[FM14] Howay the Lads - A Newcastle United career

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Tuesday 3rd December, 22:27pm

Newcastle United 1 v.s 5 Manchester United

Newcastle’s twelve game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end this evening after they were crushed 5-1 at home to Manchester United.

Louis Van Gaal’s side possess incredible attacking talent and it was a blistering five minutes during the midpoint of the first half when they blew the home side away. On loan striker Falcao grabbed his first goal of the game when he capitalised on a dreadful clearance by Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, sending the ball back over the Dutchman’s head and into the net from thirty yards out. The prolific frontman then grabbed a second just five minutes later when he stole the ball from Moussa Sissoko in midfield before firing an effort low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

It was to be 3-0 soon after when Juan Mata kept his incredible season going, grabbing his tenth goal of the campaign. Good work from Robin Van Persie down the left hand side saw the Dutch frontman break free from Davide Santon and when he clipped in a cross towards the back post, Mata was on hand to rifle a volley into the roof of the net from six yards out. Thomas Tuchel was left tearing his hair out at his side’s defending which had been nothing short of atrocious.

The visitors made it 4-0 in the fifty sixth minute of the game when Falcao grabbed his hatrick with an excellent solo effort. The Colombian picked the ball up from just inside the Newcastle half before driving forward, shrugging off the attentions of Cheik Tiote and Moussa Sissoko before cutting inside and bending an effort into the far corner of the goal from twenty five yards out. The Magpies did manage to pull a goal back just after the hour mark when Davide Santon’s cross evaded everyone to nestle in the far corner of David De Gea’s goal but the Red Devils restored their four goal advantage with just thirteen minutes remaining when Di Maria nodded in from close range.

A massively disappointing evening for Thomas Tuchel who stated after the game that it may have been best for his side to shut up shop after the third goal went in. The German takes his side to Loftus Road to face QPR at the weekend and they will be no doubt hoping to bounce back after this demoralising result.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Sorensen, Santon, Tiote ©, Sissoko, Lacazette, De Jong (Cisse 45), Cabella (Gouffran 67), Riviere (Perez 67), Ferreyra

Subs not used: Williamson, Haidara, Bigirimana, Anita

Goals: Santon (67)

Yellow cards: Tiote

Red Cards: None

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Jones ©, Evans, Shaw, Fletcher, Carrick (Herrera 77), Fellaini, Van Persie (Di Maria 73), Mata, Falcao (Rooney 73)

Subs not used: Amos, Rojo, Valencia, Young

Goals: Falcao (24, 29, 56), Mata (32), Di Maria (77)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 52, 405

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Sunday 8th December 2013, 15:49pm

Queens Park Rangers 0 v.s 1 Newcastle United

Newcastle bounced back from their midweek mauling at the hands of Manchester United to pick up a vital three points in today’s early kick off against Queens Park Rangers.

An end to end affair where both teams had numerous chances was decided from the penalty spot in the fifty eighth minute when Rio Ferdinand clattered into Alexandre Lacazette after he had ghosted into the area. The thirty five year old left Phil Dowd with no other option but to point to the spot and left his team mates fuming at the decision to bundle over Lacazette when it looked as if he was being forced wide. Siem De Jong collected the ball before sending Alex McCarthy the wrong way for his sixth goal of the campaign.

Harry Redknapp and his team will no doubt feel disheartened to come away with nothing from the game as they created an abundance of chances throughout the ninety minutes. Steven Caulker was presented with a great opportunity just twelve minutes into the game when he was left unmarked six yards out. The former Spurs man mistimed his jump however and miscued his header well wide of the goal. Adel Taarabt and Charlie Austin were also causing the Magpies back line problems and both forced good saves from Tim Krul.

Stern words were likely to be said by Thomas Tuchel at half time as his team came out rejuvenated for the second period and could have easily went in front just five minutes into the second half when Lacazette curled a cross towards the back post which evaded everyone, McCarthy managing to sprawl across his goal and produce a magnificent fingertip save. The former Reading stopper was again called into action in the seventieth minute of the game when Riviere powered a header towards goal from a Davide Santon cross, only to see his effort pushed over the bar. The visitors did manage to hold on for all three points though despite a small QPR revival into added time. Thomas Tuchel will now have to prepare his side for a trip to south Wales as they face Swansea in six days’ time.

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Queens Park Rangers: McCarthy, Flanagan, Caulker, Ferdinand © (Dunne 75), Seok-Young, Vargas (Isla 45), Fer, Sandro, Phillips (Zamora 59), Taarabt, Austin

Subs not used: Green, Mutch, Wright-Phillips, Hoilett

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Ferdinand, Dunne, Fer, Vargas

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon (Janmaat 72), Sviatchenko, Sorensen, Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote ©, Lacazette (Perez 84), De Jong, Cabella, Riviere (Anita 84)

Subs not used: Elliot, Williamson, Gouffran, Cisse

Goals: De Jong (58 pen)

Yellow cards: Santon

Red cards: None

Attendance: 18,489

[JD nawrat]

Just saw this thread for the first time - loving this layout though. Very original idea and a great read all the same. Amazing result against City (I actually went like this when I saw it ) and doing really well all the same (harsh result against United, mind you).

Maybe you could includes a little 'How it stands' league table image somewhere in the article? Maybe even do it with every second/third article instead of each one? Gives a better idea of how you're doing in the grand scheme of things and lets us see how others are doing too

[Ryan377]

@JDownie - Thanks man! Good suggestion as well. I'm a few weeks ahead in my FM save of this career but I'll definitely start implementing it from around mid January.

Last Updated: Saturday 14th December 2013, 18:03pm

Swansea City 2 v.s 2 Newcastle United

Swansea City and Newcastle United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw this afternoon in the Premier League, Bafetimbi Gomis helping himself to a double against the club he nearly signed for twelve months ago.

The game sprung to life in an enthralling sixteen minute period just after half time. It was the home side that took the lead when Bafetimbi Gomis grabbed his first goal of the afternoon, nodding home a Nathan Dyer cross from six yards. Newcastle were soon level though as Emmanuel Riviere grabbed his fourth goal of the campaign. Remy Cabella brought the ball forward from midfield before spraying a cross field ball to Alexandre Lacazette on the opposite flank. The former Lyon man produced a burst of pace to get past Neil Taylor before curling in a pin point cross for Riviere to head past Fabianksi.

A period of sustained pressure from the Magpies paid off when just seven minutes after pulling level, they managed to go 2-1 up. Ashley Williams put a strong tackle in on Emmanuel Riviere on the edge of the box as he went to pull the trigger, however, the ball ended up rolling to the feet of De Jong who expertly bent the ball into the far corner of the goal from twenty yards. Not to be out done, Gomis then grabbed his second of the game when he executed a perfectly timed volley from Leon Britton’s cross.

Newcastle looked the most likely to go back in front after the leveller and came close in the eighty first minute when Remy Cabella saw his twenty five yard free kick scrape the top of the crossbar on its way over. Siem De Jong also wasted a great chance in added time when he was played through on goal, only to miscue his effort into the side netting. A point is a fair result for both sides though and Newcastle will now be focusing on their Capital One Cup trip to White Hart Lane in four days’ time.

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Swansea City: Fabianski, Rangel, Williams ©, Fernandez (Tate 75), Taylor, Britton, Tettey, Dyer, Bony, Montero (Emnes 59), Gomis

Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Richards, Ki Sung-Yeung

Goals: Gomis (52, 68)

Yellow cards: Tettey, Dyer, Rangel

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko (Anita 80), Tiote, Lacazette (Perez 80), De Jong, Cabella, Riviere

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Williamson, Sorensen, Cisse

Goals: Riviere (59), De Jong (66)

Yellow cards: Haidara

Red cards: None

Attendance: 19,702

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 18th December 2013, 23:27pm

Tottenham Hotspur 2 v.s 2 Newcastle United

(Tottenham win 4-2 on penalties)

Newcastle suffered penalty heartbreak this evening at White Hart Lane as they were knocked out the Capital One Cup quarter final.

Both sides struggled to create any clear cut chances during the ninety minute period with neither goalkeeper being forced into any meaningful saves. Hugo Lloris did well to deny Alexandre Lacazette just after the hour mark but his effort was weak and allowed his fellow countryman to get a strong hand on the ball to push it away from goal. Tottenham had a great chance with just ten minutes remaining but Nadil Bentaleb screwed an effort well wide of the goal when it looked easier to score for the Algerian international.

The game was brought to life just before the half time period in extra time when Harry Kane put Mauricio Pochettino’s side in front. Moussa Dembele curled a corner in towards the far post that was headed clear by Davide Santon. The ball was promptly whipped back into the box by Ben Davies and with the Newcastle defence trying to rush out the of the eighteen yard area, Harry Kane was left unmarked on the penalty spot and the twenty year old had time to control before lashing a strike past Tim Krul.

Newcastle were to force the game to go to a penalty shootout though when an exquisite through ball from Remy Cabella set Emmanuel Riviere through on goal. Tottenham defenders raised their arms in hope that an offside flag would be produced but the linesman had correctly kept his flag down and Riviere calmy rounded the goalkeeper before rolling into an empty net right in front of the five thousand travelling fans.

It meant the game was to be decided by a penalty shootout and unfortunately for Riviere, he was the first to be denied when Hugo Lloris produced a fingertip save on the third round of penalties. The France number one was again the hero when he denied Ayoze Perez meaning that if Erik Lamela scored, Spurs would be through to the semi-finals. The Argentine duly obliged, thumping the ball into the top corner to break Newcastle hearts and send Tottenham through to the final four.

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Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Fazio (Kaboul 45), Chiriches, Davies, Capoue (Dembele 45), Bentaleb, Lamela, Eriksen ©, Chadli (Lennon 68), Kane

Subs not used: McGee, Naughton, Soldado, Adebayor

Goals: Kane (105)

Yellow cards: Davies

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Coloccini ©, Sorensen, Haidara, Sissoko (Anita 72), Tiote, Lacazette, De Jong (Riviere 105), Cabella, Ferreyra (Perez 105)

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Williamson, Sviatchenko

Goals: Riviere (113)

Yellow cards: Sorensen, Sissoko, Tiote

Red cards: None

Attendance: 32, 067

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 21st December 2013, 19:30pm

Newcastle United 0 v.s 1 West Ham United

Just days after exiting the Capital One Cup quarter final, Newcastle were again punished for not converting their chances when former striker Andy Carroll netted a late winner to seal all three points for The Hammers.

Thomas Tuchel was left in disbelief at some of his sides finishing as on numerous occasions it looked as if they would make the breakthrough, only to screw an effort wide or over Jussi Jaaskelainen’s goal. Moussa Sissoko had two great chances within minutes of each other midway through the first half but both times when he was played one on one with the goalkeeper, the Frenchman took too long on the ball and was dispossessed by a West Ham defender. Ayoze Perez also wasted a great chance just before half time when he was left unmarked on the edge of the six yard box, only to head Daryl Janmaat’s cross over the bar.

The second half was a drab affair with either side cancelling each other out. Substitute Yoan Gouffran squandered a great opportunity just moments after coming on when he could only direct his header straight into the arms of Jaaskelainen. Newcastle fans were starting to think that it may not be their day when Emmanuel Riviere, who scored against Spurs in midweek, bent an effort towards goal from thirty yards only to see the ball bounce off the crossbar and out for a goal kick.

West Ham then dealt the killer blow with just sixty seconds of normal time remaining and it was Andy Carroll who scored the goal, his first against Newcastle since leaving his hometown club in 2011. Kevin Nolan won the ball in midfield before picking out Ravel Morrison on the left wing. The tricky winger completely outpaced Janmaat before clipping an excellent cross towards the back post where Carroll had the simplest of tasks to nod the ball in from three yards. The Geordie striker didn’t celebrate the goal but the 2,500 travelling West Ham fans were ecstatic, the late winner sealing their first win in four games.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Williamson ©, Dummett (Haidara 71), Anita, Colback, Riviere, Sissoko (Aarons 71), Perez, Cisse (Gouffran 59)

Subs not used: Elliot, Streete, Abeid, Vuckic

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Dummett, Colback

Red Cards: None

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell, Song, Henry, Nolan ©, Downing, Jarvis (Morrison 72), Carroll

Subs not used: Spiegel, Collins, Kouyate, Chambers, O’Brien, Cole

Goals: Carroll (89)

Yellow cards: Song, Nolan

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 379

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Thursday 26th December 2013, 17:36pm

Newcastle United 2 v.s 0 Stoke City

Newcastle United got back to winning ways this afternoon with two late goals helping them to three points against Mark Hughes struggling Stoke City.

The Magpies had been dominant throughout the game but it took them until the seventy sixth minute to finally find a way past Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Moussa Sissoko saw his long range effort sting the palms of Begovic who had to push the ball wide for a corner. It was Remy Cabella who swung the delivery in towards the near post where club captain Fabricio Coloccini managed to sneak in front of Robert Huth to glance a header into the roof of the net from six yards out.

