Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Fug on the Tyne? Five things Alan Pardew must do to turn around Newcastle's disappointing season By Simon Bird A few minutes from the end of Newcastle's defeat to West Ham, a fan bellowed some advice to Alan Pardew. It was something about sorting the tactics out, and an insult about how poor his team had been. The Newcastle boss heard the message loud and clear. We know this because he turned around on the touchline and told the disgruntled bloke to shut his gob. Another fan sent the discontent away with a mouthful about being patient and supporting the team. The brief exchange, as United slipped to a 1-0 loss, was evidence that it has been a puzzling start to the season. Sunday's game was a pivotal one. After some stuttering performances early in the season, Pardew wanted to be judged after ten or so matches. Had Newcastle beaten West Ham, all would have looked rosy. They'd have been level with Spurs, in seventh place, and on track to achieve the stated aim of many players in emulating last season and getting into the top six again. Having lost Sunday's match, there is a different complexion. One win in six games - and that came from a deflection of Papiss Cisse's back in the 93rd minute against West Brom. The positives are smooth progress in Europe, with qualification almost guaranteed and a breed of youngsters getting their chance, most notably Sammy Ameobi, Gael Bigirimana and Shane Ferguson. Pardew has made up to nine changes in the Europa League, resting his big stars, and come through. They have played 18 games in all competitions and lost just four. Demba Ba has kept scoring at a rate alongside the best in the league. Hatem Ben Arfa continues to mature and be a thrill to watch. Davide Santon has developed well and won an Italy call up, and Tim Krul excels. The negative is that the spark that was evident last season is missing. The ability to dominate and control a game has only been seen in 20-30 minute periods, not for a whole match. The architects of last season's success are proving inconsistent this term. I'm thinking Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse, Jonas Gutierrez and Cheick Tiote. Last season's luck with injuries has run out, and ill-discipline and suspensions have hit the team hard - especially with Fabricio Coloccini and Tiote. Has Pardew hit on the correct mix in terms of personnel and tactics? I'd suggest United are still searching for a consistent formula. While Europe can't be an excuse in terms of player energy - most key stars have been rested for the league - it does have a major effect on preparation for the league games. While last year Pardew could do three or four days of build up work and coaching on the training ground, this season the extra Europa League games - six so far - has effectively meant six weeks of disrupted midweek preparation and less tactical work. So what are the key issues Pardew and his coaching team are grappling with as they search for a run of wins that will re-ignite a campaign that is grinding along ok, rather than being spectacular? 1) Get Ba and Cisse functioning as a partnership You'd expect the two Senegal strikers to feel at home together up front. But at times they look like strangers on the pitch. The best partnerships compliment, but these two look hardly exchange a pass, link up with flicks or read each other's movement. The lack of understanding was illustrated when both jumped for a headed chance and bumped into each other in the first half against against West Ham. Of the two, Ba is carrying the strike force with his seven goals in 11 starts, while Cisse looks diminished compared to the rampant goal scorer he was after signing in January last season. He has three goals. It is a tricky issue for Pardew. Cisse played best when he was a lone striker last season and Ba was shoved out on the left wing. Ba stopped scoring but got many an assist, and Cisse cashed in. Ba told Pardew he wanted to play centrally this season and largely has done, but has not clicked with Cisse, who hardly merits a starting place on current form. 2) Free up Hatem Ben Arfa The French international has stuck out as Newcastle's most exciting and dangerous player this season. He's been played on the right wing, where his ball carrying and darting bursts into opposition territory look to genuinely frighten opponents. Ben Arfa has even defended enthusiastically, most eye-catchingly against Sunderland, sticking to Adam Johnson. But his skills need to be used even more. It is time he was played in a No10 role, behind a lead striker (Ba). Let him roam behind in front of midfield and take on centre backs. Perhaps that frees up the right wing berth for Sylvain Marveaux or Gabriel Obertan who, admittedly, both still have lots to prove. 