Newcastle United suffered their first defeat of the season in a disappointing afternoon at the Liberty Stadium.
As Swansea City took the lead within the opening 10 minutes of the game, many predicted a long afternoon for Newcastle fans. Though the Magpies fought hard to get back into the game, Janmaat’s sending off put an end to their revival.
The Swans wrapped up the game early in the second half as Jefferson Montero linked up with Andre Ayew to make it 2-0. Here’s what we learnt from today’s game:
Montero comfortably won the duel with Janmaat
Ahead of the game, many predicted the key clash of the match to be between Daryl Janmaat and Jefferson Montero.
Though Montero was expected to cause Janmaat problems, after his performance against Chelsea last weekend, nobody expected Daryl to capitulate so dramatically.
Within the first 20 minutes of the game, Janmaat had already picked up a yellow card for clattering the Ecuadorian winger in the opposition’s half. Newcastle fans on Twitter began discussing whether the Dutchman would make it to half-time without picking up another.
Five minutes before half-time, Janmaat was summoned by the referee once again to receive his marching orders – this time, for tugging Montero’s shirt.
McClaren elected to bring on Steven Taylor at half-time and Mbemba was shifted to right-back, but the former Anderlecht man failed to keep Montero under control.
We are awful in the air
Three of the four goals we have conceded this season have been headers – two against Southampton and another today – and it’s a cause for concern.
Swansea had the beating of our full-backs all afternoon, which allowed plenty of crosses to enter the box. Mbemba and Coloccini were able to deal with most of the aerial balls, but eventually one will slip through.
It is easy to blame Coloccini for being caught flat-footed today, and Janmaat last week, but, simply put, the crosses should have been prevented.
McClaren needs to have a word with Mitrovic
11 seconds into his Premier League debut, Mitrovic clattered Matt Targett and picked up a yellow card. One week later, Mitrovic is subbed on for his second Premier League appearance and is booked within 90 seconds for ‘stamping’ on Neil Taylor.
Fans do love to see players winning 50-50 balls with hard challenges and showing their passion. In fact, on a number of occasions last season, players were ridiculed by Newcastle fans for not getting stuck in and showing they caring for the club. But, when this ‘passion’ turns to pure aggression, then it’s a concern.
How long will it be before the opposition realise all they need to do is get Mitrovic riled up and he will do something stupid and irrational?
The 20-year-old is only young and has plenty of time to grow up as a player, but McClaren will need to work hard to calm the Serbian striker down.
Swansea are a very good side
Just last weekend, Swansea secured a point away from home to the Premier League champions Chelsea. Today, they played in front of their home crowd and were full of confidence, on the back of a fine performance at Stamford Bridge.
Though Newcastle came into today’s game on the back of a solid point at home to Southampton, our players are unlikely to be filled with confidence. Only a few months ago Newcastle were forced to win at home to West Ham on the final day of the season to secure their Premier League survival, following a dismal run of form. Nine of today’s starting line-up were at the club last season and it’s unlikely that they would have forgotten just how bad we were.
We have just played a good side, away from home, and lost. It’s not all doom and gloom. Give McClaren time and we will begin to see change!
