Why the neutral fan doesn’t understand why Alan Pardew must leave Newcastle

The neutral fan doesn’t understand why Alan Pardew must leave Newcastle

 

If you look at the table compared to the Newcastle United squad, 9^th place would be seen as a reasonable finish. One which most fans would have taken at the start of the season. Therefore, neutral fans do not understand why Pardew gets so much stick. This article will explain the reasons why.

 

In 2014, Newcastle haven’t scored many goals. In fact they’ve managed just 3 at St James’ Park since the turn of the year. So why is it that Pardew continues to leave out his most creative players? I get that losing Yohan Cabaye was a big hit to the squad, and that not replacing him was an obvious error. But continuously picking teams with no creative outlet is obviously not going to result in goals. Pardew has players who can create goals in his squad. Hatem Ben Arfa, who I won’t hesitate to say is the most talented player in the squad, rarely starts games. When he does, he is blamed for his lack of defending. The fact is, Ben Arfa can do things that no-one else in the squad can. On a similar vein, Sylvain Marveaux is almost never seen, not even from the bench. Strange seeing as he had the most assists in the squad last season. Neutral fans may argue that yes, we are still 9^th in the table but there is a right to complain. How would Chelsea fans react if Eden Hazard was regularly left out with John Obi Mikel played in his place on the wing? What about Arsenal fans if Nicklas Bendtner was selected to partner Olivier Giroud regularly with Santi Cazorla on the bench and Mesut Ozil not in the squad? What about Manchester City fans if Silva and Nasri were leftout of the lineup only to make way for Jack Rodwell on the flanks? They wouldn’t be impressed and would also call for their manager’s head. The fact is football is all about entertainment and most Newcastle fans don’t get that. I for one, have often sat twiddling my thumbs for 65 minutes knowing that the thought that we might score doesn’t enter my head until Ben Arfa is turned to. I’m not saying Ben Arfa and Marveaux are comparable in ability to Cazorla, Ozil and Hazard but they perform similar roles for the Newcastle team and without them Newcastle are dull as dishwater to watch. Since Alan Pardew took over 3 and a half years ago, I don’t think Ben Arfa and Marveaux have started more than 10 games together, this shows Pardew’s defensive style.  I think West Ham fans will sympathise here, thinking back to the days where he left out Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano for Marlon Harewood and Hayden Mullins. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse Newcastle team to watch, not even the relegation season saw a side that was as boring as this one, it doesn’t have to be with Ben Arfa and Marveaux in the squad.

Similarly, Pardew prefers to play players out of their usual positions rather than turn to some of these players. This season alone, Davide Santon has played as a central midfielder, right back and left back. Moussa Sissoko has played as a central midfielder, right and left midfield, right and left winger and as an attacking midfielder. Yoan Gouffran has played all across the midfield and upfront, Mapou Yanga Mbiwa has played all across the backline. Some of these players have deserved to be dropped but Pardew keeps them in the team continuously. Moussa Sissoko offers very little to the team and doesn’t compete for the ball, yet still keeps the likes of Ben Arfa, Marveaux and Sammy Ameobi on the sidelines and praise from his manager who says he has had a “terrific season”. Yoan Gouffran I think is a good player but needs some competition, I struggle to think of a good performance he has put in since boxing day because he has had no-one pushing him for a spot. Davide Santon has been a liability for 12 months but has only finally been replaced because he has had injuries. Pardew’s frequent selection of Shola Ameobi who scored his first premier league goal in 16 months on Saturday is baffling.

 

Furthermore, Pardew frequently mentions his struggle to motivate his players to play for Newcastle since a top half finish formerly looked a near certainty. I am by no means saying the players are blameless here but surely Pardew should be able to motivate his team. That is a part of his job. The falling to pieces of Newcastle sides that have gone 1-0 down, only to lose by 3 or 4 since January has been disgusting. I witnessed the home games with Everton, Tottenham and Man Utd and the team just stopped trying once it went behind. It was embarrassing to watch and it made me angry. Any football fan is entitled to expect 100% commitment from his team at any point.

