Well after a tough run to start the second half of the season, Pardew has our lads back on the right foot. That's in spite of the adversity of loosing Andy Carroll and subsequently Shola Ameobi to injury. On Wednesday those injuries gave way to one Leon Best, who was told by Pardew before the match to show something to convince the manager to keep him around instead of shopping him around during this transfer window. I shouldn't have to convince you to agree that he did that and much more.
Showing posts with label Fabricio Coloccini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fabricio Coloccini. Show all posts
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Top 10 Moments of the First Half
10. Several Promising Youngsters Locked Up in Long-term Deals
Over the last several weeks, the following players have signed 5 and a half year deals: Nile Ranger, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, and Andy Carroll. All but Williamson could be called "young" in football terms, and all are solid players that will contribute for years to come.
9. Newcastle 1, Arsenal 0, 7 November
You know your team has done well when you've caused the London press to wring their hands and wonder how a top team could have possibly lost to a "newly promoted side," and that's exactly what happened when an Andy Carroll header and a perfectly executed game plan vaulted Newcastle into #5 in the table, their high-water mark of the season.
8. The Emergence of Cheik Tiote
Maybe this is cheating, because it's not exactly an event, but Cheik Tiote's wonderful possessive play in the back of the midfield has kept Newcastle afloat during the first half, and I think that deserves some recognition. His story of learning to play growing up in Africa is not totally unique, but it is fascinating and worth reading up on. At the end of this article (Louise Taylor, The Guardian), Tiote says, "Newcastle is perfect for me." Love you too, Cheik.
7. Alex's Howler, 27 November
Coming off of a terrible defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers, the Magpies needed something to fall in their favor to have a chance against a slumping Chelsea side, and they got exactly that when Alex was a little too careless in passing the ball back to goalie Petr Cech, and Andy Carroll was happy to capitalize.
6. Andy Carroll's Goal from Distance, 11 December
In Alan Pardew's debut against Liverpool, the two sides had battled to a 1-1 tie that stood for most of the second half when Joey Barton finally broke through in the 80th minute. As the game progressed into stoppage time, the crowd which had gathered to boo Mike Ashley was enjoying what was a very unexpected three points when Andy Carroll, who had assisted on the first goal and was instrumental in the second, gathered the ball outside the box. The crowd urged him to shoot, the defense backed off, and an instant later a rocket found its way to the back of the net.
5. Joey Barton's Cross, 23 October
Sometimes you just have to appreciate a pretty goal for what it is. Watch this video starting at around 51 seconds for a beauty.
4. Andy Carroll's Hat Trick, 22 August
Nobody expected Newcastle to travel to Old Trafford on Opening Day and earn any points, but a 3-0 loss had the doubters out in full force anyway. A 6-0 drubbing of Aston Villa the next week injected some much needed optimism in the fanbase. More importantly, the question "Who will score for Newcastle in the Premiership?" had an answer, and his name was Wor Andy Carroll.
3. Hatem ben Arfa's Goal, 18 September 20
The announcer's commentary on this video clip says it all.
2. Fabricio Coloccini saves the day against Wigan, 16 October
The Magpies were in a bad way heading into stoppage time against Wigan. They'd lost the last two matches as well as their new superstar in the week previous, and they were down 2 goals to 1 against Wigan, with both of the opposition's goals coming from a man who had walked out the door a couple of years ago on bad terms. Then, miracle of miracles, Jonas' cross found an unmarked curly-haired man on the far post to save the match (and according to some, Chris Hughton's job).
Click link to watch video
1. Newcastle 5, Sunderland 1, 31 October
Toon 5, mackems 1. All that needs to be said.
Click link to watch videos
Over the last several weeks, the following players have signed 5 and a half year deals: Nile Ranger, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, and Andy Carroll. All but Williamson could be called "young" in football terms, and all are solid players that will contribute for years to come.
9. Newcastle 1, Arsenal 0, 7 November
You know your team has done well when you've caused the London press to wring their hands and wonder how a top team could have possibly lost to a "newly promoted side," and that's exactly what happened when an Andy Carroll header and a perfectly executed game plan vaulted Newcastle into #5 in the table, their high-water mark of the season.
Carroll took one away from Fabianski and Newcastle took three away from The Emirates.
