#LeonBestIsMint scores the second of his three goals for Newcastle against West Ham at St James' Park.
Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Showing posts with label Hatem Ben Arfa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hatem Ben Arfa. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
CHN Links: Friday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Conflicting reports about a possible transfer, an amusing anecdote about Stevenage, and more after the jump. (I can't wait until we're on a platform that doesn't limit the number of tags I can put on a post...)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Hatem Ben Arfa Signs Permanent Contract With Newcastle
According to multiple sources (here is a link to The Guardian's story), Hatem Ben Arfa has officially signed a permanent four and a half year deal with Newcastle United. The 23 year-old is expected to be ready for game action in February.
If the team does nothing else during the transfer window, it should still be considered a successful January, in my opinion.
If the team does nothing else during the transfer window, it should still be considered a successful January, in my opinion.
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.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Hatem Ben Arfa to sign long-term deal?
According to this tweet by George Caulkin of The Times, Hatem Ben Arfa has agreed in principle to deal that will make his loan stay at Newcastle permanent. No corroboration that I can see yet, so stay tuned for updates.
UPDATE: MirrorFootball also reports the story. I'm at late Christmas with the in-laws where cell phone signal is very weak, so I can't open the story, but the headline says he will sign. Hat-tip to @VanCanToonFan for the link.
UPDATE: MirrorFootball also reports the story. I'm at late Christmas with the in-laws where cell phone signal is very weak, so I can't open the story, but the headline says he will sign. Hat-tip to @VanCanToonFan for the link.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CHN Links: Gameday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Steven Taylor isn't going anywhere for five and half years, which is awesome. I'm a little more worried about today, though. Let's hope he can help contain van der Vaart and Bale. Again, we'll have a combination of previews and news today.
Rafael van der Vaart celebrates one of the two goals that he scored against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Getty Images
Getty Images
Friday, December 24, 2010
CHN Links: Christmas Eve Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Alan Pardew is close to re-signing Steven Taylor and wants to keep Hatem ben Arfa. Maybe he's not Satan after all.
Alan Pardew and Steven Taylor yuk it up together. A face-to-face meeting between the two could be what ends up keeping Taylor in black and white stripes.
Photo credit unknown
Photo credit unknown
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CHN Links: Wednesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Good news about Hatem ben Arfa after the jump.
Nigel de Jong - sure to get an earful on Boxing Day
Photo credit unknown
Photo credit unknown
Monday, December 13, 2010
CHN Links: Monday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. You feel any better about Pardew? At least he doesn't look like a hobo:
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
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
CHN Links: Wednesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Still on Cloud 9 after Sunday? Us too.
Walking in a Hughton Wonderland.
Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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
Friday, October 15, 2010
CHN Links: Friday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Fabio Capello tells us why Andy Carroll was not selected to play against Montenegro and Chris Hughton gives several interviews, all after the jump.
Danny Guthrie scores a penalty against Wigan Athletic in 2008.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe
Thursday, October 14, 2010
CHN Links: Thursday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. International breaks are long. Good thing neither England nor the US laid an egg this week...
Strip courtesy of studs-up.com, larger version may be found here.
Monday, October 11, 2010
CHN Links: Monday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. The de Jong/ben Arfa saga takes a strange turn, plus some transfer rumors and more after the jump.
We've been critical of Nigel de Jong, but he's no Todd Bertuzzi.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
CHN Links: Andy Carroll Day Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. We're declaring today Andy Carroll Day!
Who doesn't love this man?
Photo courtesy of Sky Sports
Photo courtesy of Sky Sports
Friday, October 8, 2010
CHN Links: Friday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Do you believe everything Chris Hughton says? No disrespect, but I don't. Details after the jump.
If there were a match this week, we would probably be done talking about this guy.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
CHN Links: Thursday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Good news for HBA's future with the club! Read about it after the jump.
"I will relish the day that I'm able to pull on a black and white shirt again." - Hatem ben Arfa
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
CHN Links: Wednesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. If this were a normal week we could move on from De Jong talk and go on to the next opponent. Alas, it is not, so we will not.
Apropos of nothing; I just thought it was cool looking.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
CHN Links: Tuesday Edition
Good morning, Toon Army. Lots of stuff about Hatem ben Arfa and Martin Atkinson today. Nothing like a little bit of controversy to get us through yet another international break.
Full strip (entitled "Dubious Freekick," how awesome is that?) available on studs-up.com
(h/t: CaughtOffside)
(h/t: CaughtOffside)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)