 

Part of the worst bit of Pardew’s management is his excuses. It’s never Alan Pardew’s fault. This season he has blamed injuries ( which I feel we have not had that many of this season, compared to other seasons), the local media (implying fans can’t decide for themselves he’s useless- believe me they can), a negative stadium (because of your team’s poor performances), Cabaye going ( you could use that for a week not 3 months and counting), science (a very odd suggestion), the wind ( not convinced again), tiredness (not surprising seeing as you never change the team and rest players). Not only this, he has used the excuse that we “controlled the game” on various occasions, when we quite simply haven’t, yesterday being a prime example. The arrogance of the man was summed up yesterday when he argued that he would have stopped the Swansea winner going in, had he been on the touchline, prior to the Southampton game he said his return to the stadium would give his players a lift, they lost 4-0 in perhaps their worst performance of the season.

 

This brings me onto the worries for next season. The current form would see Newcastle relegated from the premier league. 13 defeats in the last 18 games means that it is likely that Newcastle will be battling relegation next time out without some serious changes. Yes new players are needed, new strikers and wingers in particular, but Pardew’s mismanagement of the current squad means I don’t think he is equipped to handle a squad overhaul.

England First Test Team

My England team for the first test of the summer

 

Alistair Cook- The England captain is an obvious selection, and despite his weaknesses as a captain, he is a fantastic batsman.

Sam Robson- I saw his magnificent 163 v Nottinghamshire first hand last week. I was beginning to wonder what all the hype was about when he struggled to 15, frequently playing and missing at Peter Siddle and Luke Fletcher. However, I was impressed with the way he persevered and got through a difficult spell, even when he was put under pressure by two of his teammates falling early. After making 30, he looked completely at ease as did Eoin Morgan, but the fact that Robson went onto get 163 and Morgan 85 shows the difference between the two. Robson’s higher concentration allowed him to take Middlesex into a dominating position. With this a place very much up for grabs, Robson is the leading candidate for me.

Joe Root- He struggled throughout the winter in Australia but he is a big talent. I think Jonathan Trott’s absence leaves a huge hole in the side but I think Root is the man to fill that void. He has shown his class on occasion for England and I expect him to become more consistent as he adjusts to test match cricket.

Ian Bell- A fantastic batsman but I would rather leave him at 4 as I think that’s where the best batsman in the lineup should bat, don’t want him exposed to the new ball.

Moen Ali- Maybe a slightly left-field selection, but Ali is a very talented batsman. Added to this, with the quality of spin bowlers on offer in England, he is possibly one of the best options to bowl spin for England. With him batting 5 it enables me to get an extra seam bowler into this lineup.

Ben Stokes- Stokes enjoyed a very good ashes and at number 6, there is a chance for him to provide either a counter-attacking innings in difficult situations or accelerate the game from a position of strength. His bowling would still be useful on occasion but maybe not so much with 4 seamers

Matt Prior- He had a horrible 2013 but class is permanent and I believe Prior will be back to his old self this summer and his record shows he deserves another chance to bounce back from a bad year.

Tim Bresnan- I wasn’t shore whether to select an extra batsman or Bresnan but I decided on Bresnan as I think he adds something different to the England attack. His reverse swing and his famous ability to “bowl a heavy ball” make him a useful addition to the team. Bresnan is also capable of scoring runs, making his selection above that of Graham Onions.

Stuart Broad- Broad is one of the best in the world when he is at his best and is an automatic selection.

James Anderson- The leader of the England attack for a few years now, I have no reason to think that this should change.

Steven Finn- Finn had a horrible year last year, but he has started the 2014 county season superbly and this for me shows evidence of him getting back to somewhere near his best. I only saw him bowl 2 overs at Lords last week against numbers 10 and 11 but he did look to be getting it through at a high pace. In some conditions I might say that Graham Onions should be preferred.

