Congratulations to Andy Carroll for making his England debut at Wembley in England’s 1-2 defeat to France on Wednesday night (GMT).
Carroll was one of the few England players to enhance their reputations in what was an awful performance by England who were outplayed by their French opponents. Playing mainly as a lone striker Carroll received little service, but he battled away admirable and looked more than comfortable at international level. On 72 minutes Carroll left the field, apparently uninjured, and was replaced by Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd.
Speaking after the game Fabio Capello heaped praise on Carroll:
“It is important for me that some young players play here at Wembley against a good team like France. In this friendly fixture it was important to know the value of the young players. I told the players it is different to play with the Under-21s than to play here. In the first half France played better, in the second half we played better. I am happy for Carroll for his performance and I understand he is a good player for the future for England”
The 21-year-old Geordie striker spoke to Evening Chronicle afterwards:
“I was happy with my performance on the night and it obviously leaves you wanting to experience a bit more. For me, it was a great experience to be out there and playing with top international players. I’ve really enjoyed it. The atmosphere in front of 86,000 people was a real buzz and it’s something I’ll never forget. Now I’m just looking forward to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.”
In a spooky coincidence Carroll made his debut at the same age, against the same team, and at the same venue as Alan Shearer did in 1992. England needs a good Geordie in it’s team, see Bobby Charlton, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Gazza and Shearer, so well done Andy we are all proud of you. Andrew McTernan – Row ‘S’ Army
I made another appearance on Radio Fremantle’sThe World Football Programme last Saturday (13th Nov) to talk about the English Premier League. The show was again hosted by Penny TannerHoath & Jason Washington-King, and joining them was John O’Connell from The International Football Show.
I took time out from Footy Fan Down Under’s Melbourne Pub Competition to speak about Joey Barton’s punch, Newcastle’s recent form, that weeks EPL results, the fixtures that weekend, and the young England hopeful’s looking to be part of Fabio Capello’s upcoming squad. To listen to the full interview yourself download it here and then fast forward to 11 minutes and 45 seconds.
Date: Sunday 7th November 2010 Kick-off: 1:30pm (GMT) Venue: Emirates Stadium Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral) Attendance: 60,059 including a sold-out away full of 2,000 Magpies
Teams
Arsenal: Fabianski,Sagna,Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Fabregas, Nasri (Arshavin 56), Walcott, A Song, Wilshere (Bendtner 73), Chamakh (Van Persie 57) Subs Not Used: Szczesny,Djourou,Eboue,Rosicky Booked: Clichy, Sagna, Koscienly, Fabregas Red Cards: Koscienly
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Jose Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez, Ameobi (Ranger 82), Carroll Subs Not Used: Soderberg, Campbell, Steven Taylor, Smith, Routledge, Lovenkrands Booked: Tiote
Goals: Carroll 45
Post-match comments:
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton said:
“With Andy (Carroll), it’s about making sure that all the headlines he is making are on the back pages. He is a young man, he has made mistakes, but he has got to make sure he learns from those mistakes, and I am quite sure he will. He is an environment here where he is getting a lot of support from the club, certainly the staff and the supporters, and I am quite sure his concentrations will be very much on football, 100 per cent. Young professional footballers are easier targets. They have a different lifestyle, as people see it. They are young, privileged men and that’s how people see it. They have got to make sure they don’t get caught up in the pitfalls of it all. All we can do for our part is support him and create an environment in which he can flourish. At the moment, he is a young man who is playing very well on the back of an excellent performance at Arsenal. The reason why we gave him that number nine shirt is because we saw that potential in him, and we hope that continues. He is a player in form. He is, of course, a little bit different to a lot of the other England strikers at this particular moment, which perhaps sets him apart. He is an old-fashioned centre-forward, he is left-sided and has a prowess in the air. He is certainly different. He is still developing his game, he will have bad periods, he will have ups and downs as all centre-forwards do, but at the moment, he is a player playing very, very well. He’s providing the team with a wonderful platform up front and scoring goals as well. The most important thing is that his mind is very much concentrated on doing the best job he can for this football club. He has a prowess in the air but he has other aspects in his game. He gives us a mobility that stretches defences. He has a way to go and is working on other aspects of his game. I would love to see him picked for Newcastle United, that’s all I’m bothered about. There was no question he would play after what has been written about him. I made a selection based on the continuity in the last couple of games. Andy is mentally very strong and not difficult to manage. This is a team that worked hard to get promotion back to this division. They know where they want to be. This result showed what it meant to everyone. It was a magnificent team effort. It is a very difficult place to come and get a result and come and get a victory. You know before the game they are a side that will have the majority of possession, they had quality to bring on, difficult day.”
