Page 1 of 2

Happy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:31 pm
by simonbh7
Despite Newcastle not managing to match last year's wonderful start, are you happy with our start to this season?

For me, the answer is definately yes.

Before a ball had been kicked in anger, most people were expecting us to struggle to find last season's form, and with the addition of mid-week european games, and the so-called weight of the fans' expectations, many were saying that we were in for a difficult season.

Admittedly we haven't really found our best form yet, but here we are, after 10 games, sitting in 10th place on 14 points. 3 points behind 4th placed Everton and 9 points ahead of Reading who fill the 18th slot, and looking highly likely to qualify from the group stages of the Europa League. We are unbeaten in the last 3 Premier League games which include a well deserved draw at out biggest rivals, a hard fought, if a little fortunate win against an excellent West Brom team, and a worthy point at Anfield. Yes there is room for improvement on the pitch, but so far we have looked very solid at the back and are always likely to snatch a goal with the quality of our attacking players. To be where we are without really firing on all cylinders is a tribute to the hard work being put in by Pardew and the players.

Competing in Europe has definately effected out league form. Not because the players are fatigued from the travelling, but because having to prepare for these midweek games leaves little time for Pards and the coaching staff to prepare for the weekend clash. But despite this we are still in a relatively good position, and with our November fixtures being at home to West Ham and Swansea, and Southampton and Stoke away, one would hope that we could still be within a few points of the top 4 as we go into December.

Injuries and suspensions could be a factor in the coming weeks, and although so far our fringe players have not let us down, I hope that this opens MA's and DL's eyes (and wallets) to fact that we still need to sign 2-3 players in specific areas in order to be able to compete in the latter stages of the cups and still fight for a european spot again for next year.

So, IMHO there are many positives so far this year, so long as MA and DL allow Pards to build on our decent (if unspectacular) start.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:43 pm
by Vaj
Good article and spot on. I am happy with the season so far, as you say we are doing well in Europe which is pleasing and we are grinding out results in the league and to be three points from 4th with the start we have had is admirable. People seem to forget that we have already played Chelsea, Everton & Liverpool away and have also had Tottenham & Man Utd at home. These are difficult games and that has been half of our Premier League season so far. The other four games have included a difficult trip to Sunderland which we would have won if we had 11 on the pitch for the entire 90 mins (in my opinion), an away game to Reading and a home match to West Brom who have started the season excellently. The only 'easier' games we have had this season have been Villa & Norwich at home. So, for me, the only disappointing aspects of the season results wise have been failing to get three points against Villa & Sunderland...other than that things are going well thus far!

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:49 pm
by overseasTOON
I'm still feeling very positive about the start to the season in the league and in the Europa.

After 10 matches we're still in a good position without having played consistently well but doing just enough to keep the points tally on an upwards trend. Should we reach a bit more consistency and have all the key players back and firing on all cylinders can only bode well.

Pardew still says that 4th is possible but if we can retain a top 6 position; I think we'll have done rather well at the end of the season.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:01 pm
by Jaiston
so-so really. Some awful performances in the league, dropping points where we really shouldn't. Despite the poor performances, we are still 10th which is the only positive in the league.

We definitely won't get top 4, no point thinking about it. I don't expect us to get top 5 again either(didn't expect to) but it's just the performances that have annoyed me.

I don't buy the excuse that Europe is effecting our League form (we have just been poor), other teams are coping with preparing, no reason why we shouldn't.

Europe is definitely the bright point of the season for me, the youngsters are doing very well.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:04 pm
by Smudger
I think Europe is definitely affecting us but even ignoring that, we're only a point off Arsenal in 6th so I'm not really worried, it's not as if we're drifting away into mid table, plus we get to enjoy European nights at St James again <awe>.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:11 pm
by beatski
may as well blog this <ok>

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:12 pm
by Smudger
Beatski wrote:may as well blog this <ok>
<ok> I'll try doing that now, not great at the blog so bear with me.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:14 pm
by beatski
Smudger wrote:
Beatski wrote:may as well blog this <ok>
<ok> I'll try doing that now, not great at the blog so bear with me.
<ok>
SpoilerShow
Image

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:19 pm
by Smudger
Blogged.

http://www.toonforum.co.uk/blog/happy-w ... on-so-far/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:31 pm
by Having a Good time
No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazis these days.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:31 pm
by The Rock Lobster
As long as we're in touch with the top 4 in Jan I think we'll strengthen the team/squad and push on so yes I'm satisfied with our start to the season. I think its more the performances people have been bothered by more so than the results Villa aside but it just gives me confidence that when we do start performing that we'll really kick on and given the run of games we have coming up this is a great chance for that. .

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:32 pm
by Pardew's Legendary Specs
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazi's these days.
I think BGD got a job <scratch>

(or did he get fired from that one, i've lost track <ohnoes> )

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:33 pm
by Smudger
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazi's these days.
They're wondering why that apostrophe is in "Nazis". <scratch>

And where the question mark is hiding...

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:43 pm
by simonbh7
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazi's these days.

I always seem to have trouble with P nowadays.......................................must be my age!! <laugh>

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:54 pm
by Having a Good time
Smudger wrote:
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazi's these days.
They're wondering why that apostrophe is in "Nazis". <scratch>

And where the question mark is hiding...
It's a statement <wenger>

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:58 pm
by Vaj
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:
Smudger wrote:
They're wondering why that apostrophe is in "Nazis". <scratch>

And where the question mark is hiding...
It's a statement <wenger>
SpoilerShow
Image

Re: Happy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:03 pm
by Bodacious Benny
Overall I'm pretty satisifed with the season so far to be honest.

As others have said, games v Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Sunderland away, WBA and Spurs aren't the easiest of fixtures by any stretch. So to be within touching distance of the top 6 is great. We're not going to finish 4th IMO, if we finish 6th and have a good run in the Europa League / FA Cup I'll be very happy with the season. And we're on track to achieve that.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect is that Ferguson and Sammy are starting to live up to their potential and have a good influence on the first team.

We've a winnable run of games coming up, if we get 6 points from West Ham and Swansea then we're in a very good position.

Re: Hapy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:07 pm
by overseasTOON
Sammy's Teckers V2 wrote:No one has pointed out the one P in Happy :O

Where are the grammar Nazis these days.
There isn't day that goes by when I don't bless our little cotton socks that Hitler opted to focus his Nazi minions on winning the battle against poor grammar instead of holding the Eastern Front.

Re: Happy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:27 pm
by Blue & Maroon
Why aye Cabaye wrote:Overall I'm pretty satisifed with the season so far to be honest.

As others have said, games v Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Sunderland away, WBA and Spurs aren't the easiest of fixtures by any stretch. So to be within touching distance of the top 6 is great. We're not going to finish 4th IMO, if we finish 6th and have a good run in the Europa League / FA Cup I'll be very happy with the season. And we're on track to achieve that.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect is that Ferguson and Sammy are starting to live up to their potential and have a good influence on the first team.

We've a winnable run of games coming up, if we get 6 points from West Ham and Swansea then we're in a very good position.
Pretty much this. I'm also pleased we're taking the EL fairly seriously and look like we're going to cruise through the group stages.

Re: Happy with the season so far?

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:32 pm
by KingoStarr
It wouldn't be grammar Nazis anyway it'd be spelling. Duh!