Teddeer

But all teams are guilty of this or something similar to varying degrees and Wolves are among the worst offenders. Shouldn't your piece have made reference to all the different widespread ways teams try to achieve a little advantage rather than just concentrating on us the side you claim to support? It would have been a more even handed approach instead of making us look like the only bad guys. I think we're pretty fair when you consider some of the players/managers at other clubs who are constantly in the refs face trying to get decisions to go their way.

Winning games breeds winning more games. Pick your strongest side.

Perraud goes straight back in when fit for me.

What time is it on?

We need to be very proud of Ralph and his team at the moment. Like many others I've sometimes doubted him but right now he has got us playing at another level. Goals are coming in open play and from different players - Broja is fantastic but we are not just reliant on him or Che. Romeu is currently one of the best midfield players in the Premier league and is doing his stuff week in week out. Stuart Armstrong fit and firing is massive for us and I still think there's more to come from him after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Spurs must be kicking themselves for letting KWP go - he is better than anything they have. The defence is looking solid and of course, when you can bring on Shane Long to wrap up the points what's not to like - so pleased to see him get a goal today. JWP we just take for granted and Moi is putting in some clever performances. The Everton forum is a good read, most of them unable to bring themselves to admit that we are a very good football team and handed their rag-bag bunch a lesson today. Could and should have been a much bigger beating. Bring on Norwich.

According to the Everton Grand Old Team forum we are battering them.

Think we lose a bit defensively.

Shame.

As if we are the only club that does this! Also, if this gives us a time to take on gel/water and have a tactical pow-wow then the opponents could do the same. Ridiculous article.

Irrespective of the question of who replaces Ralph issue that was a seriously impressive interview from Martin Semmens. His clear and honest appraisal of the club's philosophy was refreshing and leaves us in no doubt about what we can expect in terms of transfer business. Right now we are in very capable hands and in a great place in terms of the brand of entertaining football we are playing and the results we are getting. Clearly we'll never compete with the big boys on spending power but we can look forward to an exciting future and hopefully many more young talented players spending time with us as a natural development in their careers. It may not last for ever but let's enjoy the ride for now.

You also have to factor in what Broja wants. He seems happy here so maybe he'd be up for another season on loan to us and that may also suit Chelsea who'll be keen to see him develop further and help take vital points from their close rivals.

Weren't there rumours not so long ago that Semmens had interviewed Howe and he was waiting for the Saints job to become available. Obviously he's now gone to Newcastle but it's interesting that his contract is two and a half years which seems to coincide with when Ralph is planning to retire. I'm probably putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 here 🙂

Ah, didn't know that as haven't listened to the interview yet.

Think Semmens is talking about Eddie Howe as the guy they want to replace Ralph. Doubt he's in Newcastle's long term plans.

Eddie Howe.

Not sure why they'd think an away game against us would be a banker for 3 points. In our current form we are one of the best sides in the Premier League.

Very impressive when you consider 5 of those 8 games were away from home against good or very good opposition.

Thanks, maybe we should be raving about Che a bit more 🙂

I thought this as well. Right now we are a very good team to watch. Playing good football and getting decent results is a perfect combination for us fans so long may it continue.

I hear there is a new strain of Covid in Newcastle. It was announced today and scientists are trying to work out why it only affects professional footballers.

Interesting, didn't appreciate he'd scored as many as Broja who we are all raving about. Has Che played more games? I'm guessing so. Adams does go under the radar and I think he's a better footballer than many give him credit for. He should get to double figures this season at this rate.

Yes I can see that and it would potentially improve his conversion rate. Funnily enough I've said the exact same thing about Adam Armstrong - I just think he does everything at 100mph and would improve if he took his time a bit.

I think he is one of those single minded strikers who is always going to take the shot on and try to add to his goal tally regardless of who is in a better position. I actually like this attitude and maybe he'd lose something if we try to coach it out of him. It's a fine line.

Clearly we'll not be able to afford the finished product so I hope we are checking out all the up and coming young strikers and can sign one who will give us what we need. Probably impossible to unearth another Broja but maybe we can get a player in the same style, big, strong and quick - it's a tall order.

Che is a very good Premier League forward. He'll miss some chances but show me a striker who doesn't. For the money we paid for him he's been a great signing and continues to improve. Ideal foil for Broja - these two are tough to defend against for any opponents. Che is a very good fit for the way we play the game. I had high hopes of Adam Armstrong - maybe he'll need time like Che but his style is totally different. He came as a single minded striker who is looking to shoot at every opportunity which can work in the Championship but you need more sophistication in the Premier League. For me he needs to slow his game down a bit instead of trying to do everything at 100mph and making errors.