3) Ensure Yohan Cabaye doesn't go missing Cabaye is the outstanding ball player of the team. When he is fizzing passes around and in charge, Newcastle are usually on top. Cabaye has not been consistent this season. His head was turned in the summer when rival English clubs were interested in signing him. But that doesn't mean he is not committed to Newcastle. He is too important to allow to go missing and get lost in the midfield melee. It has not helped that his enforcer partner Tiote has been out of sorts and suspended. Get that two on song and dominating the middle, and half the job is done. 4) Solve the Jonas Gutierrez question The Argentine is versatile. He played right back for Diego Maradona at the World Cup, but is at his best when on the left wing for Newcastle. He is a pressure reliever - give him the ball and he carries it up field taking 30-40 yards while everyone at the back can reorganise and have a breather. Injuries and suspension have seen him moved inside as a central midfielder in a holding role. He can do it, but it is not ideal. Is Pardew so lacking in confidence in his final ball when attacking, or his lack of end product, that he sees Gutierrez as a tough it out midfielder now? Gutierrez in full flow is a major asset down the left wing, but to play there he needs to be more devastating with his crossing, and score more goals. Time for him to step up to that challenge. 5) Strengthen in January Last season Newcastle's only real injury problem was Steven Taylor being out long term. This time around the injury and suspension list has been messy, and caused a lack of continuity. When has Pardew been able to play his best XI? In fact do we currently know his best XI and formation. The failure to add a right back and a striker in the summer has been a problem, and must be addressed. Newcastle have budgeted to finish eighth this season. In the boardroom that is the baseline target, and it should be achieved. With just 11 games gone there is still plenty of time to turn a so-so start to the league campaign into something more special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 If rumours are true of Jonas being out for two months then Pardew could find that despite himself, a new winning formation may emerge. We should all be in agreement that there are several teams we need to set ourself up defensively against but the majority we should be going out to attack and win. We have the quality to do it. Its time to seize the moment Alan. I would be happy with any of these over the next few weeks. (Injuries / suspensions allowing). Krul Santon Taylor Coloccini Ferguson Obertan Tiote Cabaye Marveaux HBA Ba Krul Santon Taylor Coloccini Ferguson HBA Tiote Cabaye Marveaux Cisse Ba Krul Santon Taylor Coloccini Ferguson Tiote Cabaye Marveaux HBA Cisse Ba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monroe Transfer 0 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Simon Bird isn't really saying anything the majority of us aren't already saying. You broken record. safety Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38982 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 You not keen on Jonas like CT? Why Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Marveaux's not proven he should be starting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38982 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Marveaux's not proven- he should be starting. Amended for CT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sniffer 0 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 While its nice to think marveaux is the answer, I haven't seen anything to suggest that he would be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 You not keen on Jonas like CT? Why You've been around long enough to know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38982 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Your opinion of him hasn't changed then since last year ( at least)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 As I couldn't make the match on Sunday and I haven't seen anything of it yet, what did Ferguson play like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 As I couldn't make the match on Sunday and I haven't seen anything of it yet, what did Ferguson play like? Jonas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 Your opinion of him hasn't changed then since last year ( at least)? Jonas as an attacking player has always imo being average at best and more often than not, as we have discussed to death, his end product was lacking. His admirers would point to his 30 yard runs, relieving pressure on the defence, winning free kicks etc. Some are happy with that, others like me want the final ball in, not the free kick. Last year he was utilised very well in a defensive midfield role. The problem was that defensive role became the norm and any glimmer of an attacking threat he had, disappeared. It was a great idea against tougher teams but not needed against poorer opposition. I even gave him praise for it last season. If he is really now out for six weeks then it is an ideal scenario to give one of the others a run of games. My only fear is that whoever comes in will be asked to play this safety first role that Pardew seems to prefer and that he had Ferguson playing on Sunday. If that happens, nothing will change. If we start attacking down both flanks then we will scare some teams shitless and score plenty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaddockLad 14770 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 CT you want to lay off the Kronenbourg pre game mate. Penetration down the flanks wasnt a problem on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 (edited) CT you want to lay off the Kronenbourg pre game mate. Penetration down the flanks wasnt a problem on Sunday. Well me, the people Ive talked too and virtually every match report on the game begs to differ. Many occasions Taylor