After collecting an assist for the first goal, Remy Cabella then turned goal scorer when he doubled the home sides lead with only seven minutes left on the clock. Yoan Gouffran chipped a lovely ball over the Stoke City back line for Facundo Ferreyra who had ran into space. The Argentine forward managed to bring the pass down with his first touch before sending a perfectly weighted cross to the far post where Cabella was on hand to volley home. The relief was evident on Tyneside after two defeats and one draw in their last three games, it seemed imperative that they got back to winning ways today.

Thomas Tuchel stated after the match that he was delighted with his side’s character after what had been a tough few weeks for them. The German stated that the club do have targets that they are wanting to pursue in the upcoming transfer window and that there may be one or two faces leaving St James Park if the club can receive any offers that they deem acceptable. The Toon Army will travel down to Southampton tomorrow where they will face a resurgent Saints side who have won their last three games.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote, Lacazette (Gouffran 76), De Jong (Perez 76), Cabella, Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Sorensen, Anita, Riviere

Goals: Coloccini (76), Cabella (83)

Yellow cards: Tiote

Red Cards: None

Stoke City: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross ©, Huth, Pieters, N’Zonzi, Sidwell (Ireland 45), Cameron, Arnautovic, Drinkwater (Odemwingie 55), Walters (Coquelin 82)

Subs not used: Butland, Bardsley, Muniesa, Wilson

Goals: None

Yellow cards: N’Zonzi

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 232

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 28th December 2013, 17:40pm

Southampton 1 v.s 1 Newcastle United

Southampton and Newcastle played out an entertaining one all draw at St Mary’s this afternoon, both sides having chances late on to steal all three points.

It was the visitors who took the lead as Remy Cabella grabbed his second goal in three days with a sumptuous finish. Emmanuel Riviere forced his way towards the Southampton goal but was dispossessed by an excellent slide tackle executed by Victor Wanyama on the edge of the penalty area. The ball rolled to Remy Cabella who bent a first time effort into the far corner of the goal, Fraser Forster managing to get finger tips to the ball but not enough to stop it from flying into the net.

The home side didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser though and it was James Ward-Prowse who pulled the game back level, picking up his fourth goal of the season. Good work from Shane Long down the left side of the pitch pulled Daryl Janmaat out of position meaning Fabricio Coloccini had to go across to cover the space. This allowed Ward-Prowse to ghost into the space created and when Long slid a perfect through ball into him, the England under twenty one international took one touch to control before calmly slotting the ball past Tim Krul from eight yards out.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the closing stages but a draw was probably a fair result and left both parties relatively satisfied. Frederik Sorensen nearly bagged his first Magpies goal with only five minutes remaining but the young Dane centre back could only direct his header straight into the arms of Fraser Forster. Substitute Graziano Pelle then had an even better chance for the Saints in added time but the summer signing saw his close range header clip the bottom of the post before trickling out of play for a goal kick.

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Southampton: Forster, Clyne (Mane 71), Alderweireld, Fonte ©, Bertrand, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Davis, Cork, Stracqualursi (Rodriguez 45), Long (Pelle 82)

Subs not used: Boruc, Yoshida, Digne, Mayuka

Goals: Ward-Prowse (43)

Yellow cards: Bertrand, Cork

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini ©, Sorensen, Santon, Sissoko, Anita, Lacazette (Bigirimana 56), Cabella, Perez (De Jong 59), Riviere (Ferreyra 59)

Subs not used: Elliot, Sviatchenko, Haidara, Cisse

Goals: Cabella (30)

Yellow cards: Janmaat

Red cards: None

Attendance: 24, 925

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 1st January 2014, 18:00pm

Newcastle United 0 v.s 0 Aston Villa

It was to be a frustrating start to the new year for Newcastle United as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home against a resolute Aston Villa side.

The Magpies were unable to break down a solid Villa defence despite dominating possession stats and constantly spending time in their opponents half. Before the game, Villa manager Paul Lambert stated that his side needed to be wary of Newcastle’s attacking threat and he set his side up brilliantly to nullify the attacking prowess of Lacazette, Cabella, Perez and Ferreyra. Siem De Jong and Emmanuel Riviere were also introduced to the field in the second half but neither were able to break the deadlock.

Aston Villa’s game plan was obvious; soak up the pressure from the home side before counter attacking at a devastating pace. The visitors arguably had the most clear cut chance of the game midway through the first half. After Cabella was dismissed on the edge of the penalty area, Matt Lowton sent a long ball up field for Christian Benteke to chase. The Belgian striker got there ahead of Fabricio Coloccini before slotting a perfect through ball to Joe Cole down the left hand side, the former Lille man in acres of space as Davide Santon was still up field. Cole quickly darted into the penalty area but dragged his shot well wide of the goal as Tim Krul dived at his feet. A glaring miss by the thirty two year old who is yet to score for his new club.

Newcastle were poor throughout and rarely threatened Brad Guzan in the visitors goal. Ayoze Perez screwed a header wide just before half time when he really should have hit the target and Remy Cabella also managed to create himself a half chance with some neat footwork on the edge of the box, only to see his effort pushed wide of the post. Thomas Tuchel was left frustrated at the final whistle and will be hoping for a much better performance at St James’ Park next weekend as the Toon Army face Chesterfield in the third round of the FA Cup.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko (De Jong 77), Tiote (Anita 65), Lacazette, Cabella (Riviere 65), Perez, Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Sorensen, Cisse

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Sissoko, Tiote

Red Cards: None

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar ©, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Cleverley, Delph (Westwood 83), Cole (N’Zogbia 56), Grealish, Benteke

Subs not used: Steer, Senderson, Richardson, Bacuna, Weimann

Goals: None

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 46, 744

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 4th January 2014, 18:22pm

Newcastle United 0 v.s 0 Chesterfield

Newcastle were this afternoon held to a 0-0 draw by League One Chesterfield in the FA Cup third round, meaning it is now only one win in seven in all competitions for the Magpies.

Boss Thomas Tuchel decided to experiment with his squad giving starts to fringe players like Mehdi Abeid, Gael Bigirimana, Adam Campbell and Paul Dummett. Siem De Jong was named captain of the side and it was he who had the best chance of the opening forty five minutes. Yoan Gouffran brought the ball forward before some nice footwork on the edge of the area saw the former Bordeaux man tripped by Ian Evatt. De Jong picked up the ball before attempting to curl an effort over the wall and into the top corner of the goal. Unfortunately for the Newcastle man, the free kick curled wide, taking a slight deflection off the post on its way out of play.

The home side looked much better after the break but were again frustrated by a team defending deep against their forward line, just like Aston Villa did here seven days ago. Mike Williamson had a great chance on the hour mark but he could only direct his header straight at the goalkeeper from six yards out. Substitute Rolando Aarons then came close to breaking the deadlock when his looping cross evaded everyone, only for Tommy Lee to palm the ball over his crossbar.

Credit definitely needs to be given to Chesterfield who nullified the Premier League side for most of the game. Although chances for them were few and far between, it was always the game plan for The Spireites to force a replay of the tie where they will feel confident of causing a major upset. Manager Paul Cook praised his team’s togetherness and will be hoping the confidence received from this result will help them with their league form which has been poor in recent months. Newcastle face Arsenal at home in the Barclays Premier League next before the trip down to the Proact Stadium which has been scheduled for Wednesday 15th January.

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Newcastle United: Elliot, Haidara, Sorensen, Williamson, Dummett, Bigirimana, Abeid, Gouffran (Aarons 64), De Jong © (Cisse 77), Perez, Campbell (Riviere 64)

Subs not used: Alnwick, Janmaat, Streete, Colback

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Haidara, Dummett

Red Cards: None

Chesterfield: Lee, Hird, Evatt ©, Naylor, Jones, Humphreys, Frampton (Onovwigun 79), Talbot, Roberts (Darikwa 74), Boco, Gnanduillet (Doyle 57)

Subs not used: Irons, Broadhead, Clucas, Daniels

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Hird

Red cards: None

Attendance: 29, 377

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Monday 6th January 2014, 10:01am

Newcastle submit loan offer for Honda

Newcastle United look to be closing in on their first signing of this January transfer window after submitting a loan offer for out of favour AC Milan midfielder, Keisuke Honda.

The Japanese international joined the Serie A giants last season but has struggled to nail down a starting position this campaign and has been deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Unai Emery. The former Sevilla head coach, who joined Milan in December after Pippo Inzaghi was sacked, is believed to have told Honda that chances will be limited for him and that it would be beneficial for both parties to part ways.

Thomas Tuchel has been a long term admirer of the Japan star and it is believed he wanted to bring the attacking midfielder to Mainz when it was confirmed he was leaving CSKA Moscow. Twelve months on though, Tuchel looks like he will finally get the chance to work with Honda if the twenty seven year old accepts the loan offer from the Tyneside club. It is believed that Honda will compete with Siem De Jong for a spot behind the main striker if he is to join, with Newcastle looking to bring in a few new faces to help with their unexpected Champions League push.

In other Newcastle news, BBCSport understands that Mike Williamson and Papiss Cisse have both been advised that they can find new clubs. The pair have had limited opportunities for the Magpies so far this season and with Cisse especially on larger wages, it is understood the club want to free up some space for new arrivals. Newcastle face Arsenal at home on Saturday afternoon in the Barclays Premier League, looking to achieve their first win of 2014.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Friday 10th January 2014, 13:33pm

Newcastle seal Honda loan deal

Keisuke Honda has completed his loan switch from AC Milan to Newcastle United this morning and has been registered in time for their Premier League fixture at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

Honda, who only joined Milan last year, arrived in the North East of England this morning to complete the finer details of a loan deal which will keep him at St James’ Park until the end of the season. BBCSport understands that there is no option to buy included in the deal, however, it is believed that Milan will look to sell Honda in the summer as he does not feature in new manager Unai Emery’s plans.

The Japan international started his footballing career with Nagoya Grampus in his homeland before moving to Dutch club VVV Venlo in 2008. It was here where the attacking midfielder caught the eye of major European clubs with some scintillating displays so it was a surprise to many when Honda opted to sign for Russian club CSKA Moscow, rejecting offers from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Struggling to adapt early on in his CSKA career, Honda averaged a goal every five games while playing for CSKA. Running his contract down, Honda then decided to make the switch to Serie A where he joined giants AC Milan. Despite some impressive performances at the San Siro, the arrival of new manager Unai Emery saw Honda drop to the bench and he was informed by the former Sevilla boss to look for a new club once the transfer window reopened.

Thomas Tuchel explained at his pre match press conference that Honda was in contention to start Sundays game at home to Arsenal and he is hoping that the twenty seven year old can help Newcastle’s problems in front of goal as they have struggled to find the net recently. The Newcastle boss also claimed that the club were in the market for one more new arrival, this believed to be a centre back as they look to offload Mike Williamson who has rarely featured for the first team this season.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Sunday 12th January 2014, 17:21pm

Newcastle United 0 v.s 0 Arsenal

It is now three consecutive nil nil draws for Newcastle in all competitions after another stalemate this afternoon, this time against Arsenal.

After goalless draws against Aston Villa and then League One Chesterfield in the FA Cup last week, Thomas Tuchel said he wanted to see more attacking flair from his side and to be fair to them, this was shown throughout the ninety minutes. In an even game with chances for both sides, Newcastle undoubtedly had the best chance of the opening forty five. Facundo Ferreyra powered his way forward down the right wing before sharply cutting inside past Kieran Gibbs. Alexandre Lacazette ghosted his way into the box and when Ferreyra perfectly picked him out there only seemed to be one outcome. Lacazette didn’t get enough on his effort though and Szczesny was able to produce a fingertip save to push the ball round his post.

Both sides continued to attack in the second period and if it wasn’t for some abject finishing, the game could have ended up as a three all draw. Aaron Ramsey had a great chance just after the break but he miscued his shot well wide of the goal after latching onto an Olivier Giroud knock down. Remy Cabella then had a fantastic chance for the home side on the hour but after managing to wriggle free from the attentions of fellow countryman Laurent Koscielny, the former Montpellier man stroked an effort straight into the gloves of Szczesny. Cabella then had another good opening on seventy six minutes when he was tripped on the edge of the area by former Newcastle man Mathieu Debuchy. The resulting free kick ended up over the crossbar though, taking a slight nick off the bar as it looped over.

Arsenal could have ended up winning the game when they were presented with a glorious chance in added time after some terrible Newcastle defending. Santi Cazorla accelerated past a lethargic looking Daryl Janmaat and the Spaniard picked out a perfect cross to the unmarked Mesut Ozil at the back post. The German international completely fluffed his header though and the ball bounced into the ground before harmlessly floating over the crossbar. Arsene Wenger was left frustrated while Thomas Tuchel was left scratching his head at how his team have failed to score yet again.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Santon, Sissoko, Tiote, Lacazette (Riviere 48), Honda (De Jong 65), Cabella, Ferreyra (Cisse 65)

Subs not used: Elliot, Williamson, Sorensen, Perez

Goals: None

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, N’Koulou, Koscielny (Sanchez 67), Gibbs, Arteta © (Rosicky 90), Ramsey, Walcott (Mertesacker 45), Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud

Subs not used: Ospina, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Akpom

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Debuchy

Red cards: None

Attendance: 51, 282

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 15th January 2014, 22:11pm

Chesterfield 0 v.s 1 Newcastle United

Newcastle scraped into the fourth round of the FA Cup this evening, an early Siem De Jong penalty putting them into the draw for the next round.