Getty Images
Getty Images
8. The Emergence of Cheik Tiote
Maybe this is cheating, because it's not exactly an event, but Cheik Tiote's wonderful possessive play in the back of the midfield has kept Newcastle afloat during the first half, and I think that deserves some recognition. His story of learning to play growing up in Africa is not totally unique, but it is fascinating and worth reading up on. At the end of this article (Louise Taylor, The Guardian), Tiote says, "Newcastle is perfect for me." Love you too, Cheik.
7. Alex's Howler, 27 November
Coming off of a terrible defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers, the Magpies needed something to fall in their favor to have a chance against a slumping Chelsea side, and they got exactly that when Alex was a little too careless in passing the ball back to goalie Petr Cech, and Andy Carroll was happy to capitalize.
6. Andy Carroll's Goal from Distance, 11 December
In Alan Pardew's debut against Liverpool, the two sides had battled to a 1-1 tie that stood for most of the second half when Joey Barton finally broke through in the 80th minute. As the game progressed into stoppage time, the crowd which had gathered to boo Mike Ashley was enjoying what was a very unexpected three points when Andy Carroll, who had assisted on the first goal and was instrumental in the second, gathered the ball outside the box. The crowd urged him to shoot, the defense backed off, and an instant later a rocket found its way to the back of the net.
5. Joey Barton's Cross, 23 October
Sometimes you just have to appreciate a pretty goal for what it is. Watch this video starting at around 51 seconds for a beauty.
4. Andy Carroll's Hat Trick, 22 August
Nobody expected Newcastle to travel to Old Trafford on Opening Day and earn any points, but a 3-0 loss had the doubters out in full force anyway. A 6-0 drubbing of Aston Villa the next week injected some much needed optimism in the fanbase. More importantly, the question "Who will score for Newcastle in the Premiership?" had an answer, and his name was Wor Andy Carroll.
3. Hatem ben Arfa's Goal, 18 September 20
The announcer's commentary on this video clip says it all.
2. Fabricio Coloccini saves the day against Wigan, 16 October
The Magpies were in a bad way heading into stoppage time against Wigan. They'd lost the last two matches as well as their new superstar in the week previous, and they were down 2 goals to 1 against Wigan, with both of the opposition's goals coming from a man who had walked out the door a couple of years ago on bad terms. Then, miracle of miracles, Jonas' cross found an unmarked curly-haired man on the far post to save the match (and according to some, Chris Hughton's job).
Click link to watch video
1. Newcastle 5, Sunderland 1, 31 October
Toon 5, mackems 1. All that needs to be said.
Click link to watch videos
Bottom 10 Moments of the First Half
With the second half about to begin, let's look back at the best and worst moments of the first half. We'll start with the worst:
10. Newcastle Beaten By 10 Men at White Hart Lane, 28 December
I suppose you could take comfort in the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are a good team in good form, or in the fact that they beat Aston Villa the previous match with 10 men as well, but when you're down by a goal and the other side loses a player, you're expected to dominate possession, not give up another one.
9. James Perch's Own Goal, 26 September
Sometimes when a player scores an own goal, you feel bad for them, especially if it's some fluky, weird deflection. Sometimes, though, a defender heads in a corner with 5 minutes to go to lose the game against Stoke City, and you don't feel sorry for them one bit.
8. Charles N'Zogbia Scores 2, 16 October
It hurts when seemingly the only good player on the other team beats you for two goals. It hurts even more when that player used to be one of your own.
7. Andy Carroll's Off-the-field Exploits
Two assault charges and orders from a judge for the top striker to bunk with his captain dominated the headlines this fall. It got to the point that false rumors from one publication about a "drug-fueled orgy" at Captain Nolan's house wasn't even the worst of it. On October 21, Carroll's car was torched and Nolan's garage door covered with graffiti following the release of Nolan's address in the media.
6. Tim Krul's Howler, 26 December
You can't just give goals away in the Premiership, least of all to Manchester City, but that's exactly what Tim Krul did in the second minute of the second meeting of the two teams. Three minutes later, the Blues added another, which ended up being all they really needed.
5. Bolton Wanderers 5, Newcastle United 1, 20 November
A 5-1 loss is bad, no matter how you slice it, but this one featured two goals for the opposition off of penalty kicks plus a red card for Fabricio Coloccini. Colo was sent off for aggressive play against Johan Elmander. Mike Williamson was later suspended for a separate incident involving Elmander, but the striker didn't seem to mind as he also scored two goals on the day.