                                                                                                                                                                        

Newcastle United; a squad review

Newcastle United; a squad review

 

Those of you who follow my personal twitter account (@bastie35) will know that I am no Alan Pardew fan. I think his tactics are stuck in the dark ages, and he has an ability to get the best out of his most talented players. However, it seems likely he will be tasked with overhauling the squad this summer, this analysis shows who I would like to keep and who I think is not good enough for the Newcastle squad. I have not included Loic Remy as I know he won’t be signing anyway.

 

Goalkeepers

 

Tim Krul- Keep- Krul has had a poor season apart from a blinding performance away to Tottenham and has made a lot of mistakes. Nevertheless, he is a good goalkeeper and should be kept unless a substantial bid comes Newcastle’s way.

Rob Elliott- Keep- Elliott is a very good backup for a premier league side to have and I see no reason to move the former Charlton keeper on.

 

Defenders

 

Fabricio Coloccini- Keep- Coloccini has been criticised by sections of the fanbase this season and I find that staggering. Whilst he has not enjoyed the best of form in the last 4 or 5 matches, the skipper is far and away Newcastle’s best centre-back and a big effort must be made to retain his services

Davide Santon- Sell- Santon has had an awful season and I still think his best position is at right back where he was our biggest threat against Manchester United. Having said that, Mathieu Debuchy plays in that position so Santon would be an expensive luxury as a backup right back as it is likely we could receive a fee in the region of £6million for the defender. If Debuchy goes to PSG as rumoured however, I would not be averse to keeping Santon as first choice right back and using the money elsewhere.

Mike Williamson- keep- Williamson is not the most talented player in the squad but he is solid. I don’t believe he is good enough to play week in, week out but is a useful squad player for the club to keep.

Mapou Yanga Mbiwa- keep- I think there is a talented player here but he needs to be played at centre back alongside a big strong defender, not with Colo and definitely not as a fullback where he is atrocious. I think he has looked good in the games he’s played at centre back with Mike Williamson.

Ryan Taylor- keep- I have no idea how good he will be after his cruel luck with injuries. At his best he is one of my favourite players in this squad due to the utter contempt I have for some of them and his passion for the team. His ability to play a number of positions, whilst being able to contribute to the team in all of them would be an important ingredient once more if he could return to his best.

Massadio Haidara- keep- I think he is a talented player but he needs to work on his crossing. He’s got a good build for a fullback as he is strong and athletic and is very strong in the tackle as Ashley Young found out 2 weeks ago!

Mathieu Debuchy- keep- An outstanding right back and the only Newcastle player who is in the top 5 in his position in the division. He can do everything you want in a right back he can tackle, head, cross, positionally very sound,  comfortable in possession and has a fantastic engine. Newcastle must do everything in their power to keep hold of him but I think he will reunite with his best friend Yohan Cabaye at PSG.

Steven Taylor- sell- Has been allowed for far too long to get away with too much from the supporters because he is a local lad who fist pumps the fans. The truth is he lacks concentration and anticipation and so should be moved on this summer.

Curtis Good- keep- haven’t seen much of him but as he’s only 20 and getting first team football, its worth having an extended look at him.

James Tavernier- keep- He looked awful in the Newcastle games he played in last season but has had a very successful loan spell at Rotherham this season so it may be worth giving him next season to prove himself.

Paul Dummett- sell- He looks all over the place positionally in defence, offers little in attack. At the age of 22 I think the time has run out for him to prove he’s worthy of playing for Newcastle.

Midfielders

Moussa Sissoko- sell- I honestly think he brings little to the table for Newcastle. He’s quick yes but he lacks end product as both his shooting and crossing are poor. He’s also tall but is scared of challenging for the ball so that doesn’t help him. Whilst he is often defensively disciplined, I expect a bit more from a winger which is where he has been playing and I’ve been far from impressed when he has played infield also. Sissoko is also one of the first to let their heads go down if we fall behind.

