Season so far .. Newcastle United
September 14th 2010 11:06
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
In a way only possible by supporting Newcastle United, the Magpies fans have already been taken on an emotional roller-coaster this season, only five games in. Given the ups and downs, and both positive and negative surprises already witnessed this season, it is difficult to analyse exactly how good or bad, a start to the campaign Newcastle have had.
Before the season began, if I was offered four points from the first four Premier League games, and victory in the League Cup second round, I would have been delighted. Expecting to lose at Manchester United, beat Blackpool, four points would have meant a good draw either at home against Aston Villa, or away at Wolves. Also, avoiding an upset away at Accrington Stanley in the Cup would be a relief.
However, an immediate downer was put on our League Cup progress, as we drew Chelsea away in the next round, meaning almost definite elimination. And after indeed losing at Old Trafford in our first game back in the top tier of English football, four points from the next three games would have been handy. But after smashing six past Aston Villa, I expected more than a point from matches against Wolves and Blackpool, two teams likely to be scrapping it out at the bottom of the table with us, come next may.
While the 1-1 draw at Wolves was credible, the 2-0 home defeat by Blackpool was not. It was one of those days, and results, that leaves you feeling sick afterwards, unable to digest what just happened. While all Toon fans are aware that there will be tough days at the office in this league, out of our 38 league games, this was our gimme. So we're left with the four points after four games we would have hoped for, but given the way the were collected, I cannot help but feel disappointed.
Off the pitch activities, however, have given me reason for optimism heading into key stages of the season. Despite a slow start this summer, Chris Hughton did brilliantly in the transfer window, bringing in James Perch, Dan Gosling, Sol Campbell, Cheick Tiote, and the very talented Hatem Ben Arfa. Once these players are settled, and in Campbell and Gosling's cases, fit, we could be a different team completely. Also, despite being transfer listed, I am happy to see Steven Taylor hasn't left the club .. yet!
The frustrating thing for me, is that if we had beaten, or even drawn with Blackpool at the weekend, it would have been a perfect start to the season. Good signings, good results, good league position, good feeling among everyone at the club. And while one result doesn't change everything, being beaten by the team widely considered the worst team in the league, and losing our impressive unbeaten home run in the process, seems to have cancelled out the stunning 6-0 win against Villa.
If the likes of Andy Carroll, Hatem Ben Arfa, Jonas and once fit, Dan Gosling, can play to their potential, I have no worries that we will stay up this season, and fight for the sort of position we currently occupy, 14th. But, if results like saturdays keep cropping up throughout the campaign, we could be in trouble. So overall, good or bad start? I'll have to re-consider in a few weeks time!
| 69 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
