Surely nobody expected Newcastle to go to Anfield and win even with a full-strength XI, which is what Liverpool (Gakpo only fit enough for the bench aside) had. So without Botman, Joelinton and Isak and having still been well in the game for an hour, I don’t really see the need to be overly negative - ThreadSky

benspratt.bsky.social • 5 days ago

Surely nobody expected Newcastle to go to Anfield and win even with a full-strength XI, which is what Liverpool (Gakpo only fit enough for the bench aside) had. So without Botman, Joelinton and Isak and having still been well in the game for an hour, I don’t really see the need to be overly negative

Comments

benspratt.bsky.social•5 days ago

Pope is a slight concern and Bruno isn’t playing well, but I would back both in the cup final. Salah has two goals and two assists against Newcastle this season, but I actually think Hall has played him quite well twice – probably says more about Salah than Hall

benspratt.bsky.social•5 days ago

In midfield, Joelinton obviously plays if fit, but I think Newcastle need Miley or a player of Miley’s profile starting long-term if they’re going to turn into an elite team who can keep the ball against other elite teams

benspratt.bsky.social•5 days ago

I know we all love Tonali – he’s great – but he perhaps needs to be the worst footballer in a midfield three; he’s quick, strong and has quality, but Miley might already be tighter technically. That, like Bruno’s lack of pace, was exposed more in a midfield two, too

benspratt.bsky.social•5 days ago

Anyway, again, as I was fine with losing this game and keeping something (or someone) back for the cup final, no complaints

iandu.bsky.social•5 days ago

Pope a "slight" concern? Really? Just slight?. Post injury Pope is a major liability. There are no situations where he should start over Dubs. His shortcomings limit the back 4 significantly.

benspratt.bsky.social•5 days ago

Maybe Pope’s not what he was 18 months ago, but that was one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Still think he’s much better than Dubravka (kicking obviously aside), albeit he’s looked rusty this week. There’ll be a new number one next season, but I don’t expect Pope to cost them before then

iandu.bsky.social•3 days ago

The back 4 are noticeably worse since Dubs was dropped. And I am yet to hear anyone explain what mistakes Dubs made that for him the elbow.

benspratt.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don’t think that’s true; the back four looked much, much worse at Man City in Dubravka’s last game than in the two since. It’s also not really about the mistakes he may have made (although there were plenty last season) but about what he doesn’t/can’t do – sweep outside his box, claim crosses..

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply