys funny clearance gone another yard the other side it would be massive doom on here. Yet had Wally's lob gone over the line we might have strolled it. Fine fine margins cold decide the title.

[cameron326]

I credit Newcastle for playing a game that neutralised our strengths.

The way we play, a slight bit of tiredness causes a large drop off in our effectiveness.

One worry though was our failure to regularly shoot from distance in such circumstances, if the opposition penalty is crowded then what harm are a few distance shots, at least they have a chance of going in?

I actually think Ozil would have been good today, his eye of the needle passing might have been that bit extra to make the difference.

I guess he will return for the Spurs game?

Actually think we had a good four or five shots form distance today. They played a great game defensively . Giroud has been substandard lately but thought he was great today under the circumstances - and what a classy header - a bit of Alan Smith vs Pool 89!!

[officepest]

I've always been a fan of the BFG but I thinks he is absolutely impeccable now we no longer play a suicidal high-line. I know he's limited but I really like his style and is rapidly becomming one of my favourite players.

[OneBardGooner]

if we can keep beating the bottom 15 sides and earning the odd draw here and there then theres no reason we can't do the unthinkable- other than obvious mental blocks and the pressure that will inevitably get to us

It's a game of fine fine margins. The top ten teams can all get a result on their day, particularly this season. Has Szczesnys funny clearance gone another yard the other side it would be massive doom on here. Yet had Wally's lob gone over the line we might have strolled it. Fine fine margins cold decide the title.

Always has been and always will be - Like when Girouds 92nd minute shot from 35 yards hit the bar against Everton had that gone in...all if's and buts and maybe's I know...but you are right...

all about those fine fine margins...

[cameron326]

I've always been a fan of the BFG but I thinks he is absolutely impeccable now we no longer play a suicidal high-line. I know he's limited but I really like his style and is rapidly becomming one of my favourite players.

He's a monster. Every player in the world is limited in some way or other, bar perhaps Messi!

[OneBardGooner]

I've always been a fan of the BFG but I thinks he is absolutely impeccable now we no longer play a suicidal high-line. I know he's limited but I really like his style and is rapidly becomming one of my favourite players.

His reading of the game (defensively) is at another level - I think that's why Kos has helped to improve - he is learning more about not going in gung ho stylee...

We've got a BIG Fucking German

BIG Fucking German

[clockender1]

Happy to be top, if only due to city's poor away form and the chavs lack of goals.

Did this squad today seem like it was nine years in the making by the 4th highest paid manager in world football ?

I'm glad to see Ozil got a rest, Kos back and wally get another assist. We do have a decent team, just a very poor manager as the subs n last 10 show.

[SteveO 35]

Good to see a sound defensive display. Never thought they would score really apart from Chesney's almost "special circumstances" moment

[Herd]

Woeful performance bar rosicky bfg flamini and a lovely scrappy 1-0 win that leaves us top ! happy new year all i shan't be sober till 2014 after tonight !

[1989]

I've always been a fan of the BFG but I thinks he is absolutely impeccable now we no longer play a suicidal high-line. I know he's limited but I really like his style and is rapidly becomming one of my favourite players.

He's a monster. Every player in the world is limited in some way or other, bar perhaps Messi!

BFG is like the Bergkamp of center backs. His defensive IQ is through the roof.

[StuartL]

I've always been a fan of the BFG but I thinks he is absolutely impeccable now we no longer play a suicidal high-line. I know he's limited but I really like his style and is rapidly becomming one of my favourite players.

I think the BFG is a great defender, as long as the play is in front of him, he has stepped into challenges and won the ball, or spotted the pass and intercepted early in many game this season - also have seen him be more physical this season eg v Carlton Cole, where he was far too lightweight, despite his height previously.

[Cockerill's chin]

Mike Dean or Phil Dowd would have meant 3pts to the barcodes. Flamini leaning in would have been given as a penalty and they would have awarded a free kick to them for a push in the back before we got ours for a foul on Cazorla. And they say referees can't influence results! In such tight games they earn their rubles or dirhams.