Newcastle United will never be defeated! | NUFC Blog.
Newcastle United will never be defeated!
Alreet, so that’s a bit of a bold statement but doesn’t it feel like it at the minute? Not quite literally, but I mean we were relatively average today and yet I didn’t doubt the outcome swinging in our favour at any point and it’s been a long time since a black and white first eleven had me thinking that way.
Confidence breeds confidence and it’s flooding through the squad and team at the moment and to the spectator they look as if they feel unbeatable. I’ve long been a detractor of Coloccini but today he stuck my opinion right where the sun doesn’t shine. Not just because of his well-earned and well-worked winner but for the sheer guts and determination he showed in his defensive duties, and he wasn’t alone. The entire squad looked like they’d be prepared to play until they dropped to protect the win and I genuinely couldn’t see Cardiff breaking through and much of that was due to our dogged defending and endeavour.
Perhaps again, much of today’s result was about toothless opposition as it was about our own display. Certainly they had prolonged periods of possession after the half hour point but I was always felt comfortable. It wasn’t exactly ‘total football’ again either but a win is a win, especially when you’re travelling to the likes of Cardiff. They had some talent on show but ultimately were fairly blunt in the final third.
We on the other hand, once again proved that although we don’t have a team full of attacking prowess, we have a workmanlike approach to the game that is proving a winning formula. There is much more fire than there is finesse throughout the Newcastle team but it’s proving to be more effective this way round.
Jose Enrique just continues to get better with every outing, although he has to learn where to do his Cruyffs and one too many nearly caught us out. Off the back of that, Smudger ended up getting himself sent off, which with the overall incidents throughout the game was probably fair enough, though the first booking was slightly innocuous in itself. Harper also flapped at a few things and Barton once again disappointed overall for me but generally everybody put in another decent shift. Hats off once again to young Nile Ranger, leading the line on his own with enthusiasm and applomb, looking every bit the composed targetman.
In my previous article I said I was looking at today as a clean sheet at the back, a clean sweep on points and a clean bill of health. Well I suppose counting Smith’s dismissal that’s another man down but otherwise happy days overall. The last time I sang “Newcastle United will never be defeated”, Grimsby Town’s Jim Dobbin promptly brought me back down to earth with a bump. However, if we’re doing as well as we were back in ’92 and go on to anything like we did that season, I’ll be a happy man (and I guess probably gobsmacked). Because at some point, all current issues considered, we’ll inevitably come unstuck but for now I just can’t see it and it’s a canny feeling.
Wolves’ Sam (in)Vokes loan spell at Newcastle?
Spot on. I felt exactly the same. I think the teams confidence rubs off on us, the supporters. The custard strip is even growing on me!
we played okay in the first half,but the second half we were hanging on a bit.
i think in the last couple of games,it has shown us we definatley need some reinforcements pronto.
nile ranger has done well,but we need a proven head up there.
Smudge’s tackle probably saved us. The credit goes to Smith, he was brilliant!!!
Frogeordie – I wouldn’t gan that far.
TROJAN – Fair points and although Ranger ran his socks off, I think he could be more of a threat with a little help. I was really impressed today though. Youthful endeavour had him chasing lost causes and his strength, touch and decision-making belie his relative young age.
Ile – totally agree. On reflection, that moment was as important as any other and I probably should have commented. He took one for the team and no doubt about it, even if he was gutted.
We’ve said that before in match reports and we’ll say it again quite a few times no doubt, because that’s the most noticable difference after playing Premiership sides.