4. Joey Barton Suspended, 10 November
Joey Barton had been having a relatively quiet season by his standards before he reversed course in a 2-1 loss at home against Blackburn Rovers, punching Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest and earning himself a 2 game suspension. The club struggled without him, tying with Fulham at home and then being decimated by Bolton.
3. West Bromwich Albion 3, Newcastle United 1, 5 December
This match would have made the list even if it weren't the impetus for getting Chris Hughton sacked. Here's how RKW reviewed the match:
"It can be described in so many words, but bluntly it was nothing short of horrendous. Fundamentals were flawed, leaderships was lacking, execution exited the building, passion took a pass, the offense was (pardon me) offensive, the defense deplorable. Our Magpies couldn't pass, possess, shoot, cross, clear, tackle, or keep the ball out of their own net. Other than all that they didn't play very good football either."
Following the match, Chris Hughton held an hour-long meeting with his players which was reported to be less than pleasant, but it didn't really matter, as the players were motivated in a much different way 24 hours later.
2. Nigel De Jong breaks Hatem ben Arfa's Leg, 3 October
Hatem ben Arfa was the object of an extended chase by Chris Hughton over the summer. For weeks the Toon Army was subjected to rumor after rumor of the status of a possible transfer for the talented young midfielder, so when he finally arrived at St. James' Park he was already something of a folk legend. Few expected him to live up to that billing, but in the few games that he played before getting injured, ben Arfa exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. The Magpies finally had their creative playmaker who was to lead them to the promised land of survival. In the blink of an eye, Nigel de Jong, who has built himself quite a resume as a dirty player, came in with both legs and snapped both the tibia and fibula of young Mr. ben Arfa, putting not only the season in doubt but also bringing forth the question of whether or not HBA will ever play again on Tyneside, given the conditions of his loan. Here's hoping the reports earlier this week that he will sign a permanent deal are true, and that he really can be ready in early February. The squad's survival may depend on it.
Click for link to video
1. Chris Hughton Sacked, 6 December
Football fans the world over were shaking their heads when Mike Ashley made the ill-advised move of sacking popular manager Chris Hughton. Hughton had led Newcastle back to the Premiership, made several improvements to the club despite limited funds, and gained the respect of his players, but rumors had persisted for several months that the relationship between Hughton and Ashley (and Derek Llambias) had grown frosty. Still, it was a shocking move that disrupted the players as well as the fans. Replacement manager Alan Pardew has only been around for three matches, so the jury is still out on him, but the effects have already been far-reaching in terms of personnel, as Sol Campbell has stated unequivocally that he wants out. For his part, Hughton treated the ignominy in his usual classy manner and has been linked to several vacancies (and a couple that aren't even vacant yet). He will latch on somewhere, and when he does, I will be jealous of the team that's lucky enough to land him.
10. Newcastle Beaten By 10 Men at White Hart Lane, 28 December
I suppose you could take comfort in the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are a good team in good form, or in the fact that they beat Aston Villa the previous match with 10 men as well, but when you're down by a goal and the other side loses a player, you're expected to dominate possession, not give up another one.
9. James Perch's Own Goal, 26 September
Sometimes when a player scores an own goal, you feel bad for them, especially if it's some fluky, weird deflection. Sometimes, though, a defender heads in a corner with 5 minutes to go to lose the game against Stoke City, and you don't feel sorry for them one bit.
8. Charles N'Zogbia Scores 2, 16 October
It hurts when seemingly the only good player on the other team beats you for two goals. It hurts even more when that player used to be one of your own.
7. Andy Carroll's Off-the-field Exploits
Two assault charges and orders from a judge for the top striker to bunk with his captain dominated the headlines this fall. It got to the point that false rumors from one publication about a "drug-fueled orgy" at Captain Nolan's house wasn't even the worst of it. On October 21, Carroll's car was torched and Nolan's garage door covered with graffiti following the release of Nolan's address in the media.
6. Tim Krul's Howler, 26 December
You can't just give goals away in the Premiership, least of all to Manchester City, but that's exactly what Tim Krul did in the second minute of the second meeting of the two teams. Three minutes later, the Blues added another, which ended up being all they really needed.
5. Bolton Wanderers 5, Newcastle United 1, 20 November
A 5-1 loss is bad, no matter how you slice it, but this one featured two goals for the opposition off of penalty kicks plus a red card for Fabricio Coloccini. Colo was sent off for aggressive play against Johan Elmander. Mike Williamson was later suspended for a separate incident involving Elmander, but the striker didn't seem to mind as he also scored two goals on the day.