The game was only ten minutes old when Chesterfield captain Ian Evatt attempted a slide tackle on the wet surface, only to take the legs of Siem De Jong leaving the referee with no other option. The Dutch forward put the ball on the spot before calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, this being Newcastle’s first goal since the one all draw with Southampton in late December. The relief for Thomas Tuchel was evident, the German punching the air as his side went in front.

It had been torrential rain throughout the day in Chesterfield which left the pitch in a terrible state meaning both sides were resorting to direct football as short passes weren’t an option on the torn up pitch. Newcastle nearly doubled their lead just before the break as a long punt forward by Daryl Janmaat caused confusion in the home side defence, De Jong sneaking in to put himself one on one with the goalkeeper but Tommy Lee spread himself well to block the goal bound effort. Tim Krul was forced into an excellent save early into the second half when Eoin Doyle powered a header towards goal from an excellent Rommy Boco cross. The Dutch international managed to spring himself across goal though to tip the effort wide.

Belief swept round the stadium that an upset may be on the cards when Newcastle defender Mike Williamson received his second yellow card of the game in the sixty first minute after a poorly timed tackle on Jay O’Shea. Despite having a man advantage though, the League One side rarely troubled a solid looking Newcastle defence. Gary Roberts was presented with a half chance near the end when a poor clearance fell to him on the edge of the box but the twenty nine year old curled an effort harmlessly over the crossbar. The visitors managed to hold on and have been rewarded with a home tie against Manchester United in ten days’ time.

-

Chesterfield: Lee, Talbot, Evatt ©, Naylor, Humphreys, Ryan, Morsy (Clucas 71), Darikwa (Boco 45), Roberts, O’Shea (Daniels 66), Doyle

Subs not used: Worsnop, Hird, Broadhead, Gardner

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Evatt, Darikwa, Boco

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini ©, Dummett, Colback, Tiote (Bigirimana 82), Riviere, De Jong (Sorensen 61), Gouffran (Ferguson 82), Perez

Subs not used: Elliot, Cabella, Armstrong, Cisse

Goals: De Jong (10 pen)

Yellow cards: Krul, Williamson, Dummett

Red cards: Williamson

Attendance: 10, 379

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 18th January 2014, 17:49pm

Everton 0 v.s 1 Newcastle United

It is now five clean sheets in a row for Newcastle United after another excellent performance by their defence helped them to a one nil victory at Goodison Park this afternoon.

An end to end encounter was decided with just fourteen minutes left on the clock when on loan striker Facundo Ferreyra scored arguably his best goal for the Magpies this season. Remy Cabella did well to skip past the challenge of a lethargic looking Gareth Barry before playing a neat one two with Alexandre Lacazette down the right hand side. The former Montpellier men clipped a cross towards the back post but Phil Jagielka managed to rise above Moussa Sissoko to head clear. The ball fell to Ferreyra on the edge of the area who controlled with his chest and let the ball bounce before rifling a half volley into the roof of the net and leaving Tim Howard with no chance.

It was the perfect away performance from the Magpies who were soaking up the Everton pressure before hitting them on the counter attack with the deadly pace that they possess in their side. Substitute Gael Bigirimana had a great chance just before the hour mark to grab only his second Premier League goal for the Toon Army but the former Coventry man shot straight at Howard. Cabella also wasted a glaring opportunity just before the goal came, the Frenchman producing some exquisite footwork to put himself through on goal but the twenty three year old tried to dink the ball over the onrushing Howard when it looked like rounding the goalkeeper was the better option.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was left angered at his team’s inability to finish off the chances that they created. The Toffees were dominant for periods in the first half but ended up choosing the wrong pass in the final third or being denied by an excellent performance from Tim Krul. The Dutch stopper produced a magnificent one handed stop just before half time when Steven Pienaar ghosted in at the back post to send a looping header back over the head of Tim Krul. The Newcastle number one managed to quickly adjust his feet before falling back and clawing the ball over his crossbar. It seemed from this point onwards; it just wasn’t to be Everton’s day.

-

Everton: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka ©, Distin, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas (Osman 56), Eto’o, Pienaar (Kone 76), Lukaku (Naismith 61)

Subs not used: Joel, Stones, Oviedo, McGeady

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Distin, Baines, McCarthy

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Santon, Tiote, Sissoko, Honda (Bigirimana 30), Lacazette (Riviere 86), Cabella, Ferreyra (Perez 90)

Subs not used: Elliot, Sorensen, De Jong, Cisse

Goals: Ferreyra (76)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 32, 665

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Tuesday 21st January 2014, 13:05pm

Duo depart Magpies

Papiss Cisse and Mike Williamson have both completed their moves away from Newcastle United today, departing for Sporting Lisbon and Queens Park Rangers.

Cisse, who joined Newcastle in 2011 from German club Freiburg, has found opportunities extremely limited at St James’ Park this season and has regularly found himself third choice at the club behind Facundo Ferreyra and young Spaniard Ayoze Perez. The Senegalese striker has only made eight appearances this season, a solitary strike coming against Arsenal early on in the campaign. Thomas Tuchel advised the forward that it may be in his best interests to find a new club in this winters transfer window and the formalities of a £4 million switch were completed this morning.

The second player to leave the club today was centre back Mike Williamson who has joined Queens Park Rangers for a fee of £1 million. Harry Redknapp is keen to bolster his squad after an excellent first half to the season that has seen the West London club challenging for a Europa League position. Williamson arrived at St James’ Park when the club were in the Championship, helping them to promotion just three months after arriving. The arrivals of Erik Sviatchenko and Frederik Sorensen in the summer meant Williamson has rarely seen first team action this season, mainly playing in the clubs excellent League Cup run. The former Portsmouth man has said he is looking forward to the new chapter in his career and is hoping to nail down a starting spot in the QPR side very soon.

In other Newcastle related transfer news, BBCSport understands that the club are close to agreeing a loan deal for Ajax centre back Mike Van Der Hoorn. The highly rated twenty one year old has been listed for loan by the current Eredivisie champions and it is believed that the Magpies are hoping to bring him to the club in the coming days, before sealing a permanent transfer in the summer. The Dutch under twenty one international signed for Ajax in the summer but only made one appearance for the first team before being demoted to the reserve side.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 25th January 2014, 18:04pm

Newcastle United 2 v.s 0 Manchester United

Newcastle progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup this afternoon after recording a 2-0 victory against Premier League leaders Manchester United .

A drab and timid affair was finally brought to life with only twelve minutes left to play. Moussa Sissoko took a quick throw in on the right hand side, sending Alexandre Lacazette into space near the corner flag. The French forward curled a cross towards the penalty area where Siem De Jong cushioned a header to Davide Santon on the edge of the box. The Italian full back struck the effort well but it seemed to be just going wide of the post before Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo stuck out his left leg to try and divert the shot, only succeeding in looping the ball into the air and into the far corner of the goal past a helpless David De Gea. Pandemonium in the stands of what was a near sold out St James’ Park.

Louis Van Gaal’s men really started to threaten after going behind and Tim Krul was tested on a number of occasions. Juan Mata had a great chance to pull the visitors level just five minutes after going behind but the Spaniard could only direct his close range volley straight into the gloves of Tim Krul. North east born midfielder Michael Carrick then had an opportunity to net his first goal of the campaign but the England man saw his long range effort pushed wide of the post. The resulting corner was headed over the bar by Chris Smalling.

Just as it looked like Manchester United were going to create another opportunity to threaten the Magpies goal, the home side won back possession well before counter attacking at frightening pace. Fabricio Coloccini played a direct ball forward to fellow countryman Facundo Ferreyra who controlled well before effortlessly spraying a through ball to Alexandre Lacazette. The former Lyon man took the ball in his stride before drilling an effort through the legs of De Gea from just inside the area. Thomas Tuchel leapt out his dugout and punched the air while Louis Van Gaal looked disconsolate, sat in the opposite dugout. The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup was completed after the game with Newcastle handed another tricky test away to Arsenal.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat (De Jong 59), Coloccini ©, Sorensen, Santon, Sviatchenko, Sissoko, Tiote, Lacazette, Cabella (Bigirimana 84), Ferreyra (Campbell 90)

Subs not used: Elliot, Colback, Riviere, Perez

Goals: Rojo OG (78), Lacazette (89)

Yellow cards: Janmaat, Coloccini

Red Cards: None

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Fletcher (Wilson 78), Herrera (Di Maria 56), Fellaini, Mata, Rooney © (Carrick 56), Falcao

Subs not used: Lindegaard, Pearson, Blind, Young

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Mata

Red cards: None

Attendance: 51, 244

[Ryan377]

I am now putting a screenshot of the league table in after every post. It will be available as a clickable link in the last sentence of the article.

Last Updated: Tuesday 28th January 2014, 22:17pm

Manchester City 0 v.s 2 Newcastle United

Newcastle claimed their first ever win at the Etihad stadium this evening, goals from Facundo Ferreyra and Remy Cabella sealing an excellent victory for the Magpies.

The visitors got off to an excellent start, pressing Manchester City straight from kick off. Their high pressing game was rewarded after sixteen minutes when Moussa Sissoko won the ball in midfield from Yaya Toure before spraying a pass out to Ayoze Perez on the left wing. The young Spaniard sharply cut inside before drilling a cross towards the near post where Ferreyra had managed to get in front of Vincent Kompany, the Argentine forward expertly poking the ball in at the near post past the reach of Joe Hart.

Manuel Pellegrini was left frustrated with his side as they never massively threatened Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal. Samir Nasri had a decent opportunity just before the break when the ball was pulled back to him on the edge of the area but the French international saw his effort deflected over the bar by Erik Sviatchenko. City’s best opening of the game fell to Fernandinho with just fifteen minutes left of the game. Excellent footwork from Aguero down the right wing caused problems in the Newcastle defence and the twenty five year old managed to break free before clipping a ball into the back post where Fernandinho was charging towards. The Brazilian powered a header towards goal, only for Krul to stick out a hand and deflect the ball onto the foot of the post, Davide Santon clearing the danger before a City player had a chance of turning in the rebound.

It was substitute Remy Cabella that completed the win for the Toon Army, the majestic winger picking up his eighth goal of what has been an excellent first season for him in black and white. Gael Bigirimana chipped a ball down the line for Emmanuel Riviere to chase and the former Monaco forward did well to reach it before outmuscling Aleksander Kolarov. Riviere had time to pick out a cross and curled an excellent delivery towards the penalty spot, Cabella arriving late to thump the ball past Joe Hart on the half volley and send the travelling three thousand Newcastle fans into delirium. The win leaves Newcastle fourth in the table, now eight points above Manchester City.

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Manchester City: Hart, Sagna (Milner 67), Kompany ©, Nastasic, Kolarov (Sinclair 89), Zabaleta, Toure (Clichy 78), Fernandhino, Nasri, Aguero, Dzeko

Subs not used: Caballero, Mangala, Demichelis, Pozo

Goals: None

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Sorensen, Santon, Coloccini ©, Sissoko, Tiote (Bigirimana 84), Lacazette (Riviere 84), Perez (Cabella 84), Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Haidara, Colback, De Jong

Goals: Ferreyra (16), Cabella (86)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 41, 104

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Friday 31st January 2014, 14:57pm

Van Der Hoorn completes deadline day switch

Ajax centre back Mike Van Der Hoorn has completed his loan move to Newcastle United this afternoon, the twenty one year old moving to St James Park until the end of the season.

Thomas Tuchel stated in his press conference earlier in the week that the club were in the market for defensive cover after Mike Williamson was sold to QPR earlier in the month and the German will be delighted to have tied up the deal for the highly rated centre back. Van Der Hoorn arrived on Tyneside this morning and speaking on his arrival had this to say about the switch. ‘I’m really happy this opportunity has arisen and I can’t wait to play my first game in the Premier League. It was hard at Ajax as there was a lot of competition for places. I didn’t play as often as I would have liked but I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in another league and I hope I can help my new team as much as possible’.

Van Der Hoorn, who only signed for Ajax last summer, had found opportunities limited in the Dutch capital over the past six months and has regularly been making appearances for the second team who are playing in the division below. Starting his career at Dutch club Almere City, the Dutch under twenty one international made the move to FC Utrecht in 2006, making his first appearance in the Eredivisie in the 2010/11 campaign. An impressive season in 2012/13 persuaded Ajax to pay three million pounds to acquire his services but unfortunately for the youngster, he has been unable to break into the first team. A temporary switch away from the Dutch giants may just be what his career needs.

A quiet deadline day in the Premier League saw only eight transfers take place with none of these being permanent deals. Peter Crouch signed for Crystal Palace on loan from Stoke City while Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has returned to Portugal on loan, signing for Sporting after a frustrating few months at Chelsea. There is a full selection of Premier League fixtures this weekend, Mike Van Der Hoorn going straight into the squad for Newcastle’s trip to Selhurst Park where they will play Neil Warnock’s Crystal Palace.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 1st February 2014, 17:44pm

Crystal Palace 1 v.s 5 Newcastle United

A brace from Dutch playmaker Siem De Jong helped Newcastle to a comfortable win at Selhurst Park this afternoon, beating bottom of the table Crystal Palace by five goals to one.

