scott mathie

its pretty sad, but i must admit, Ben Arfa is a luxury we cant afford to play. We are a disciplined side, and its important that all players are able to adjust their ambitions in attack to suit the managers tactics on the day. We cant afford losing the ball in dangerous areas (trying speculative passes) or poor tracking back either. He's an unreal talent but at this moment he is best off the bench as impact. Maybe he can play more of a role when Demba goes to Cup of Nations?

I think first and foremost we must give credit to the gaffer. Alan Pardew's tactics were spot on, and what was most pleasing was that the players were able to execute it effectively. It was a great way to bounce back from a very poor performance against Liverpool. Besides the magnificent performance of Demba Ba, I think we need to give Shola Ameobi massive credit for the role he played today. I have always been fairly critical of the big lad, but i thought his physical presence today was immense. He has definitely spent some time in the gym this past off-season and over the last two seasons has begun to realise exactly what his strengths are. I'm pleased for the man, mainly because his ability is eventually starting to match his loyalty to the shirt. Cabaye was also a big positive this evening, not just for his stunning free-kick, but his ability to pick a pass as well as defend so bravely. In previous outings I have often felt he has not stamped his authority on the game (being an international player), but tonight he really showed us just how exciting his future at Newcastle can be.

In the wake of arguably our worst performance of the season, I cant help but be slightly pessimistic of our current situation. Yes, its great to be 7th in the league, but my concern is that we are not aspiring to be any higher than that. This year is a fantastic opportunity to capitilise on our early season form and really push for a Europa place. This would involve signing a striker as was promised by Ashley and co many months ago. However they have backtracked again and we are likely to find ourselves a victim of the month period in where we lose our biggest asset Demba Ba. I realise that spending above the board for any player is unwise, but surely the situation warrants such an investment? Another situation that has irked me of late is the contract situation with Danny Simpson...As much as I admire the determination and fairly consistent performances of Simpson this season, I still don't feel he is the long term answer to the right back position. No doubt Davide Santon is being groomed for this role, although he'll need time to adapt and gain confidence to peform according to his potential. We were led to believe he was signed to full the vacant left back position, but clearly this is not the case. He is a right back and will be a far better player than Simpson, so for the sake of developing him and insuring we reap the benefits of his talent, I believe its time we stick by him and give him a steady run out for the first team. Danny Simpson has been a resolute individual this term, but will always lack the quality to take this club forward to dizzier heights. He would provide sturdy back up and it would be a great if we can secure him on a wage that befits a squad player at Newcastle. For this reason I believe it is important that Newcastle haggle effectively with his agent. There's no point giving in to his wage demands if he is to be a squad player. We need to find the balance. So in this department I am reluctant to agree with Ashley and Co, who appear to be driving a hard but necessary bargain. If Simpson is viewed as a long term squad player, then as fans I think we need to consider the man on the opposite side of the field too. Ryan Taylor has proven to be an effective and well-liked squad player and will be crucial for the club going forward, not in his capacity as starting left back but as an option when injuries and Europe come calling (optimistic shout I know). As much as I enjoy singing 'Ryan Taylor... over the wall', I realise that we are in need of assured left back. The Erik Pieters deal would be welcomed and would give our back four a touch of class, whilst providing a substantial threat down the flank. (segments of this article have been used from my recent piece 'Toon Tidings') http://www.backpageh...on-tidings.html