Match Highlights Match Report
Newcastle United rounded off a remarkable week with a convincing 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium which moved the Magpies up to 5th place in the league. This was Newcastle’s first victory away to Arsenal since that historic Monday night in December 2001 when they beat the Gunners 3-1 at Highbury to break the 30 game streak without a win in London.
It was a towering Andy Carroll header on the stroke of half-time that won the game for the Magpies. Joey Barton floated a free-kick deep into the box and Carroll got his head to the ball before goalkeeper Fabianski to direct it into the back of the empty net.
As spectacular and memorable the 5-1 victory over 5under1and was last week, this performance and result was perhaps even more eye catching from Chris Hughton’s team. Newcastle did ride their lucky at couple of times with Theo Walcott hitting the crossbar and Tim Krul making a fine one-handed save, but don’t take any of the credit away from the Magpies.
Not many teams leave the Emirates stadium having had more possession during the 90 minutes than Arsenal (49% to 51%). Arsenal are the kings of the possession football game, there ability to keep the ball and pass teams to death is Arsene Wenger’s trade mark. However, we are starting to see Hughton getting his team to play this attractive and effective style of play also. Last week 5under1and were unable to cope with the Newcastle passing game and it was most encouraging to see them try to play the same style at times away from home.
Naturally a lot more defending was required in this game and the back four & goalkeeper did a remarkable job. Jose Enrique restricted his usual forward runs and comfortably contained the pacey Walcott down the Arsenal right-flank for the vast majority of the game. On the opposite side right-back Danny Simpson probably had his best game in a black & white shirt, his awareness to read the game and his ability to tackle and break down the attacking threats has been a welcome addition since his return from injury. And again Mike Williamson & Fabricio Coloccini were the rock in the middle of the defence.
In midfield Cheik Tiote’s reputation is growing rapidly with every game. The Ivorian international again was outstanding in the middle of the park running the show against some world class opposition. Barton also was highly influential playing out wide of the right hand side of midfield, his accurate passing and crossing crucial to Newcastle’s attacks.
Finally upfront the partnership of Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi is blossoming into a good one since Hughton decided to switch from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. Amoebi had one of his more impressive and effective away performances, he held up the ball well and ran at the Arsenal defence when he could, while Carroll chased every ball and his arial ability caused the Arsenal defence plenty of headaches.
Full credit to Chris Hughton he really has taken this Newcastle United team to a new level this season. Not just with the results he is getting but in the manor is which they are doing it. We haven’t seen this type of quality football played since I’ve moved to Australia and long may it continue.
Arsenal (a) Date: Monday 8th November 2010 Venue: Emirates Stadium Kick-Off: 12:30am (AEDT), 12am (SA), 11:30pm (QLD), 11pm (NT), 9:30pm (WA) Referee:Mike Dean (The Wirral) Australian TV: Live on Foxsports 1 Forum:Match Thread
Last 5 Form:
Newcastle United PL – 5under1and (h) W 5-1
CC4 – Arsenal (h) L 0-4 PL – West Ham (a) W 2-1 PL – Wigan (h) D 2-2
PL – Man City (a) L 1-2
Arsenal UCL – Shakhtar Donetsk (a) L 1-2
PL – West Ham (h) W 1-0
CC4 – Newcastle (a) W 4-0
PL – Man City (a) W 3-0
UCL – Shakhtar Donetsk (h) W 5-1
PL – Birmingham City (h) W 2-1 Match Stats: All time – Arsenal 65 win, draws 36, Newcastle 65 wins
Odds: Brought to you in association with…
Arsenal $1.30, Draw $5.00, Newcastle $11.00
Did You Know? Newcastle United have not beaten Arsenal away in ten games and in the five visits since the Emirates Stadium was built, they have drawn one and lost four, scoring only one goal in those games. Team News: Arsenal are expected to have captain Cesc Fabregas back after he missed the midweek trip to the Ukraine and young starlet Jack Wilshere returns from suspension. Midfielders Alex Song (calf), Denilson (groin), Andrey Arshavin (virus) remain doubtful while Manuel Alumunia, Abou Diaby, Robin Van Persie, Emmanuel Frimpong, Kieron Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen are all still on the injury list.
