OTF

Because they're not particularly great in defense whenever we get the ball we're pushing up too quickly, ultimately conceding possession and gifting more possession back to them.

Inch perfect finish there. Taylor did the right thing in driving him wide.

Although he looks better than the rest Ben Arfa looks well off his best.

Our off the ball movement is very predictable and lazy already

Marveaux would have released the pass earlier keeping Gouffran onside because he's all about the team.

Mazy Ben Arfa run.

Assuming you've changed sides - they look ok to me.

6 minutes and it already feels that we've been battered about haven't settled at all.

And there it is

That really was a great save.

Carving us down their right.

Thank you Krul

For Newcastle supporters it's more like a Christmas where we're reduced to watching other teams supporters open their presents as we've got none of our own.

Fair points all of them. I'd counter that the sport itself isn't broken, but the capitalism of it is. Once the game kicks off it's 11 on 11 and generally the competitive spirit of the players will have them doing near enough their best resulting in what is an entertaining technical sport with plenty of talking points.

Jonas would clearly be the best at that reaction.

True of football in total or just Newcastle? Guess I'm questioning causation of your lack of interest.

Don't know how our players would react to playing soccer and having to wear cleats though.

I'm constantly astounded by the amount of defenders who see fit to hoy their arms out/up to stop balls that they otherwise couldn't get to. Can't help but think that in their youth they've got away with them at some level and so are conditioned to it. I'm watching on delay to spare waiting on the break between the matches, which is why I'm behind the times with my comment btw.

That was my first reaction to the goal, haven't re-watched it. Undoubtedly an excellent keeper, can see Stoke keeping quite a few clean sheets at home with their narrow pitch, big defenders and ultimately Begovic.

Erik Pieters looks like he'll be a good signing for Stoke.

I've not said he isn't. Think he was caught out with Sturridge's shot though.

Apart from that he has done well for sure. Lucky for him that many of their shots have been perfectly positioned for acrobatic looking saves.

Players committed to each other and the team, a manager who favors getting the best of our players over Allardycing the game. If we have that the results will be good enough and there should be a fair share of highly entertaining games. That's enough for me.

Poor for the opening goal. Liverpool's movement off the ball is very good. Pardew would do well to make our team watch this.

With the players they've got they'll probably run hot and cold. It will be interesting to see how they play against the top sides in the league.