4. Joey Barton Suspended, 10 November
Joey Barton had been having a relatively quiet season by his standards before he reversed course in a 2-1 loss at home against Blackburn Rovers, punching Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest and earning himself a 2 game suspension. The club struggled without him, tying with Fulham at home and then being decimated by Bolton.
3. West Bromwich Albion 3, Newcastle United 1, 5 December
This match would have made the list even if it weren't the impetus for getting Chris Hughton sacked. Here's how RKW reviewed the match:
"It can be described in so many words, but bluntly it was nothing short of horrendous. Fundamentals were flawed, leaderships was lacking, execution exited the building, passion took a pass, the offense was (pardon me) offensive, the defense deplorable. Our Magpies couldn't pass, possess, shoot, cross, clear, tackle, or keep the ball out of their own net. Other than all that they didn't play very good football either."
Following the match, Chris Hughton held an hour-long meeting with his players which was reported to be less than pleasant, but it didn't really matter, as the players were motivated in a much different way 24 hours later.
2. Nigel De Jong breaks Hatem ben Arfa's Leg, 3 October
Hatem ben Arfa was the object of an extended chase by Chris Hughton over the summer. For weeks the Toon Army was subjected to rumor after rumor of the status of a possible transfer for the talented young midfielder, so when he finally arrived at St. James' Park he was already something of a folk legend. Few expected him to live up to that billing, but in the few games that he played before getting injured, ben Arfa exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. The Magpies finally had their creative playmaker who was to lead them to the promised land of survival. In the blink of an eye, Nigel de Jong, who has built himself quite a resume as a dirty player, came in with both legs and snapped both the tibia and fibula of young Mr. ben Arfa, putting not only the season in doubt but also bringing forth the question of whether or not HBA will ever play again on Tyneside, given the conditions of his loan. Here's hoping the reports earlier this week that he will sign a permanent deal are true, and that he really can be ready in early February. The squad's survival may depend on it.
Click for link to video
1. Chris Hughton Sacked, 6 December
Football fans the world over were shaking their heads when Mike Ashley made the ill-advised move of sacking popular manager Chris Hughton. Hughton had led Newcastle back to the Premiership, made several improvements to the club despite limited funds, and gained the respect of his players, but rumors had persisted for several months that the relationship between Hughton and Ashley (and Derek Llambias) had grown frosty. Still, it was a shocking move that disrupted the players as well as the fans. Replacement manager Alan Pardew has only been around for three matches, so the jury is still out on him, but the effects have already been far-reaching in terms of personnel, as Sol Campbell has stated unequivocally that he wants out. For his part, Hughton treated the ignominy in his usual classy manner and has been linked to several vacancies (and a couple that aren't even vacant yet). He will latch on somewhere, and when he does, I will be jealous of the team that's lucky enough to land him.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Match Preview: Newcastle Away at Spurs
Off this loss to Citeh (which we will review later in the week along with this game at Spurs), the Magpies are headed to White Hart Lane to take on the Lilywhites. I think we're in much the same situation we were coming into the Citeh game; Spurs are top side with a dangerous offense, and we'll have to play a good game to come out on top.
CHN Links: Monday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Only one day between games means today's links will be a combination of news and reviews. Previews for the Spurs game will run on Tuesday.
Believe it or not, the term "Omerta" makes an appearance today.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Match Preview: A Boxing Day Rematch
Happy Christmas all, tomorrow the lads the will have the first rematch of the season against the billion dollar boys of Manchester Citeh. I shouldn't have to remind anyone what happened the last time these clubs clashed, but I will for the shameless sake of word count. Last time we met Citeh, Nigel De Jong dejonged (it's a verb, I made it up) Hatem ben Arfa to the tune of a double fracture in the left leg. The fallout saw Nigel De Jong chastised justly by the FA and chased out of the EPL. Wait, that's not right, that was my "perfect world" dream. At least he won't be playing for the Dutch anymore... Though HBA is recovering at a blistering pace, said to be possibly returning as early as February, he will obviously not be present for this match in St James' Park. De Jong will be there however, watch your lower legs lads.
Friday, December 17, 2010
CHN Links: Friday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Lots of stuff about Alan Pardew today.
Alan Pardew conducts training.