Newcastle started the game brilliantly and the home side couldn’t handle the waves of attacks that were coming towards them. De Jong grabbed his first goal of the afternoon with only eleven minutes on the clock, Alexandre Lacazette curling in an inch perfect cross for the Dutchman to nod home from eight yards out. The lead was then doubled just eight minutes later when Ayoze Perez did well to skip past the challenge of Jack Hunt down the left wing before drilling a cross in towards the near post. Brede Hangeland missed his clearance and when Wayne Hennessey could only push the ball to the feet of Facundo Ferreyra, there was no chance of the on loan striker passing up the opportunity to net his fourteenth goal of the season.

The home side were completely stunned and it soon got worse for them, De Jong grabbing his second goal of the game midway through the first period. A driving run from Moussa Sissoko was halted on the edge of the area by Scott Dann, the ball falling to the feet of De Jong eighteen yards out. The former Ajax man faked to shoot before playing a neat one two with Ferreyra to put himself through on goal. The twenty five year old waited for Hennessey to dive at his feet before clipping a delicate chip over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Neil Warnock was clearly foaming at his sides first half performance and they made a bright start to the second half, Wilfied Zaha pulling a goal back just thirty eight seconds after kick off. Joe Ledley sprayed a delightful pass out to the left wing where the pacy Bruma was lurking. The winger, on loan from Galatasaray, knocked the ball past Daryl Janmaat before pulling a pass back to Zaha on the edge of the penalty area who struck a thunderous effort in off the underside of the crossbar. Any thoughts of a comeback were to be dashed in the seventy seventh minute though when Ayoze Perez restored Newcastle’s three goal advantage, glancing a header into the far corner of the goal from a Vurnon Anita cross.

There was still time for young forward Adam Campbell to grab his first competitive goal for the Newcastle first team, the eighteen year old showing good awareness in the penalty area to latch onto a cross from Massadio Haidara before poking the ball under the body of the onrushing goalkeeper. Thomas Tuchel was clearly delighted on the touchline that his substitute had made an immediate impact and he will be hoping Campbell can make the step up to the first team after two prolific seasons with the reserve side. The resounding win puts Newcastle on forty eight points, just one point behind third placed Liverpool.

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Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Hunt (Ward 74), Hangeland, Dann, Fryers (Binnom-Williams 57), Ledley, Jedinak ©, Zaha, Djeparov, Bruma, Crouch

Subs not used: Speroni, Mariappa, Delaney, Chamakh

Goals: Zaha (46)

Yellow cards: Jedinak, Djeparov

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko (Van Der Hoorn 77), Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko (Bigirimana 77), Anita, Lacazette, De Jong, Perez, Ferreyra (Campbell 77)

Subs not used: Elliot, Sorensen, Tiote, Riviere

Goals: De Jong (11, 22), Ferreyra (19), Perez (77), Campbell (87)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 20, 018

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 8th February 2014, 19:33pm

Newcastle United 1 v.s 0 Chelsea

Newcastle extended their winning run to six games in all competitions this evening, a late strike from Emmanuel Riviere sealing all three points against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

A tight encounter throughout, the home side finally broke the deadlock with only eleven minutes left on the clock. Moussa Sissoko intercepted a poor Eden Hazard pass in the centre of midfield before driving towards the Chelsea defence with blistering pace. The Frenchman managed to squeeze a pass out wide to Ayoze Perez who swung an excellent first time cross into the penalty area towards Emmanuel Riviere. The former Monaco man, who had only came on eight minutes previously, rose above Gary Cahill to power a header into the top corner past the outstretched glove of Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.

Up to this point the game had been a nervy encounter for both teams with little chances being created, the game mainly being dominated by an excellent battle in midfield. The first clear opportunity fell to Eden Hazard half an hour into the game but the Belgian’s low effort was pushed around the post by Tim Krul. Hazard again tested the Newcastle goalkeeper just before half time after Diego Costa was dispossessed by Davide Santon on the edge of the penalty area, the tricky winger latched onto the loose ball before thundering an effort towards goal that stung the palms of Krul.

The second half was a little more open than the first with both sides creating a few half chances. Didier Drogba wasted a good opening in the sixty eighth minute of the game when left unmarked just eight yards from goal. The Ivorian striker glanced a header towards goal but the attempt sailed past the post to the relief of the Newcastle defenders whose marking was non-existent. The late strike from Riviere seemed to dent Chelsea’s confidence going forward and The Magpies nearly doubled their lead in stoppage time when Fabricio Coloccini executed a volley towards goal from a training ground corner routine, only to see the ball clip the top of the crossbar on its way over. It wasn’t to matter for the home side though as they held on for the win that pushes them up to third in the table, ten points behind league leaders Chelsea.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat (Haidara 84), Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Santon, Tiote, Sissoko, Anita (Cabella 61), Lacazette, Perez, Ferreyra (Riviere 71)

Subs not used: Elliot, Sorensen, Bigirimana, De Jong

Goals: Riviere (79)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill (Ivanovic 74), Terry ©, Filipe, Bender, Ramires (Chalobah 69), Costa, Oscar (Willian 69), Hazard, Drogba

Subs not used: Schwarzer, Salah, Schurrle, Remy

Goals: None

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 564

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Tuesday 11th February 2014, 22:07pm

Newcastle United 2 v.s 0 Hull City

Second half goals from Siem De Jong and Ayoze Perez helped Newcastle to a two nil victory over Hull City this evening, extending their winning run to seven games in all competitions.

Both sides looked lively throughout the contest and the first half was an entertaining affair despite the sides going in level at half time with neither team managing to break the deadlock. Abel Hernandez had a great chance to give the visitors a surprise lead early on in the first half when he latched onto an exquisite Jake Livermore through ball, only to see his powerful left footed effort tipped over the crossbar by Tim Krul. Newcastle then had a brilliant opportunity midway through the first half but Emmanuel Riviere, who scored the winner at the weekend against Chelsea, put his header wide from just six yards out.

Newcastle didn’t take long to find the net in the second half though, Siem De Jong putting them in front just six minutes after the break. Ayoze Perez burst down the left hand side and when his cross was cleared to Moussa Sissoko on the edge of the box, it looked certain that the French midfielder would try one of his trademark long range efforts. Instead, he looped an excellent pass over the top of the Hull City defence which De Jong managed to get his head to, sending the ball over McGregor and into the goal.

The lead was then doubled in the sixty fifth minute of the game when Ayoze Perez collected his third goal of the campaign, this being his first season in English football after his arrival from Tenerife in the summer. Some good work by Yoan Gouffran down the right hand side helped the Magpies win back possession, Vurnon Anita collecting the ball before curling an excellent pass to Ayoze Perez on the far side of the pitch. The Spanish youngster jinked inside before firing a low drive towards the Hull City goal, the effort taking a slight deflection off the heel of Michael Dawson to send the ball just out of the goalkeepers reach. Thomas Tuchel stated in his press conference after the victory that he was ‘delighted’ with his team’s performance this evening explaining that it was one of their best performances in the Premier League in his short time at the club. The result keeps the Magpies third in the table and they will travel to Arsenal at the weekend with the utmost confidence they can advance to the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Coloccini © (Van Der Hoorn 71), Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote (Anita 63), Riviere, De Jong, Gouffran, Perez (Campbell 71)

Subs not used: Elliot, Santon, Colback, Ferreyra

Goals: De Jong (51), Perez (65)

Yellow cards: Sviatchenko, Tiote

Red Cards: None

Hull City: McGregor, Rosenior (Elmohamady 65), Dawson (McShane 65), Davies © (Bruce 65), Figueroa, Snodgrass, Huddlestone, Livermore, Ramirez, Sagbo, Hernandez

Subs not used: Harper, Chester, Brady, Aluko

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Huddlestone

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 196

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 15th February 2014, 16:47pm

Arsenal 1 v.s 1 Newcastle United

A late strike from Lukas Podolski saved Arsenal’s FA Cup dreams this afternoon, forcing a fifth round replay against Thomas Tuchel’s Newcastle side.

It was the visitors who took the lead in the game, Alexandre Lacazette putting them in front just minutes before half time. Vurnon Anita anticipated Abou Diaby’s pass in the centre of midfield and managed to intercept before slotting an excellent through ball towards Remy Cabella down the left hand side of the pitch. The Frenchman took the ball in his stride before sending an excellent delivery towards the back post where his fellow countryman, Lacazette, was able to meet the ball and power a header into the roof of the net from four yards out.

Lukas Podolski managed to restore Arsene Wenger’s faith in him though, the German starting a game for the first time in over two months. Being urged on by the home crowd, Oxlade-Chamberlain brought the ball forward to run at a tiring Newcastle defence. The England international managed to wriggle his way into the box, only to be denied by a last ditch challenge by Mike Van Der Hoorn. Fortunately for Arsenal, the ball rolled kindly into the path of Podolski who managed to dink the ball over Tim Krul who could only watch the ball trickle into the back of his net.

Arsene Wenger’s struggling Gunners will need to improve massively if they are to qualify for the next round of the FA Cup, the replay being held in eleven days’ time at St James’ Park. Newcastle fans and players were left feeling aggrieved at the final whistle with many of the players consulting with the referee as they believed they had two strong penalty claims throughout the game that were both turned away by Martin Atkinson. The Magpies will be disappointed not to come away with the win as they were dominant throughout the first period, Moussa Sissoko and Frederik Sorensen both testing young goalkeeper Damian Martinez with excellent long range efforts.

Arsenal did seem to build up pressure towards the end of the game when the Newcastle defence started to tire. Danny Welbeck was brought on in the fifty sixth minute and his pace and direct running starting to open up gaps in the Newcastle defence. Mesut Ozil saw his volley from the edge of the area well tipped over by Krul and when space opened up for Mario Pugliese, the teenager couldn’t resist a strike from twenty five yards, only to see it clip the outside of the post on its way out of play. The replay in eleven days’ time is surely going to be lively with both sides seeing this as their best opportunity of silverware this season.

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Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin (Chambers 56), Koscielny, Mertesacker (Ozil 45), Ormonde-Ottewill, N’Koulou ©, Pugliese, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Akpom (Welbeck 56)

Subs not used: Ospina, Gnabry, Walcott, Sanchez

Goals: Podolski (87)

Yellow cards: Pugliese

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Coloccini © (De Jong 90), Sorensen, Haidara, Sviatchenko (Van Der Hoorn 79), Sissoko, Anita, Lacazette (Riviere 90), Cabella, Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Bigirimana, Perez

Goals: Lacazette (43)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 59, 640

[john1]

Some superb results over the big boys

[Ryan377]

@john1 - Thanks very much! We've had some great results so far, hoping we can keep it up until the end of the season.

Last Updated: Saturday 22nd February 2014, 18:01pm

Burnley 0 v.s 2 Newcastle United

Newcastle returned to winning ways this afternoon, second half goals from Yoan Gouffran and Jack Colback helping the Magpies to all three points at Turf Moor.

Thomas Tuchel rested many first team players for this afternoon’s game with thoughts towards their midweek FA Cup replay against Arsenal in his mind. The visitors were comfortable throughout the game against the Premier League’s basement side and finally managed to break the deadlock just before the hour mark. Vurnon Anita floated a pass over the top of the Burnley defence for Ayoze Perez to run onto and the Spaniard took the ball in his stride with an exquisite touch. The twenty year old forward raced into the penalty area before unselfishly slotting the ball across the box to Yoan Gouffran who was arriving at the back post, the winger rolling the ball into an empty net from six yards out.

Jack Colback then collected his first Newcastle goal just eight minutes later, the Burnley defence looking extremely shaky yet again. Emmanuel Riviere muscled Danny Lafferty off the ball on the edge of his own area before rifling an effort towards goal. Tom Heaton managed to get a strong hand on the effort to palm it away but the ball only ended up falling to the feet of Jack Colback on the penalty spot who took one touch to control before calmly slotting the ball in off the post.

Sean Dyche was left frustrated at his side’s inability to break down the sturdy looking Newcastle defence, the home team rarely managed to get into the oppositions box and were being restricted to shots from distances which never properly tested Tim Krul. Danny Ings created an opening for himself just before second half stoppage time but the Burnley frontman dragged his effort wide of the goal from the edge of the box.

Newcastle’s thoughts now turn to their FA Cup fifth round replay at home to Arsenal on Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel mentioning in his press conference that the cups were the priority this year and that his team are confident they can make it into the quarter finals. The German played down thoughts of a Champions League place being sealed before the end of the season explaining that there was still a long way to go until the end of the campaign. Newcastle fans are definitely dreaming of European nights back on Tyneside though, this win putting them eleven points ahead of Manchester City who sit in fifth place.

