The swirl of emotions on Tyneside and for Toon supporters everywhere going into the Hull match at St. James’ Park was like a pot full of Louisiana gumbo…
Spicy and stomach-churning after the capitulation at Leeds…
Yet, a simmering excitement with the realization that, on the whole, five points through four league matches and a spot in the final 16 of the League Cup…
Is not too bad at all.
However, Hull City at St. James’ causing heartburn because they play a similar style to Leeds…
Still… with a three-week
break following the weekend and the prospect of getting most, if not all, of the injured back in time for the league game away at Coventry on Monday, October 12…
The incoming recuperated players adding depth, punch, and heartiness…
A complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and anticipation on Tyneside that things could be better by the winter transfer window than thought back in August.
Think of the fit players on the roster as the break hits as the ingredients that show this season will be nowhere near as sour as was predicted prior to the season…
Including by large portions of the Toon Army.
How things stand entering the international break
So the gumbo at this point has the makings of a very good pot of stew.
Yet, from some of the comments you see on social media, you’d think the stew was polluted, stale, and moldy…
With a chef who’s clueless about making gumbo at a premier level.
Yes, those kinds of over-the-top takes get clicks…
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t daft.
The fact is… no matter how you want to claim otherwise:
Eight league points and the Round of 16 League Cup progress…
Is NOT where most United supporters thought the team would be at the international break in the days after Howe’s resignation.
No, keeping a level head and perspective is not trendy in this day and age…
But the old saying still applies:
He who brays loudest is no more than a donkey in black and white stripes.
Much needs to be worked on, but…
To be fair, the defense has been dire at times…
Yes, the two-midfield setup is a dubious one with shaky CBs behind and inconsistent wingers in front…
And the uncertainty of who is or should be leading the attack up top rears its head nearly every game…
And, as happened during and after the Hull match, MJ’s team selection and substitutions can be questioned…
But no real fan of Newcastle United can help but feel excited at what we’ve seen so far of the Mattias Jaissle tenure.
Look at what Jaissle is enduring
C’mon… did you see the subs for United on Saturday?
Pope, Schar, Bamba, Toure, Mason Miley, Thompson, Salia, Pivas, Mills.
That’s five players who’ve never played a single minute of Premier League football…
With three of them just 17 years old.
And two others just five games into their English football careers.
And the starting XI?
It featured Miley, Steur, Murphy, and Barnes… all nonexistent Monday night at Leeds.
Particularly the youngsters Miley and Steur.
How would they react to such a horror at Elland Road?
Not too bad, as it turned out. Both bounced back big.
In fact, the way all the lads came out and overwhelmed Hull in the first ten minutes was something to behold.
It was a first-half battering by United.
And it should have been worse, not the least, with Wissa’s weak and much too low penalty that should have made it at least 3-0 United at half.
Yes, the team had to hang on in the 2nd half to collect all three points, but it was a solid result.
Patience, folks…
It’s a young team. With a new leader on the touchline. And a system only 6-7 weeks old.
And there has to be real belief that, emerging from the break, Newcastle United will be deeper, stronger, and more experienced.
There will still be ups and downs. Moments that stop your heart and others that make you crazy.
That’s to be expected from 38 league games and (hopefully) long runs in domestic cups.
So let’s enjoy the ride and enjoy watching all the “pundits” and whingers eat crow.
Player Ratings
Based on watching the TV broadcast and listening to NUFC radio commentary.
Hornicek – 7
Several good saves, but his ball-playing nearly cost United all that early momentum. Fortunately, he recovered well and kept Hull out till Cho found the net in the second half.
Miley – 7
Likely this is higher if he’d play RB the entire game, as he was very solid… almost as if it’s his best position. When Steur went off, Miley slide back to MF and was more wobbly, giving up the mistake that drew Hull within a goal and back into the match.
Thiaw – 7
Was mostly back to his normal solid CB self, but much less so at RB when Miley moved to MF. A few hurried clearances and a lack of composure as a makeshift RB.
Botman – 7.5
More solid and assured today. Still working on his partnership with Thiaw, and still needs composure on his passes from the back. Should have done better with a header in the 2nd half.
Hall – 8.5 (MotM)
A masterclass in nearly every aspect, especially his well-taken first PL goal at St. James’ Park. Don’t see a better left back for England, didn’t let Belloumi do much at all.
Murphy – 6.5
Much better than at Leeds on Monday. A few good balls into the box that could’ve been put away with more ruthless scorers. His leadership is still important even if his play isn’t always up to par.
Steur – 7.5
Bounced back really well after Monday at Elland Road. He controlled the MF and was more aggressive than usual, with better pass execution and more calm. Not a coincidence United came undone once he came off.
Willock – 8
Scored the opener with a tidy finish and ran his socks off. United are much better when Willockinho makes an appearance, and so far this season, that version of Lil Joe has showed up.
Barnes – 7.5
A rare game where Barnes impacted the game without scoring, as he got assists on both goals, and teamed with Hall to terrorize Hull’s right side. Need more of this from him.
Wissa – 6
On his play alone, Wissa a higher score. Influential in the first half, though less so in the second half. Won a few challenges dropping back to help United see out the result. But that penalty. Too weak and too high. Fair play to the keeper for the save.
Fernandez-Pardo – 7
Still working with his teammates to get the ball in better positions, but his work rate is pretty good. Will become a Toon cult favorite based only on effort if he keeps this up. The break will presumably help get him more in tune with teammates.
Schär – 6
On for Steur. The goal wasn’t necessarily his fault, but it did happen right after he came one. Still, did his part overall to see out the match.
Toure – 6
On for MFP. Much needed energy once he came on. Had a hand in nearly getting United a third goal to seal it, but unlucky not to be able to pick out Barnes or Wissa. Didn’t get much to work with, but helped finish off the match for United.
Bamba – N/A
Subbed on for Willock, but not long enough to judge.
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