Photograph: Ian Horrocks/Newcastle Utd via Getty Images
Photograph: Ian Horrocks/Newcastle Utd via Getty Images
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Match Preview: Off a Big Win, Magpies on the Road at St. Andrew's
Last week it was a big win against The Reds; this week it's an important away tie against The Blues. This Birmingham side has been, if I'm honest, lucky to find themselves out of the relegation zone, if only just. So NUFC should be looking to poach an away win here, but I doubt BCFC will go quietly, even if all they can seem to do is force 0-0 draws.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Match Preview: The Reds are Coming to Toon
Alan Pardew will have his work cut out in his first match as Newcastle Manager as a Liverpool side under new ownership comes to Toon. There is much talk of a sit out style protest at St. James' park this Saturday, and while we support any burrs in the side of Mike Ashley we can't help but wonder how the lads we actually care about will take it. I think they realize that the ire of the Toon Army is focused on one man and one man alone.
As for the rest, we've had our time to rant and rave, to say farewell to a man we all grew to respect, really, to mourn his loss. I think Saturday is the time to get back behind what we really care about. After all, let's remember, we don't care about Ashley, we don't care about me, all we care about is NUFC. Let's not forget that we still have a relegation zone to avoid and whether we like the decision to change managers or not, we still have a job to do as fans, and that's cheer on the lads.
Make the jump with us for the proper preview.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CHN Links: Thanksgiving Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the States. I plan on being in a turkey-induced coma by the time the Cowboys kick off.
Tim Krul has filled in well for the injured Steven Harper. How will Sol Campbell fare as a defensive replacement?
Photo credit unknown
Photo credit unknown
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
CHN Links: Tuesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Looks like we may have three suspended players this week. Things are not looking up for the Magpies at this particular point in time.
That third kit is unlucky. No more blue!
Paul Currie/Action Images
Paul Currie/Action Images
Monday, November 22, 2010
CHN Links: Monday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. FC Dallas lost the MLS Cup last night, making them the third Dallas team in a row to go into a Championship as the favorite and lose. That sucks. Fortunately, the hand-wringing over Newcastle has been kept to a relative minimum.
I don't really want curly hair this week.
Photo credit unknown; pulled from thesun.co.uk
Photo credit unknown; pulled from thesun.co.uk
Sunday, October 31, 2010
CHN Links: Gameday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Are you willing to do what it takes to win today? (+1 million internets to anybody who knows what that's a reference to.)
Credited to "Barry H." on shiteseats.co.uk
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
CHN Links:Tuesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Good news for Andy Carroll as he basically ducks one of his assault charges. Details on that and more stories after the jump.
Andy Carroll as he appeared in court on Monday. I say Chris Hughton pulls off the suit a little better.
Photo credit unknown; pulled from chroniclelive.co.uk
Photo credit unknown; pulled from chroniclelive.co.uk
Friday, October 22, 2010
CHN Links: Friday Edition
Good afternoon, Toon Army. Chris Hughton's "testing times" just got a little more trying. Read more after the jump.
Carroll's car was set on fire, its windows were smashed, and its bonnet was forcibly opened. A quick search tells me that "bonnet" means trunk.
Photo credit unknown, pulled from guardian.co.uk
Photo credit unknown, pulled from guardian.co.uk
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
CHN Links: Tuesday Afternoon, I'm Just Beginning to See
Despite the title, or in spite of the title, good morning, Toon Army.
As you may have seen in our breaking news update, Andy Carroll has been charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend, and glassing some poor Joe. Glassing is a word I didn't know as a verb until yesterday. Oh well, learn something new every day....
I'm pretty depresed that I had to hunt down a picture of a broken bottle being wielded today...
As you may have seen in our breaking news update, Andy Carroll has been charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend, and glassing some poor Joe. Glassing is a word I didn't know as a verb until yesterday. Oh well, learn something new every day....
I'm pretty depresed that I had to hunt down a picture of a broken bottle being wielded today...Monday, October 18, 2010
CHN Links: Monday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Sorry for the hiccup yesterday. Everything is fine in the family.
I want curly hair too!
Photo credit unknown
Photo credit unknown
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
CHN Links: Thursday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Is Andy Carroll being rushed back from injury too soon? Will Sol Campbell play on Saturday? What about that book where the guy points the finger at all the other guys? Find out after the jump.
How I feel during the International Break. Hurry up, Saturday.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday Links
Happy Friday! Today seems like a good day to remind you to follow us on Twitter. If you like what you see, throw us some Follow Friday love and we'll be sure to send it right back.
Let's get to the links...
Let's get to the links...
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