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Burnley: Heaton, Long, Mee (Duff 75), Shackell ©, Lafferty, Kightly, Jones, Junior (Marney 61), Boyd, Barnes (Vokes 64), Ings

Subs not used: Gilks, Holt, Ward, M.Taylor,

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Junior

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko (Van Der Hoorn 78), Sorensen, Haidara, Bigirimana (Colback 28), Anita, Riviere, De Jong ©, Gouffran, Perez (Campbell 78)

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Cabella, Lacazette

Goals: Gouffran (56), Colback (64)

Yellow cards: Anita

Red cards: None

Attendance: 12, 067

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 8th February 2014, 22:56pm

Newcastle United 1 v.s 1 Arsenal

(Newcastle win 4-2 on penalties)

It was the lottery of a penalty shootout that was needed to decide the FA Cup fifth round replay encounter between Newcastle United and Arsenal this evening, the Magpies piling more misery on Arsene Wenger as they advanced to the quarter finals of the cup.

It all started so well for the visitors and they took the lead at St James Park within the first sixty seconds. The Newcastle defence were caught napping as Lukas Podolski lifted a pass over the top of the back four which set Danny Welbeck through on goal. Erik Sviatchenko came across to perform a last ditch challenge but the Arsenal striker skipped inside the challenge before sweeping a low effort into the bottom corner of the goal from just inside the area.

The lead wasn’t to last long though and the game was back on level terms on eleven minutes. Moussa Sissoko angled a delightful pass outside to Remy Cabella on the wing, the Frenchman cutting inside before slotting a perfect through ball pass to Alexandre Lacazette who was bursting into the penalty area. The former Lyon man took one touch to control before lashing an effort in off the underside of the crossbar to even up the game.

Both teams had excellent chances in normal time to advance into the next round but the finishing was poor. The usually clinical Alexis Sanchez wasted a great opening in the seventieth minute of the game when the ball fell to him twelve yards out, only for the Chilean to scuff his first time effort wide of the Newcastle goal when it looked easier to score. Remy Cabella then had a great chance to win the game in stoppage time at the end of the second half but the maverick winger didn’t get enough bend on his long range effort and saw it clip the post as it went wide. Most Newcastle fans in the ground though it was going in, even Thomas Tuchel as he leapt off his seat on the Newcastle bench only to put his head in his hands as it bounced off the woodwork.

Extra time was a timid affair with both sides looking tired and lethargic, a lot of stray passes being played when reaching the final third. The game advanced to a penalty shootout where Newcastle came out victors, Tim Krul saving penalties from Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby before Moussa Sissoko converted from the spot to send his side into the last eight.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Sorensen, Santon, Sissoko, Tiote ©, Lacazette (De Jong 27), Cabella, Perez (Riviere 103), Ferreyra (Campbell 103)

Subs not used: Elliot, Haidara, Van Der Hoorn, Anita

Goals: Lacazette (11)

Yellow cards: Krul, Santon, Tiote

Red Cards: None

Arsenal: Ospina, Chambers, N’Koulou, Mertesacker ©, Gibbs, Pugliese (Wilshere 45), Ramsey (Debuchy 73), Sanchez, Diaby, Podolski (Ozil 45), Welbeck

Subs not used: Szczesny, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott

Goals: Welbeck (1)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 52, 098

[john1]

Good win over Burnley and Arsenal Are you planning to bring few youngsters in first team this season?

[Ryan377]

@John1 - Yeah, I've gave regular minutes to Gael Bigirimana, Ayoze Perez, Frederik Sorensen and Massadio Haidara this season who are all 21 or under and have great potential. Adam Campbell has started getting a few minutes (and scoring a goal or two) for the senior squad which is great to see as he has massive potential in this game. It is quite hard for me to fit them in though as I don't want to break up a winning team! In the report below I've given Kemen and Heardman their debuts for the first team as they've impressed for the reserves recently but they'll definitely need more training and minutes to make the step up. I'm looking to bring in some younger players in the summer as well, freshen up the squad a bit.

Last Updated: Saturday 1st March 2014, 20:01pm

Newcastle United 5 v.s 2 Leicester City

A sensational opening half hour helped Newcastle to a comfortable victory against Leicester City in today’s evening kick off, braces from Facundo Ferreyra and Yoan Gouffran helping them carry on their magnificent run of form.

Full of confidence from the penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in midweek, the Magpies started on the front foot and were ahead after seventeen minutes. Ayoze Perez drifted past Esteban Cambiasso before slotting an exquisite through ball to Facundo Ferreyra who had broken behind the Leicester back line. The Argentine swept a delightful first time pass across the goal where Emmanuel Riviere was arriving to fire an effort into the roof of net past the outstretched glove of Kasper Schmeichel.

The lead was soon doubled, Facundo Ferreyra getting himself on the score sheet after setting up the first. Former Newcastle defender Danny Simpson brought down Gouffran’s driving run just inside the penalty area leaving Chris Foy with no other option but to point to the spot. Ferreyra grabbed the ball before converting brilliantly, his penalty nestling into the right hand corner of Schmeichel’s goal. The Argentine then doubled his tally for the evening just minutes later when again, the Leicester defence looked at sixes and sevens before a reckless challenge from Wes Morgan gave Ferreyra another chance from the spot. The on loan striker opted for power this time, his penalty thundering off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net.

It was to be four nil soon after, Yoan Gouffran getting in on the act when he nodded home from Emmanuel Riviere’s cross with just thirty three minutes played. Improvement was definitely needed from Leicester in the second period and Nigel Pearson’s side did pull a goal back midway through the second half. Leonardo Ulloa collected the ball twenty five yards from goal before skipping past the challenge of Jack Colback and bending an effort into the far corner of the goal leaving Tim Krul with no chance.

Newcastle restored their four goal advantage soon after though, Gouffran grabbing his second of the game. Youngster Olivier Kemen, making his first senior appearance for the Magpies, won the ball in midfield before floating a pass out wide to Massadio Haidara. The full back burst past Danny Simpson before sending a dangerous cross into the area which Leicester failed to deal with leaving Gouffran with a simple tap in from three yards. The visitors did manage to grab another consolation goal as the game went into stoppage time however, it was a thoroughly disappointing evening for Nigel Pearson and his side as the Newcastle machine marches on.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Dummett, Streete, Van Der Hoorn, Haidara, Colback, Anita © (Kemen 69), Riviere, Perez (Bigirimana 69), Gouffran, Ferreyra (Heardman 69)

Subs not used: Elliot, S.Taylor, Sissoko, De Jong

Goals: Riviere (17), Ferreyra (23 pen, 25 pen), Gouffran (33, 77)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Leicester City: Schmeichel, Simpson, Moore, Morgan ©, Stevens (Konchesky 68), Johnson (Knockaert 45), King, Cambiasso, Powell, Nugent (Bakayogo 73), Ulloa

Subs not used: Hamer, Wasilewski, Upson, James

Goals: Ulloa (73), Bakayogo (90)

Yellow cards: Simpson

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 154

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 8th March 2014, 19:30pm

Newcastle United 2 v.s 0 West Bromwich Albion

First half goals from Adam Campbell and Keisuke Honda helped Newcastle advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup this evening, knocking out fellow Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

Thomas Tuchel decided to bring in some fringe players for the quarter final but the home side looked comfortable throughout and were ahead on fourteen minutes. Anita tried to thread a through ball to Adam Campbell but saw his pass well blocked by Claudio Yacob. The loose ball fell to the feet of Emmanuel Riviere on the edge of the box who sent a first time lob over the West Bromwich defence for Campbell to run onto and the young forward made no mistake with the finish, slotting the ball through the legs of Ben Foster.

Newcastle then doubled their lead just before half time when on loan midfielder Keisuke Honda grabbed his first goal in the black and white shirt. Jack Colback won the ball in midfield with a strong tackle before setting Yoan Gouffran free down the right wing. The Frenchman cut inside before laying the ball off to Honda on the edge of the area, the Japanese international rifling an effort into the top corner of Ben Foster’s goal, nearly taking the net off in the process.

West Brom worked their way into the game in the second half but it was always going to be tough for them against a side which has shown excellent defensive qualities this season like Newcastle have. Substitute Georgios Samaras had a decent opportunity just after the hour mark when he struck a volley towards goal from Berahino’s knock down, the ball just flying wide of the post. Graham Dorrans also had a half chance just as the game went into stoppage time but the Scot couldn’t direct his header and saw the ball loop over the crossbar. In reality though, Newcastle never looked like they were in any danger and will be full of confidence going into the semi-final against Manchester City, a team they have done the double over in the league this campaign.

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Newcastle United: Elliot, Sorensen, Streete, Van Der Hoorn, Dummett (Ferguson 77), Colback, Anita © (Abeid 77), Riviere (Aarons 77), Honda, Gouffran, Campbell

Subs not used: Alnwick, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Lacazette

Goals: Campbell (14), Honda (42)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

West Bromwich Albion: Foster, R.Taylor, Dawson, Lescott (Olsson 56), Pocognoli, Morrison (Dorrans 72), Yacob, Mulumbu, Brunt ©, Anichebe (Samaras 66), Berahino

Subs not used: Myhill, Wisdom, McAuley, Gardner

Goals: None

Yellow cards: R.Taylor, Yacob, Mulumbu, Berahino, Olsson

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 539

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 12th March 2014, 21:54pm

Sunderland 3 v.s 4 Newcastle United

A brace from Siem De Jong helped Newcastle to a second derby victory over Sunderland this evening, ensuring the bragging rights stay firmly on Tyneside for this campaign.

In a topsy turvy encounter at the Stadium of Light it was the inform visitors that took the lead with only three minutes played. Remy Cabella slotted a lovely through ball in between the two Sunderland central defenders and Siem De Jong took one touch to control before lifting the ball over the onrushing Itumeleng Khune, the ball trickling over the line despite the best efforts of Sebastian Coates to clear. Thomas Tuchel’s side weren’t in front for long though as Emanuele Giaccherini pulled his side level just eleven minutes later. Sunderland broke forward with pace and when Adam Johnson floated a deep cross into the box, Erik Sviatchenko could only half clear, the ball dropping on the penalty spot for Giaccherini to rifle home past Tim Krul.

Just before the half hour mark, Newcastle went back in front when the deadly combination of Cabella and De Jong again combined to devastating effect. Cabella skipped past the challenge of Billy Jones down the left wing before looking up and curling a delightful cross in towards De Jong, the Dutchman rising above Vergini to plant a header into the top corner of the goal. Yet again though, Sunderland levelled almost instantly when Steven Fletcher powered a half volley into the roof of the net from twenty five yards out, Tim Krul could only watch as the ball flew past him.

After two assists, it was time for Remy Cabella to get his name on the score sheet to make sure that the Magpies went into the break ahead. Alexandre Lacazette intercepted a sloppy pass from Jack Rodwell before out pacing Patrick Van Aanholt down the right wing. The former Lyon man strode into the box before pulling the ball back to Cabella on the edge of the area, the attacking midfielder effortlessly sweeping the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Newcastle then managed to get themselves a two goal advantage with fifteen minutes remaining when Lacazette, who had been causing the Sunderland defence problems all game, managed to get on the end of a Vurnon Anita cross, poking the ball between the legs of Khune in the Sunderland goal to give the Magpies a cushion. It was to be a nervy final few minutes for the Tyneside club though as Steven Fletcher grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot after Remy Cabella handled in the area. The Scot sent Tim Krul the wrong way but there was to be no dramatic equaliser for the home side and Newcastle held on for the three points which sees them now only five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United with nine games to go.

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Sunderland: Khune, Jones (Larsson 72), Vergini (Cabral 81), Coates, Van Aanholt, Giaccherini, Rodwell (Cattermole 45), Gago, Johnson ©, Graham, Fletcher

Subs not used: Pantilimon, Bridcutt, Alvarez, Rodionov

Goals: Giaccherini (14), Fletcher (32, 84 pen)

Yellow cards: Jones, Larsson

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon (Janmaat 82), Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko, Anita, Lacazette (Riviere 82), De Jong, Cabella, Ferreyra (Perez 82)

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, Bigirimana, Gouffran

Goals: De Jong (3, 29), Cabella (42), Lacazette (75)

Yellow cards: Santon, Sviatchenko

Red cards: None

Attendance: 49,000

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 15th March 2014, 18:03pm

Newcastle United 3 v.s 1 West Bromwich Albion

Newcastle followed up their midweek derby victory by comfortably beating West Bromwich Albion this afternoon. Goals from Remy Cabella, Facundo Ferreyra and Alexandre Lacazette sealing a 3-1 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Confidence could not be higher in the Magpies camp at the moment after their sensational run of form and this was evident throughout today’s encounter. The deadlock was broken just after the half hour mark when Remy Cabella continued his excellent debut season by netting another brilliant goal. Davide Santon fed the ball forward to Facundo Ferreyra who had drifted into space down the left wing. The Argentine controlled the ball well before dinking it past Jonas Olsson, the West Brom defender unable to deal with the pace of the on loan striker. Ferreyra brought the ball into the box before curling an excellent cross towards the back post towards Cabella who brought the ball down on his chest before sweeping a terrific volley past Ben Foster and into the roof of the net.