Newcastle United are still without long term injury victims Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg), Dan Gosling (knee), Leon Best (ankle), Stephen Harper (shoulder), while Sol Campbell (thigh) is rated doubtful. Match Preview
Newcastle United travel down to London to taken on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a live Sunday lunchtime kick-off.
Following on from their emphatic victory over 5under1and last Sunday Chris Hughton and his team will be full confidence ahead of this difficult trip. Hughton spoke to the press ahead of the game saying:
“It goes without saying – you have to be confident after that (5under1and victory), how can you not be? But whether you’re confident or not, we are going to as tough a place as they come in Arsenal. Most would consider it one of the most difficult. But we go there with confidence and the feel-good factor is there from the last couple of Premier League games. We must be mindful of the quality they have, but not fear it. We are aware of what they achieved in their Carling Cup game and that they have also had a midweek game in the Champions League. They were able to rest a number of their players in that game. But in view of whether they play them again or they rest them, one thing I do know is how they will play. They play the same type of football throughout and we all know what it is. And whatever side they put out, it will be a top-class side. There will be no surprises there. The way they play they can bring in quality players whenever they like. And we have to play as well as they do if we are to get a result.”
Despite the fact that Newcastle have a very poor recent record away at Arsenal the football played by Hughton’s team last week was some of the best we have seen at St James’ Park for a long time. Of course playing Arsenal on their own turf is a tough assignment for any team in the Premier League. Hughton’s recent change of preference from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation away from home should give Newcastle plenty of attacking threat and with this set to be Arsenal’s fourth game in 10 days, including a trip to the Ukraine, they may never be a better time to catch the Gunners cold.
Arsenal’s only home league defeat so far this season has come against fellow newly promoted side West Bromwich Albion. That day WBA took the game to the home side and were 0-3 up before Arsenal clawed back two late goals.
Key to the game will be how Newcastle’s back four of Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini and Jose Enrique cope with the first 30 minutes of the match. An early goal for the Gunners could spell disaster for the Magpies, with the free flowing football of Arsenal making it very difficult to come from behind against, as the likes of Samri Nasri, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshire will exposure any space given to them in the final third.
Left-back Enrique will need to be at his best to stop the in-form Walcott, the England International scored two goals in the Carling Cup last week and another good goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek. Walcott’s pace will no doubt force Enrique to not have the luxury of being able to support Jonas Gutierrez as often as he would like. Meaning Enrique can ill afford to give Walcott any space to utilise his blistering pace and this is something manager Hughton will be mindful of.
For Newcastle the onus will be on strikers Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll to cause the Arsenal defence as much trouble as possible. For this to happen it will require some good quality service from the midfield, meaning the delivery out wide from Joey Barton and Gutierrez will be vital. If Carroll and Ameobi can make life difficult for the Arsenal defenders, then the space in behind can be expoilted by Kevin Nolan who thrieves off the knock down’s from the big men.
A Newcastle United victory is not of the question, but Arsenal rightly start as overwheleming favourites, so it will be interesting to see if United can continue on from where they left off last week and any postitive result here would be seen as a bonus for the season.
Date: Sunday 31st October 2010 Kick-off: 1:30pm (GMT) Venue: St James’ Park Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire) Attendance: 51,988
Teams
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Jose Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez, Ameobi (Ranger 86), Carroll Subs Not Used: Soderberg, Perch, Steven Taylor, Smith, Routledge, Lovenkrands Booked: Tiote, Carroll, Simpson
Goals: Nolan 26, 34, 75, Ameobi 45 pen, 70
5under1and: Mignolet, Bardsley, Bramble, Turner, Onuoha, Henderson, Cattermole (Mensah 76), Malbranque, Elmohamady (Gyan 40), Welbeck (Richardson 55), Bent Subs Not Used: Gordon, Zenden, Da Silva, Ferdinand Booked: Malbranque, Onuoha, Bardsley, Cattermole, Turner, Mensah Sent Off: Bramble (53)
Goals: Bent 90
Post-match comments:
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton said
“If you had asked me before today’s game would I settle for a scrappy 1-0 win where perhaps we didn’t play so well, of course I would have done. It is about the three points, which sees us go a couple of places up the table, which is a really nice feeling at this stage. But this is a massive game around these parts. We weren’t in this fixture last year – they have had to wait two years for it – and to do it in the fashion we have done has certainly made this city fairly buoyant this evening. (What will you do to celebrate?) A couple of glasses of wine, I think. I am very, very proud. We had a group of players today who went into what was always going to be a very tough game – they [Sunderland] are a side in very good form at the moment and have a lot of quality in the team. The first period was always going to be a little bit to and fro. We fortunately got the first goal, but I thought the way the team pushed not only to get the second, but to get the third, coming out in the second-half period where they could have sat back a little bit, but no, looked for that fourth and fifth, it was an outstanding performance.”