Vurnon Anita- keep- I think Anita is a tidy player but his performances have dropped of late. Pardew moving to the flanks in the last 2 games has certainly not helped however, and I think he is technically a very fine player and should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Hatem Ben Arfa- KEEP PLEASE- look at the names on this list and think like a defender, which one would you least like to face? He is by far the most talented player in the squad and the fact that he doesn’t start games is ridiculous. I will be heartbroken if as expected, he does leave the Toon this summer.

Yoan Gouffran- keep- His performances have been very poor of late and he needs a kick up the backside. However, I don’t think selling him is a good option as at his best he is very good defensively and scores plenty of important goals.

Dan Gosling- sell- Gosling has actually been one of our better players of late but I think that tells you more about the teams performances than Gosling’s. 2 starts in the last 2 and a half years in the league tells you it’s time for the 24 year old to move on.

Romain Amalfitano- sell- move on, simple as.

Jonas Gutierrez- sell- It breaks my heart to say it, but his best days are a long way behind him. It’s a shame because at his best he was a very effective player for Newcastle he was good defensively and a fine dribbler. Will not be forgotten by me for his services to Newcastle particularly during the promotion winning season.

Gael Bigirimana- keep- Another Newcastle youngster who seems to have faded away after a bright start, really hope he pushes on next season.

Sylvain Marveaux- Keep- Another that I would ideally keep but Pardew has clearly made up his mind here. It’s a shame because he made a few important goals last season, notably for Papiss Cisse in his winners against Stoke and Anzhi. A very talented player who can dribble with an eye for a pass, but is rarely included in the matchday squad these days.

Cheick Tiote- Keep- a warrior for Newcastle, it is essential Newcastle keep hold of him this season, the only other leader in the squad apart from Coloccini who may well leave. Would have no qualms handing him the captaincy should Colo leave.

 

Gabriel Obertan- sell- He has never cut the mustard as a premier league player and his lack of involvement this season shows that he will surely be out of the door come the summer.

Sammy Ameobi- keep- If you’d asked me this question in January of Sammy, I would have wanted him out of the door. However, in February he looked lively in the games I saw and so I would like to see him have one more season to prove himself.

Haris Vuckic- sell- the great big hope who Man Utd and Real Madrid wanted to the Rotherham bench, a sad decline for a player who was clearly talented, but injuries have ruined him.

Shane Ferguson- sell- I have no idea what happened to the this one, he was looking like a potential star of the future in the games he played for Newcastle in the early part of his career but these days he struggles to make the Birmingham bench.

Mehdi Abeid- keep- his loan spell at Panathinaikos looks to have been very successful so it sounds like he is worth integrating into the first team squad next season.  

Strikers

Papiss Cisse- keep- more out of necessity than because I really want to keep him, but he does get in the position to score goals so will every now and again put one of his many chances away. Not the most glowing of reports but this does at least make him a better option than Shola Ameobi and Luuk De Jong.  

Luuk De Jong- don’t sign- offers very little, he rarely gets in the position to score goals and when he does he doesn’t look like he could score in a brothel armed with £5,000. He’s very weak on the ball and spends a high portion of the game on his arse.

Shola Ameobi- sell- Sorry Shola, but you no longer cut it at premier league level. Not scoring in 16 months is not good enough, and whilst a few years ago he did enough to do ok, not anymore. He's immobile and gives away cheap freekicks.

Adam Armstrong- keep- looked lively against Stoke at the weekend, but that is all I’ve seen of the youngster. At 17 and already in the first team squad it would be silly to get rid.

Adam Campbell- keep- I went to a reserve game earlier this season, mainly to see what all the fuss was about with this young kid. He was awful, the young Chelsea centre back Ake won every ball against him. I hope this was just a one off but his lack of appearances for St Mirren is hardly encouraging. However, he’s still very young and so I think he should have at least another season.