The home side then doubled their lead just four minutes later when Ferreyra got himself on the score sheet after his earlier assist. Ayoze Perez dribbled the ball down the right hand side of the pitch before sharply cutting inside and charging towards goal. The Spaniard saw his run halted by former Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor on the edge of the penalty area but the ball kindly bobbled to the feet of Ferreyra who bent a first time effort past Foster and into the bottom corner, the shot taking a slight deflection off the hip of Craig Dawson as he charged the loose ball down.

Newcastle were cruising and it was to be three nil just after half time as Alexandre Lacazette got in on the act. Moussa Sissoko won the ball in midfield from a dawdling Claudio Yacob before feeding a pass towards Alexandre Lacazette who was around thirty yards from goal. The former Lyon man produced a magnificent piece of skill to avoid the challenge of Sebastien Pocognoli before letting fly from twenty five yards, the ball whistling into the top corner leaving Ben Foster with no chance.

The introduction of Georgios Samaras from the West Bromwich Albion bench caused the home side problems and it was the Greek who pulled a consolation goal back for Malky Mackay’s men. Samaras did well to win a corner for the visitors and it was he who rose highest to meet Chris Brunt’s excellent delivery, the ball thundering off the crossbar and over the line despite the best efforts of Daryl Janmaat on the post to keep the ball out. The goal didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things and the game petered out towards the end, Newcastle collecting another three points which massively helps their Champions League push with eight games remaining.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini © (Van Der Hoorn 73), Sorensen, Santon, Sissoko (Bigirimana 73), Anita, Lacazette (Riviere 73), Cabella, Perez, Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Sviatchenko, De Jong, Gouffran

Goals: Cabella (32), Ferreyra (36), Lacazette (50)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

West Bromwich Albion: Foster, R.Taylor, Dawson (McAuley 73), Olsson, Pocognoli, Morrison (Gamboa 76), Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt ©, Anichebe (Samaras 55), Berahino

Subs not used: Myhill, Wisdom, Lescott, Dorrans

Goals: Samaras (75)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 313

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Monday 24th March 2014, 22:14pm

Liverpool 2 v.s 3 Newcastle United

Liverpool and Newcastle once again played out a thrilling encounter at Anfield this evening, this time though it was the Magpies that came out on top to keep their Champions League, or maybe even title hopes, alive.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead, Facundo Ferreyra grabbing his eighteenth goal of the season with only four minutes played. Moussa Sissoko powered forward with the ball, holding off the challenge of Steven Gerrard before playing the ball out wide to Remy Cabella. A quick change of pace from the Frenchman saw space open up down the left hand side which he dribbled into at great speed. This pulled Dejan Lovren out of position as the centre back came across to cover leaving Ferreyra unmarked in the area, Cabella squaring an inch perfect pass across the box for the on loan striker to poke through the legs of Simon Mignolet from six yards out.

Liverpool, who themselves are chasing a Champions League position, managed to pull level just after the half hour mark when they were awarded a soft penalty after a tug of Coutinho’s shirt by Erik Sviatchenko. Mario Balotelli was on spot kick duties and the former AC Milan striker sent Tim Krul the wrong way with a calm finish. Game on at Anfield.

Newcastle regained their lead just after half time when Ferreyra collected his second goal of the game. Good work down the right from Alexandre Lacazette created space for the overlapping Davide Santon and the Italian took his team mates pass in his stride, bursting towards the edge of the box. His cross was deflected off the boot of Blaise Matuidi but the ball fell to Ferreyra on the penalty spot, the Argentine thumping a first time effort in off the underside of the crossbar. The lead wasn’t to last long though and Liverpool were once again level when Adam Lallana rose highest to glance a header into the far corner of the goal from a Steven Gerrard cross.

Not content with a point, Thomas Tuchel urged his team forward to go and find a winner and he was rewarded with just fifteen minutes left on the clock. Tiote played a pass down the wing to Remy Cabella who looked to be crowded out by Emre Can and Martin Skrtel. The Frenchman managed to dink the ball into the penalty area though, the cross taking a deflection off Can making it loop towards the far post where Alexandre Lacazette was arriving. The twenty two year old showed excellent bravery to fling himself towards the ball and it turned out to be an excellent decision as he managed to flick the ball past the outstretched hand of Simon Mignolet to send the three thousand Newcastle fans behind the goal into dreamland. The win keeps Newcastle third in the Premier League, only five points behind league leaders Manchester United who they play next at Old Trafford.

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Liverpool: Mignolet, Enrique, Subotic, Lovren (Skrtel 69), Matuidi (Can 63), Leiva, Gerrard ©, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Balotelli

Subs not used: Jones, Sakho, Allen, Borini, Sturridge

Goals: Balotelli (31 pen), Lallana (68)

Yellow cards: Leiva, Enrique

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote, Lacazette (Gouffran 83), De Jong (Anita 76), Cabella (Perez 76), Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Sorensen, Van Der Hoorn, Riviere

Goals: Ferreyra (4, 50), Lacazette (75)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Attendance: 42, 871

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Monday 31st March 2014, 22:28pm

Manchester United 2 v.s 0 Newcastle United

Two second half goals by Juan Mata put Newcastle to the sword this evening, ending The Magpies sensational unbeaten run that dated all the way back to before Christmas.

The opening goal of the game come with seventy three minutes on the clock and it was a dreadful mistake by Tim Krul that presented Juan Mata with the glorious opportunity. The Dutch stopper completely scuffed his goal kick, the ball trickling to the feet of Mata who had just left the opposition box. The Spaniard quickly turned to latch onto the loose ball before firing a low drive past the outstretched arm of Krul. It was a horrible goal for Thomas Tuchel’s side to concede as the game had been even up until this point but now it was the home side that had the initiative.

It was that man again, Mata, that sealed the victory for the Premier League leaders just before second half stoppage time. Johnny Evans cleared the ball up field after some pressure from Newcastle, the ball being flicked on brilliantly by Falcao into the path of Michael Carrick. The Newcastle born central midfielder brought the ball forward before slipping an excellent through ball past Sorensen for Mata. The former Chelsea man controlled well before rounding the onrushing Tim Krul and sending the ball into the empty net. Two nil Manchester United and game over.

Thomas Tuchel slumped back into his chair as the second goal went in knowing fine well that his side had created chances good enough to win the game. Remy Cabella wasted a good opening in the first half when the ball deflected into his path on the edge of the area, the Frenchman shooting straight into the arms of David De Gea. The eccentric winger also came extremely close just before half time as his deep cross evaded everyone before clipping the crossbar and bouncing out of play. It was a tough result to take for the Toon Army though and it meant their slight title chances are looking all but over now, however, they still look a very good bet to finish in the Champions League places which would be a magnificent achievement.

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Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Shaw, Fletcher, Carrick, Fellaini, Rooney © (Di Maria 61), Mata, Falcao

Subs not used: Amos, Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Valencia, Young

Goals: Mata (73, 87)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Coloccini ©, Sorensen, Haidara, Tiote, Sissoko, Anita (De Jong 60), Lacazette, Cabella, Ferreyra (Perez 77)

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Van Der Hoorn, Sviatchenko, Riviere

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Ferreyra

Red cards: None

Attendance: 73, 280

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 5th April 2014, 17:01pm

Newcastle United 1 v.s 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle managed to get back to winning ways this afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur, an early strike from Ayoze Perez helping the Magpies to all three points.

The game was only twelve minutes old when the Spanish forward capitalised on a mistake in the Tottenham defence to put his side in front. Cheik Tiote won the ball in the centre of the pitch off Andre Ayew then played a simple pass to central midfield partner Moussa Sissoko. The Frenchman brought the ball forward at pace before slotting a through ball to Lacazette down the right wing. The former Lyon man took one touch before curling a delightful cross in to the box, Sissoko who had carried on his run was unable to connect but the ball fell nicely to the unmarked Perez on the penalty spot who swept a first time effort into the top corner past Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham will be disappointed to leave St James’ Park empty handed as it was the visitors that created the best chances of the game. Jan Vertonghen forced an excellent one handed save from Tim Krul just before half time when the Belgian rose highest to meet Erik Lamela’s teasing corner, only to see his effort palmed over the bar by Krul. The Dutch stopper then made an even better save in the seventy eighth minute as he denied Robert Soldado from point blank range, spreading his body well to deflect the striker’s header wide of the post.

Mauricio Pochettino explained in his press conference after the game that the performance of Krul was magnificent and if it wasn’t for the twenty six year olds heroics, his side could have ran out comfortable winners. Thomas Tuchel said that the main objective of the game was to get three points after Monday night’s set back against league leaders Manchester United, the German praising his side’s character after such a demoralising defeat. The win keeps Newcastle third in the league and they now look to have a great chance of securing Champions League football. The last manager to do this for the Tyneside club was Sir Bobby Robson back in 2003.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Santon, Tiote, Sissoko, Honda (Anita 88), Lacazette (Gouffran 57), Perez, Ferreyra (De Jong 88)

Subs not used: Alnwick, Haidara, Sorensen, Van Der Hoorn

Goals: Perez (12)

Yellow cards: None

Red Cards: None

Tottenham Hostpur: Lloris ©, Walker, Fazio (Kaboul 45), Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto, Bentaleb (Dembele 45), Paulinho, Lennon (Kane 51), Lamela, Ayew, Soldado

Subs not used: Vorm, Naughton, Chiriches, Rose

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Bentaleb

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 250

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 9th April 2014, 22:15pm

Newcastle United 0 v.s 2 Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers stunned high flying Newcastle this evening at St James’ Park, Harry Redknapp’s side coming away from Tyneside with a two nil victory.

Newcastle play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and it seemed that many of the players’ minds were already on this game. Steven Caulker headed the visitors in front just after the half hour mark when he drifted away from his marker Frederik Sorensen to plant a header into the far corner of the Newcastle goal. An excellent corner by Alejandro Faurlin meant that the centre back only needed to guide his effort towards the net, all the pace coming from the whipped delivery.

The lead was then doubled just after the break when Leroy Fer grabbed his fifth goal of the campaign. Sandro intercepted a sloppy pass in midfield by Cheik Tiote before spreading the play to Niko Kranjcar down the right side of the field. The Croatian held the ball up before releasing a perfect pass to Mauricio Isla who was bursting down the wing on the overlap. The on loan full back curled an excellent first time cross towards the penalty spot where Fer rose highest to power a header into the back of the net leaving Tim Krul with no chance.

It was a frustrating night for Newcastle players as they struggled to break down QPR’s stern defence, rarely testing Alex McCarthy in the visitor’s goal. Substitute Adam Campbell had a decent opening just as the game was entering second half stoppage time but the young forward dragged his shot wide from the edge of the area, an effort which pretty much summed up a disappointing evening for the Magpies. Thomas Tuchel will now have to reinstate some confidence back into his players before their trip to Wembley on Saturday.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sorensen, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Tiote, Sissoko, Lacazette (Riviere 72), De Jong (Campbell 45), Cabella (Ayoze 72), Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, Sviatchenko, Anita

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Tiote

Red Cards: None

Queens Park Rangers: McCarthy, Flanagan, Caulker, Ferdinand (Dunne 89), Seok-Young, Isla (Phillips 84), Faurlin, Sandro ©, Traore (Hoilett 45), Kranjcar, Fer

Subs not used: Green, Williamson, Onuoha, Ehmer

Goals: Caulker (32), Fer (49)

Yellow cards: Isla

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 102

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 12th April 2014, 14:33pm

Newcastle United 1 v.s 0 Manchester City

Newcastle recorded their third victory over Manchester City this season to gain themselves a place in the FA Cup final, a penalty from Facundo Ferreyra helping them past Luciano Spaletti’s side.

It was just after the hour mark when the Magpies went ahead, on loan striker Facundo Ferreyra recording his twentieth goal in his debut season in English football. Manchester City were under huge pressure from the waves of attacks coming at them from Newcastle and it was a lapse in concentration by Fernando, sticking out a leg as Alexandre Lacazette burst into the box at blistering pace, which gave referee Phil Dowd no other option but to point to the spot. Ferreyra confidently placed the ball down before sending Joe Hart the wrong way in front of a sea of black and white behind the goal.

Thomas Tuchel’s side thoroughly deserved the win this afternoon and could have been well ahead at half time if it wasn’t for some wayward finishing. Moussa Sissoko had an excellent opportunity when the game was only nine minutes old but the French midfielder screwed his effort wide after space had opened up for him in the Manchester City defence. Vurnon Anita, not known for his goalscoring prowess, also wasted a great chance midway through the first half when he fired a half volley over the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

It was another frustrating day at Wembley for Manchester City and their fans with the players struggling to create any real openings until late on in the game. The best chance for The Citizens fell to teenage full back Yvan Wassi in the last few seconds of stoppage time but the academy graduate was unable to connect to Kolarov’s whipped cross into the area, the ball evading everyone before harmlessly trickling out of play for a goal kick. The full time whistle was met with pandemonium on the Newcastle bench and in the stands; The Magpies will face Championship side Norwich City in the final in just over four weeks’ time.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini ©, Sviatchenko, Haidara, Tiote, Sissoko, Anita, Lacazette (Riviere 86), Perez (Cabella 86), Ferreyra (Gouffran 90)

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, Santon, De Jong

Goals: Ferreyra (61 pen)

Yellow cards: Janmaat, Tiote

Red Cards: None

Manchester City: Hart, Wassi, Demichelis, Nastastic, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Fernando (Navas 62), Milner © (Clichy 73), Nasri, Jovetic (Aguero 62), Dzeko

Subs not used: Caballero, Bossaerts, Sinclair, Ambrose

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Fernandinho, Kolarov

Red cards: None

Attendance: 90, 000

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Monday 21st April 2014, 22:10pm

West Ham United 2 v.s 3 Newcastle United

An injury time goal from centre back Fabricio Coloccini helped Newcastle to all three points in East London this afternoon against a dogged West Ham side.