5under1nad manager Steve Bruce said
“All I can do is apologise. When you get beaten as badly as that, here of all places, it will take a lot of recovering. Me, as manager, I will take full responsibility. Anything that could have went wrong, went wrong; from red cards to mistakes. I’ve been saying all week that we must handle the occasion. But from the off we didn’t and we got blown away by a far superior team on the day. I’ve got no complaints about anything. I could sit here and try to make excuses but I’m not looking for that. We’ve been badly beaten and the mark of everyone is how we respond.”
Match Highlights Match Report It was a derby day to remember on Tyneside as Newcastle United thrashed 5under1and 5-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday lunchtime. Not even the most optimistic member of the Toon Army could have predicted such a brilliant performance and result from Newcastle, as a hat-trick from captain Kevin Nolan and two goals from Shola Ameobi blew away the mackems. After the typical fiery and intense opening to the match, which saw the predictable early yellow cards, the rout began on the 26 minute. Nolan improvised brilliantly in the box to flick the ball over his head and into the net following a Mike Williamson knock down from a Joey Barton corner. It was a sublime piece of thinking from Nolan to give the Magpies the opening goal. Eight minutes later and Nolan made it 2-0. Striker Andy Carroll mis-kicked a volley that smashed into the ground and bounced over Ameobi and the mackem defence straight into the path of Nolan at the far post, the midfielder took one touch and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. Things were to get even better for the home side in first half injury time when 5under1and defender Nedum Onuoah clumsily brought down the advancing Jonas Gutierrez in the box. Up stepped the Newcastle nominated penalty taker, Ameobi, and the big Geordie striker made no mistake with a brilliantly struck shot into the bottom left-hand corner. Half-time 3-0. The second half saw Newcastle continue where they left off. Carroll and Ameobi was causing havoc in the 5under1nad defence with Carroll chasing down every ball and looking a real threat. In the midfield Barton, Nolan and Cheik Tiote were pulling the strings, while as ever Jose Enrique and Jonas combined well down the left. On 53 minutes the game effectively ended for the sad mackem b@st@rds when former Magpie Titus Bramble chopped down Carroll who was making a marauding run towards the box. The defender was given a straight red card and there could be no complaints from 5under1and as Carroll would have had only the goalkeeper to beat. Ameobi made it 4-0 on 70 minutes to yet again send the Toon Army into raptures. A right-wing cross from Danny Simpson found Carroll who’s fierce header hit the crossbar and Ameobi reacted to the rebound first to fire home a brilliant volley from 8 yards out. Five minutes later Nolan completed his hat-trick becoming only the third player to do so in a Tyne & Wear derby and the first person for 25 years since a Peter Beardsley hat-trick beat 5under1and on New Year’s Day 1985.A Joey Barton corner was met by Ameobi whose towering header across goal found an unmarked Nolan in front of goal and the captain headed home to spark even more pandemonium in the stands. With the Newcastle players knocking the ball around with ease to cheers of ole with every touch, the Toon Army knew they were witnessing a match that will be talked about in the same breath as the Man Utd 5-0 humiliation and the Barca 3-2 Champions League triumph. The celebrations were halted for a couple of seconds when Darren Bent scored in injury time, but nothing was going to take anything away from what was a glorious performance by Newcastle United. The 51,988 that turned up for this game, and the millions of people watching on TV, could not have expected to see what they saw. This was a once in a lifetime result by Newcastle and something we will cherish forever. Things on Tyneside and St James’ Park have never felt this good for a very long time. Full credit to Chris Hughton and his players, they have just written themselves into Geordie folklore forever. Andrew McTernan – Row ‘S’ Army
Newcastle ace Papiss Cisse has dismissed claims he could be set for a big-money move away from the club this summer. […]
Sir Bobby Robson
"What is a club in any case? Not the building or the Directors or the people who are paid to represent it. It's not the television contracts, get out clauses or the marketing departments or the Executive boxes. It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city"