or such had the ball and chose to lob it forward rather than go the wing. Ferguson had obviously had instruction to play Jonas's role and come more into midfield than out. However, putting all of that to one side, the main point is that if we attack both flanks regularly, we will create more space for Cabaye to get into and the forwards will get used to attacking crosses and making forward runs rather than standing around wondering whats going to happen next. The forwards and Cabaye have all lost that attacking habit. Get it back and we will prosper. Edited November 13, 2012 by Christmas Tree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monroe Transfer 0 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 We could do with playing 3 in midfield again (Jonas/Anita - Tiote, Cabaye in front) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Gloom 19934 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Good read by Bird. His first and final points are the most telling, and what most of us have said in recent weeks -that is the two dembas haven't gelled up front in a 442. And the lack of depth in the squad has been exposed this season with colo and Tiote missing so many games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaddockLad 14770 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Well me, the people Ive talked too and virtually every match report on the game begs to differ. Many occasions Taylor or such had the ball and chose to lob it forward rather than go the wing. Ferguson had obviously had instruction to play Jonas's role and come more into midfield than out. However, putting all of that to one side, the main point is that if we attack both flanks regularly, we will create more space for Cabaye to get into and the forwards will get used to attacking crosses and making forward runs rather than standing around wondering whats going to happen next. The forwards and Cabaye have all lost that attacking habit. Get it back and we will prosper. We got in behind the West Ham right back at least half a dozen times in the second half. Its what happened after that...the balls usually rolled into an empty space where Ba,Shola,Cabaye or Anita should have been. And when Obertan came on he beat his man on the other side a couple of times too. Thats how goals are scored, getting in behind defenders and we did it regularly in the second half. You're claiming otherwise because there was no end product, but you've got to look at the facts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTF 6274 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Ferguson had obviously had instruction to play Jonas's role and come more into midfield than out. Brilliant! So Ferguson has an innefectual game where his crossing was useless and it's because he's been instructed to play Jonas' role! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monroe Transfer 0 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 CT has reverted back to full on WUM I see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaddockLad 14770 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/274227/report Newcatle v West Ham Crosses Newcastle 35 West Ham 20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 We got in behind the West Ham right back at least half a dozen times in the second half. Its what happened after that...the balls usually rolled into an empty space where Ba,Shola,Cabaye or Anita should have been. And when Obertan came on he beat his man on the other side a couple of times too. Thats how goals are scored, getting in behind defenders and we did it regularly in the second half. You're claiming otherwise because there was no end product, but you've got to look at the facts. From the Chronny, just so you know its not just me. These days United have an abundance of technical players who have much more skill. Namely Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba and Shane Ferguson. Yesterday against West Ham, however, Newcastle did not get them into the game enough and ultimately paid the full price. They did not get Ben Arfa or Ferguson on the ball in the opening exchanges. A mute point however compared to the more important one that is if we can have a spell of dominating games by using both flanks, creating space for Cabaye and getting the strikers anticipating crosses and making runs.....all will be well. Surely you agree? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share Posted November 14, 2012 Brilliant! So Ferguson has an innefectual game where his crossing was useless and it's because he's been instructed to play Jonas' role! Did you not watch the game? Can you not comprehend he was sent out with a more defensive wide role, the role that Pardew has reinvented for Jonas. It was pretty clear to me and those around me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share Posted November 14, 2012 CT has reverted back to full on WUM I see. Another insightful post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenL 0 Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 Are we dropping Simpson or Jonas for Ferguson? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share Posted November 14, 2012 Are we dropping Simpson or Jonas for Ferguson? According to Tooj, Jonas is out for 8 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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