The Argentine is enjoying his best goal scoring season since his arrival at St James Park and it was he who opened the scoring on sixteen minutes. Remy Cabella whipped in a dangerous corner to the near post where Coloccini managed to lose his marker Winston Reid before planting a header into the roof of the net from six yards out. West Ham responded soon after though and it was Andy Carroll again scoring against his hometown club. Mark Noble played a glorious through ball down the right hand side of the field towards Mauro Zarate. The winger floated a cross into the area where Carroll rose highest to nod the ball past Tim Krul.

Sam Allardyce’s side then proceeded to take the lead just before half time as club captain Mark Noble picked up only his second goal of the season. Kevin Nolan wriggled his way into the penalty area only to be denied by a sliding challenge by Cheik Tiote. The ball fell to the feet of Carroll who threw himself to the floor after a slight touch from Erik Sviatchenko. To the dismay of the visiting players, Kevin Friend pointed to the spot and Mark Noble coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from twelve yards.

It was a stroke of luck that got Newcastle back into the game just after the hour mark when Adrian came out to punch Cabella’s cross, only for the ball to rebound back off Cresswell and into the net. From then on, it was the Magpies who were dominant and they sealed the win in stoppage time when Coloccini again got in front of his marker from a corner before powering a header past Adrian to send the away fans behind the goal into pandemonium.

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West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Kouyate (Collins 79), Reid, Cresswell, Song, Noble ©, Downing, Nolan, Zarate (Morrison 71), Carroll

Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Henry, Jarvis, Amalfitano, Cole

Goals: Carroll (23), Noble (41 pen)

Yellow cards: Song

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Tiote, Sissoko (De Jong 81), Anita (Ayoze 45), Lacazette, Cabella, Ferreyra (Riviere 81)

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, Van Der Hoorn, Sorensen

Goals: Coloccini (16, 90+1), Cresswell OG (63)

Yellow cards: Tiote

Red cards: None

Attendance: 27, 408

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 26th April 2014, 17:29pm

Newcastle United 4 v.s 0 Swansea City

Newcastle eased to a 4-0 victory against Swansea City this afternoon, Facundo Ferreyra continuing his scintillating form by helping himself to a hatrick against the Swans leaky backline.

It was just before the half hour mark when the on loan striker grabbed his first of the game, capitalising on some schoolboy defending by the visitors. Remy Cabella spread the play sending a delightful cross field ball to Alexandre Lacazette on the right wing. The Frenchman fooled Neil Taylor with numerous step overs before curling a cross in towards the penalty spot. Facundo Ferreyra managed to drift in between the two central defenders to plant a header into the top corner, completely unchallenged.

Gary Monk was left tearing his hair out on the touchline when his side went two down just minutes before the break. Ayoze Perez slotted a simple through ball into the path of Ferreyra, Swansea trying and failing to step up and play the Argentine offside. Ferreyra strode into the box with the ball before sweeping a right footed finish past Fabianski and into the back of the net.

After collecting an assist for the second goal, it was then Ayoze’s turn to get himself on the score sheet, picking up his fifth goal of the campaign. Cheik Tiote won the ball in midfield from a dawdling Leon Britton before driving forward towards the Swansea defence. The Ivorian was dispossessed by a strong tackle from Ashley Williams but the ball fell to the feet of Ayoze on the edge of the area who showed some neat foot work to avoid the challenge of Jordi Amat before rifling an effort into the roof of the net from just inside the area.

Facundo Ferreyra then completed his hatrick just seven minutes later to round off what had been an extremely comfortable afternoon for the Magpies. Former Norwich midfielder Alexander Tettey was cautioned for a foul on Vurnon Anita towards the corner flag giving Keisuke Honda a chance to whip a cross in from the dead ball. The Japanese international produced a perfect delivery towards the near post where Ferreyra managed to get in front of his marker to flick the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net and make sure that he was leaving with the match ball after another man of the match performance. The result means that Newcastle have sealed third position in the Premier League and will be playing Champions League football next season.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini © (Sorensen 64), Haidara, Sissoko (Anita 64), Tiote, Lacazette, Cabella (Honda 64), Ayoze, Ferreyra

Subs not used: Elliot, Janmaat, De Jong, Riviere

Goals: Ferreyra (28, 40, 71), Ayoze (64)

Yellow cards: Haidara, Sviatchenko

Red Cards: None

Swansea City: Fabianski, Rangel, Williams ©, Amat, N.Taylor, Britton, Tettey (Bartley 76), Dyer, Shelvey, Sigurdsson (Montero 70), Bony

Subs not used: Tremmel, Richards, Fernandez, Tiendalli, Gomis

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Tettey, N.Taylor

Red cards: None

Attendance: 46, 726

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Saturday 3rd May 2014, 17:18pm

Newcastle United 2 v.s 1 Southampton

Newcastle cruised to victory over Southampton this afternoon in both sides penultimate game of the Premier League season, the score line suggesting the game was a lot closer than it actually was.

Remy Cabella, who admitted midweek that he is in the best form of his career at the moment, kept his sensational run going by putting the Magpies ahead in the forty first minute of the game. Jack Cork’s sloppy pass was intercepted in midfield by Cabella, the Frenchman driving on into the open space as the Saints defenders backed off. Playing just behind the striker in today’s encounter, the former Montpellier man found himself twenty five yards out and still not challenged so decided to hit a rasping drive towards goal. The ball swerved in the air before crashing off the underside bar and into the net, arguably the twenty four year olds best goal of the campaign.

The Magpies then doubled their lead just three minutes later when top scorer Facundo Ferreyra added another goal to his already excellent tally. Alexandre Lacazette showed some impressive skill down the right hand side of the field to get past full back Ryan Bertrand. The winger drilled a low cross towards the six yard box where Ferreyra managed to lose his marker to flick the ball past former Newcastle keeper Fraser Forster for his twenty fourth goal of the season. It was all too easy for the home side leaving Ronald Koeman mightily frustrated on the touchline.

Southampton did manage to pull a goal back in stoppage time at the end of the second half but it was never going to be anything more than a consolation goal. Adam Campbell, who had been brought on by Newcastle moments earlier, saw his effort strike the foot of the post before rebounding away to start a Southampton counter attack. The visitors brought the ball forward at speed, Steven Davis being slotted through on goal by an exquisite pass from Victor Wanyama, the central midfielder making no mistake with the finish, slotting the ball through Tim Krul’s legs from just inside the penalty area. The win has no effect to Newcastle’s Premier League position as third place was guaranteed before today and second is out of reach, however, Thomas Tuchel will hope his side keep winning to build momentum for the FA Cup final against Norwich City in two weeks’ time.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini © (Sorensen 73), Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote (Anita 73), Lacazette, Cabella, Ayoze, Ferreyra (Campbell 73)

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, De Jong, Riviere

Goals: Cabella (41), Ferreyra (44)

Yellow cards: Coloccini

Red Cards: None

Southampton: Forster, Clyne (Tadic 90), Alderweireld, Fonte ©, Bertrand, Wanyama, Cork, Davis, Ward-Prowse (Gardos 72), Stracqualursi (Austin 78), Long

Subs not used: Boruc, Digne, Yoshida, Stephens

Goals: Davis (90+3)

Yellow cards: Bertrand

Red cards: None

Attendance: 50, 314

[CamillePunk]

Fantastic season in the league and good luck in the FA Cup final.

[Ryan377]

@CamillePunk - Thanks a lot mate, cheers for following

Last Updated: Sunday 11th May 2014, 18:05pm

Stoke City 0 v.s 1 Newcastle United

Newcastle rounded off their best Premier League campaign in seventeen years with a one nil victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.

It was on loan striker Facundo Ferreyra who grabbed the only goal of the game six minutes before half time. Massadio Haidara played a searching ball down the left wing for Ayoze Perez to run onto, the Spaniard beating fellow countryman Marc Muniesa for pace before curling a delightful cross in towards the penalty spot. Ferreyra managed to wriggle free from his marker before adjusting his body brilliantly to volley the ball past Asmir Begovic and into the roof of the net.

The Magpies didn’t look at their best this afternoon and Thomas Tuchel explained after the game that the players’ minds may have been drifting towards the FA Cup final and trip to Wembley in six days’ time. Stoke, who finish the season in eighth place, were left raging at officials when Jon Walters had an effort disallowed for offside just after the hour mark. The Ireland striker managed to connect with an Erik Pieters cross to power a header past Tim Krul but the linesman adjudged that the thirty year old had just stepped into an offside position when the cross was whipped in.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City sealed fourth position in the table with a three all draw away to Tottenham, David Silva popping up with a ninety first minute equaliser to make sure that the Citizens will go into the qualifying rounds of the Champions League in early August. Liverpool and Arsenal will have to make do with Europa League football next year after they finished fifth and sixth respectively while there was heartbreak for Leicester, Crystal Palace and West Brom who have all been relegated to the Championship.

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Stoke City: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross ©, Muniesa, Pieters, Sidwell, N’Zonzi, Cameron (Ness 45), Drinkwater, Walters (Assaidi 68), Diouf (Shea 81)

Subs not used: Butland, Wilson, Coquelin, Palacios

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Wilkinson, Sidwell

Red Cards: None

Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara, Sissoko, Tiote, Lacazette (De Jong 75), Cabella (Anita 69), Perez, Ferreyra (Campbell 75)

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, Sorensen, Bigirimana

Goals: Ferreyra (39)

Yellow cards: Sviatchenko

Red cards: None

Attendance: 28, 384

[Lenzar]

I see even with a data update, United are still way too OP in FM14.

[Ryan377]

@Lenzar - Hey, at least give the manager a bit of credit

Last Updated: Saturday 17th May 2014, 17:01pm

Newcastle United 4 v.s 0 Norwich City

Newcastle United have today ended their forty five year wait for silverware with a comfortable victory against Norwich City in the FA Cup final this afternoon.

After a sensational season for the Tyneside club where they managed a third place finish, the Magpies were full of confidence going into this final against a Norwich side who suffered play off heartache in midweek. It only took Newcastle seventeen minutes to take the lead and from then on, the result was never in doubt. Siem De Jong floated a cross towards the back post which Ryan Bennett managed to head the ball away from goal. The ball fell to Ayoze Perez on the edge of the area who took one touch before firing a rocket of a shot into the top corner past the outstretched hand of John Ruddy. Cue elation in the end where the Newcastle fans were housed.

It was 2-0 to Thomas Tuchel’s side ten minutes before the break when Remy Cabella picked up his twelfth goal in what has been an outstanding debut season in England for the Frenchman. Cabella picked the ball up on the left hand side of the field before sharply cutting inside and driving towards goal. Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson both tried to bring the majestic winger down but he kept going before firing a low shot into the bottom corner of the net from just outside the penalty area.

Moussa Sissoko then grabbed a third for the Toon Army just before half time, completely killing off any Norwich hopes of a comeback. Coloccini’s long ball forward caused panic in the Norwich defence and former Newcastle man Sebastien Bassong miscued his clearance which fell straight to the feet of Cabella. The former Montpellier man produced a few stepovers before teeing up the ball for Sissoko on the edge of the area, the twenty four year old slotting the ball through a number of bodies and into the bottom corner leaving John Ruddy stranded. The scoring was complete in the fifty fourth minute when club captain Fabricio Coloccini rose highest to glance a header into the far corner of the goal and put the icing on the cake of what was an excellent day for everyone involved with Newcastle United.

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Newcastle United: Krul, Santon, Sviatchenko, Coloccini ©, Haidara (Sorensen 65), Tiote (Anita 65), Sissoko, Ayoze, De Jong, Cabella, Ferreyra (Campbell 77)

Subs not used: Elliot, Van Der Hoorn, Bigirimana, Gouffran

Goals: Ayoze (17), Cabella (35), Sissoko (40), Coloccini (54)

Yellow cards: Tiote, Haidara

Red Cards: None

Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, R. Bennett, Bassong ©, Toffolo (Masoud 45), E. Bennett (Hoolahan 45), O’Neil, Johnson, Howson, Olsson (Whittaker 78), Hooper

Subs not used: Rudd, Hooiveld, Cuellar, Odjidja

Goals: None

Yellow cards: Toffolo, O’Neil, Bassong

Red cards: None

Attendance: 90, 000

[DazRTaylor]

I think he meant Man Utd.

[Ryan377]

@DazRTaylor - Oops, fair enough I guess! Falcao really dragged them to the title, without him they would have struggled to finish in the top three.

