Newcastle’s survival hopes remain in the balance after throwing away a first half lead to lose 2-1 to Queens Park Rangers yesterday. Marcus Shearer takes a look at what we learnt in our ninth defeat in ten games:
Tim Krul’s World Cup hype has gone to his head
Fer’s wonder strike which he stood no chance with, the Dutchman was once again suspect against a tame QPR, failing to command his penalty area or bark orders at his back four. I get a strong feeling he’ll be moved on this summer even if the club stay up.
Why was Vurnon Anita dropped? He was outstanding last week
As the old expression goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Vurnon Anita at right-back last week looked far more dependable, energetic and stronger than Janmaat did against Junior Hoilett. Something Carver should really think about next week.
Ryan Taylor would have far more impact as a Sub than starting
Fans have such short memories these days, forgetting the Liverpudlian has barely returned from several lengthy injury lay-offs and being asked to do the job of a 2015 Premier League footballer. He’s gotten a lot of stick for his underwhelming performances, but the finger should be pointed at Carver for not trusting the promising Mehdi Abeid.
As a sub later on in the match, I feel Ryan would be able to help far more with defensive duties, as opposed to running himself into the ground by the hour mark.
Papiss Cisse MUST start next week
No ifs, no buts, no relying on Man United. If John Carver truly wants what’s best for his local side (aside from resigning) he’ll start Cisse and Perez up top together. He’ll also need plenty of service to them, which may even mean mixing things up by putting more pace on each wing – perhaps Obertan and Cabella? It’s a home fixture against West Ham.
A killer instinct is a MUST
Carver said in his press conference that he didn’t bring on Cisse at half time because they were already winning. Well John, that goes to show you lack that killer instinct to go for more, be ruthless and keep command of the game. The second QPR started to up the ante, Newcastle’s confidence and composure crumbled before their loyal fans eyes. This cannot happen next week at St James’ Park against a West Ham side in dire straits with another fan base calling for their manager to go.
Beating Hull could save us
That 3-0 win against Hull is looking like result of the season from Newcastle. I personally can’t see Hull getting more than a draw against Man Utd, but stranger things have happened. Regardless, Newcastle cannot rely on the Red Devils to undeservedly save their skins, they owe their own fans a proper performance, effort and result next Sunday.