Last Updated: Saturday 31st May 2014, 10:38am

BBCSport 2013/14 season review

Once again, it was another excellent year football all across the globe. This review will focus on the highs and lows of the top European leagues over the past ninth months and focus on the teams that were celebrating come the end of their respective seasons.

Starting off in England, it was Manchester United that claimed the Premier League title as they finished two points ahead of Chelsea. Louis Van Gaal’s side had impressed all season and twenty one goals from on loan striker Radamel Falcao helped the Dutch boss to his first title in his debut campaign in England. Newcastle United caused a major shock as they finished third in the Premier League and also managed to end their forty five year wait for silverware with an FA Cup final win over Norwich City. On loan striker Facundo Ferreyra finished top scorer in the Premier League with twenty three goals and Newcastle boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that the club are working extremely hard to bring the Argentine in on a permanent deal. There was heartache for Leicester City, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion who were all relegated from the Premier League, the bottom three staying the same for most of the campaign. In the awards categories, Louis Van Gaal claimed manager of the year while his creative midfielder Juan Mata picked up PFA player of the year after an excellent campaign.

Moving onto Spain, Barcelona romped to the La Liga title managing to collect an incredible one hundred points to finish sixteen clear of rivals Real Madrid. Neymar and Lionel Messi both picked up impressive goalscoring tallies, nineteen and seventeen respectively, but both were pipped to the top goal scorer award which was claimed by Atletico’s Raul Jimenez who racked up twenty goals for Diego Simeone’s side who finished in third. Levante, Deportivo and Eibar were all demoted into the Segunda Divison, all three being confirmed as relegated before the final game of the season. Unsurprisingly Luis Enrique collected the manager of the year award for an excellent domestic campaign but there was frustration for the Barcelona faithful as they exited the Champions League at the first knockout round, losing heavily to Arsenal. Real Madrid went one better by making it to the quarter finals but they were comfortably beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

Speaking of Bayern Munich, there was a huge shock in the Bundesliga as Schalke claimed their first ever Bundesliga title, managing to finish four points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side. Jens Keller will go down in history at the Gelsenkirchen club after masterminding this incredible achievement however, the Schalke fans will want to see improvements in future derby results after they were embarrassed twice by local rivals Borussia Dortmund. Jurgen Klopp’s side will be disappointed with their season after going out of the Champions League at the first knockout round before only managing to finish third in the Bundesliga. Koln and Paderborn both made a swift return to Bundesliga 2 after a disappointing year and they will be joined by Werder Bremen who failed to beat Union Berlin over a two legged relegation play off. Robert Lewandowski picked up the top goalscorer award with twenty four goals in his first season at Bayern while there was no doubting who was going to collect the gong for manager of the year, Jens Keller picking up the award after an incredible campaign.

Finally for the domestic leagues, in Italy, it was the same old story as Juventus once again eased to a Serie A title win as they finished sixteen points above closest challengers Roma. Carlos Tevez managed to get fourteen goals in his debut year in Italy but wasn’t able to collect the Serie A golden boot which was awarded to Alessandro Matri of Genoa who collected eighteen goals for himself. Rafael Benitez’s Napoli and Fiorentina managed to seal Champions League qualification while surprise package Genoa and AC Milan will both have to settle for Europa League football next season. At the other end of the table, Udinese, Empoli and Cagliari will all be playing their football in Serie B come August after a disappointing campaign for all three clubs. It will now be interesting to see what happens to Antonio Di Natale who may look to leave Udinese after being at the club since 2004, English side Queens Park Rangers being heavily linked.

It was another excellent Champions League year with there being a real quality standard of football across all matches. Bayern Munich retained their Champions League crown as they eased past Juventus in the final, a Robert Lewandowski double and penalty from Xabi Alonso guiding them to a 3-1 victory over the Old Lady. Chelsea progressed the furthest out of the English clubs as they were knocked out in the semi-final by Juventus, Antonio Conte’s side winning 5-3 on aggregate. In the Europa League there was glory for Champions League dropouts Manchester City who beat Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the final after extra time, a double from Argentine hotshot Sergio Aguero sealing the win for the Citizens. Manuel Pellegrini’s side cruised through all the knockout stages to reach the final, their only scare coming against fellow Premier League side Everton when they went behind early on to a Romelu Lukaku goal, only to go on and win 2-1. The surprise package of the tournament were Steve Bruce’s Hull City who managed to reach the quarter finals, only to be beaten by eventual finalists Dynamo Kiev.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Monday 2nd June 2014, 09:08am

Newcastle submit Chadli bid

Thomas Tuchel has wasted no time in his attempts to improve his squad for next season after it was revealed this morning that Newcastle have submitted a bid for Spurs winger Nacer Chadli.

The Belgian winger is believed to have been placed on the transfer list by Mauricio Pochettino and is deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. ESPN believes that an offer of £3.8 million pounds was submitted this morning and that it is likely the offer will be accepted with Tottenham looking to cash in. Newcastle now have the pull of Champions League football after a sensational campaign and it is believed manager Tuchel is wanting to bring in at least five new faces to help improve squad depth for what is likely to be a gruelling upcoming season.

Chadli, who started his career at Standard Liege, signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013 when the North London club went on quite a spending spree with the money received from the Gareth Bale deal. An inconsistent first season at the Lane saw him make twenty four appearances in all competitions, with only one goal registered during this time. The arrival of Pochettino after the departure of Tim Sherwood has seen Chadli’s playing time reduced and the Belgian explained in March that he may need to leave Spurs to make sure he continues to be a regular with his national team. The twenty four year old is likely to jump at the chance of a switch to St James Park and if a fee is accepted, it is likely the deal will be complete within the next forty eight hours.

It is believed that Newcastle are hoping to have all their transfer business completed before the start of pre season in July so that the team has time to gel before what promises to be a tough campaign. The squad will be bolstered with the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Jamal Lascelles and Karl Darlow all returning from loan spells with Tuchel confirming that all three will be promoted to the first team when they report back to pre season training. The future of Sylvain Marveaux and Mapou Yanga Mbiwa are less clear with Marveaux reportedly wanting a return to his home country where he has just enjoyed a loan spell with Guingamp, while Roma seem keen to make Yanga-Mbiwa's loan move permanent however, wages are likely to be a stumbling block. It promises to be an extremely busy summer at St James Park ahead of the 2014/15 season.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Wednesday 4th June 2014, 12:20pm

Magpies Ghoulam bid accepted

Just forty eight hours after submitting their first bid of the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have again been making moves after having an offer accepted for full back Faouzi Ghoulam.

A proposal of around £3.8 million pounds was submitted by the Magpies early this morning and ESPN understands that this has been accepted by Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis after consulting with manager Rafael Benitez. Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the final game of the season that the full back position is an area that he would like to strengthen and it seems that the German is wasting no time in making sure his squad is ready for the upcoming campaign.

Ghoulam, who is a regular in the Algeria national side, started his career at French club St. Etienne and enjoyed a successful seven years at the club where he made a name for himself as one of the best full backs in Ligue One. The twenty three year old possesses excellent attacking abilities and recorded numerous assists while at the famous French club. His consistently brilliant performances persuaded Napoli manager Rafael Benitez to bring him to the club for a fee of £5 million pounds and he went on to make thirty five appearances in Serie A for the Italian giants last year as they finished third. It is believed Ghoulam wanted to open talks over a new contract despite only being at the club for twelve months, this angering De Laurentiis who stated that Ghoulam was showing disrespect to the club and his fellow team mates. Newcastle were alerted to the situation and it looks like a switch to Tyneside will be completed before the end of the week.

In other transfer news, it seems Nacer Chadli’s move to Tyneside will also be completed by Friday after Tottenham accepted Newcastle’s £3.4 million bid for the Belgian winger. The twenty four year old is believed to be on Tyneside as Newcastle try to agree personal terms with the player and his agent. QPR midfielder Karl Henry has completed his free transfer to West Ham this morning while leaving Upton Park is Morgan Amalfitano who has transferred to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa for a fee of £200,000.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Friday 6th June 2014, 10:45am

Newcastle complete double swoop

Newcastle United have this morning completed the transfers of Nacer Chadli and Faouzi Ghoulam, both players signing five year deals with the North East club.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed in a press conference at the Newcastle training ground this morning that both players were currently on their way to Darsley Park where they would put pen to paper on five year contracts and ESPN can confirm that these deals have now gone through. Nacer Chadli cost the Tyneside club £3.4 million pounds from Tottenham Hotspuer while Faouzi Ghoulam was brought in for £3.8 million from Italian side Napoli. Tuchel stated that the spending is likely to continue over the next couple of weeks for Newcastle as he looks to have a full squad in shape for the start of pre-season in early July.

Regarding outgoing transfers from St James’ Park, ESPN sources can reveal that the Liverpool transfer committee are discussing whether to press forward with their interest of Newcastle full back Davide Santon. The young Italian enjoyed an excellent season for the black and whites in 2013/14 and is held in high regard by all staff at the club. It is believed that the club would not stand in his way if he did want to make the move to Merseyside but it would take a substantial bid for them to even consider selling the player to a Premier League rival. We are likely to know more about this story in the coming days.

Thomas Tuchel also confirmed to the press today that players Jack Colback, Emmanuel Riviere and Yoan Gouffran have all been placed on the transfer list and told it would be beneficial for their careers if they found new clubs for the upcoming campaign. Riviere made twenty six league appearances for the Magpies last term but the return of Hatem Ben Arfa following a loan spell at Hull City is likely to push his fellow countryman down the pecking order. Yoan Gouffran made thirteen appearances in the league last campaign, registering three goals whereas Jack Colback found playing time limited after his move from Sunderland and he only played four times for the Magpies across the whole of last season.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Thursday 12th June 2014, 11:31am

Newcastle confirm pre-season schedule

Newcastle United have confirmed they will play seven pre-season matches over the next six weeks ahead of the 2014/15 Premier League season.

The Magpies will report back to pre-season training on the 1st of July, however, all players who have been involved in World Cup action will be given another three weeks leave meaning they will report back to Darsley Park on 22nd of July. Manager Thomas Tuchel explained at the end of last season that he would like to have a full squad available for most of pre-season and that he hopes all transfer activity can be completed by mid July.

Newcastle will kick off the 2014/15 campaign with a trip up north to face one of their feeder clubs, St Mirren. The Magpies have had relative success with the Scottish club in loaning young players to Paisley for experience; Paul Dummett, Adam Campbell and Conor Newton have all had temporary spells at St Mirren Park. Four days later, Thomas Tuchel will take his side to Brunton Park to face League Two opposition Carlisle United, a fixture that regularly crops up in Newcastle’s pre seasons.

This will be followed with a flight across to Italy for some warm weather training and while over there, Serie A sides Chievo and Lazio will provide tough opposition. The Newcastle players and staff will then be jumping on another plane as they travel across to Spain where they will face Ayoze Perez’s hometown club, Tenerife. Ayoze was signed from Tenerife the previous summer and it is believed a friendly between the two sides was arranged when the deal was completed, the Canary Island club likely to benefit from a high attendance as fans flock to watch one of the bigger Premier League sides. A trip to Sevilla will then be needed as the Magpies will be facing Real Betis. Los Beticos enjoyed a successful campaign last year as they gained promotion from Segunda Liga, returning to Liga BBVA at the first time of asking. Newcastle will finish their pre-season tour of Spain with a game against Albacete before returning home to prepare for the Community Shield final against Manchester United.

[Ryan377]

Last Updated: Friday 13th June 2014, 11:00am

Santon switch close to completion

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United full back Davide Santon after the Tyneside club confirmed this morning they have accepted a bid of £30 million from Brendan Rodgers side.

The Italian defender enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Magpies in the season just gone where he registered thirty four starts as he helped Newcastle to third position in the league. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed earlier in the week that the club were aware of the interest from Liverpool but that it would take an astronomical bid to land the player. It is believed Liverpool firstly came in with a £20 million pounds bid which Newcastle quickly rebuffed, explaining anything under £30 million would not be considered. After a meeting with the transfer committee at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers decided that the young defender was a priority for the club and that he was happy for the bulk of their summer transfer budget to be spent on bringing him to the club.

Santon started his career with lower league Italian side Ravenna before being snapped up on a youth contract by Italian giants Inter Milan in 2005. The defender had to wait until 2008 when he was handed his full debut in Serie A by Jose Mourinho who was manager at the time. The young full back impressed in his time at the San Siro, most notably in a game against Manchester United in the Champions League where he kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet for the full ninety minutes. Injury problems were persistent though and Inter decided to cash in on the defender in 2011 when Newcastle came calling with a £5 million bid. The twenty three year old was a mainstay in the Toon Army’s backline over his three seasons at the club and instilled himself as a fans favourite with his attacking nature down the wing.

It is believed that the full transfer fee received from Liverpool will be made available to Thomas Tuchel to bring new players into the squad. Seamus Coleman is rumoured to be the Magpies number one target but the club are unsure whether Everton will be willing to let their Irish full back move to fellow Premier League opposition. If a deal for Coleman cannot be agreed, it is likely that chief scout Graham Carr will be tasked with finding a replacement from Europe.