Newcastle United Weekend Wrapup (+ personal announcement)

The only thing worse than having to sit through a depressing 90-minute match and then write about it, is having to sit through a depressing 90-minute match, having to write about it, having the POWER temporarily go out while I'm beginning my concluding paragraph of a really great post, then having to write about it again. But it's because of the LOVE that I keep coming back. So here I am again.

Where shall I begin? Umm....hhhmmmm......welllllllllllll, Okay! I'll start with Glenn Roeder's idiocy.
If you recall my preview, I suggested that we got with the time-tested 4-4-2 formation. But instead, the brilliance and genius that is Glenn Roeder, decided to form the almost as popular 4-4-1-1 formation. Has anybody out there seen the commercial where some moron is trying to save money on color copies, so he brings a CAT in the office who can somehow manage to hold a paint brush, and begins mimicking things with oil paints onto a canvas, and the guy calls it a COPY CAT? Well, it almost seems to me that good ol' GR has a similar method at picking lineups before every match. Let's break it down. It's really not that complicated.

A) He plays Titus Bramble. DONT PLAY TITUS BRAMBLE. Now, even though we did manage to keep a clean sheet this match, Titus was EXTREMELY close to giving up another one of his bone-head, game-losing plays for us again. I almost spit up my lunch when I saw that ignoramus trip and fall and kick the ball DIRECTLY to Darren Bent who only had the keeper to beat. But luckily, I DIDNT spit up my lunch, and generous Mr. Bent, somehow, missed his shot by a mile.

B) He messes with the formation again. Glenn, just keep it simple, okay? That's how you brought us out of the cellar last season - by not trying to ruffle feathers, and by playing the players in their desired rolls, and letting them play their own football, without any coach getting in their way. And all of the sudden, this season, you think you're Albert Einstein with a clipboard. I understand why you think 5 midfielders MIGHT work, but it won't. Trust me. It HASN'T. We all have dreams of "hey - I'll bet if we played a 8-1-1 all season, we wouldn't give up a goal against ANYBODY!!" or "You know, Our keeper has a really strong foot. We should play a 4-4-3 without a keeper, because we'd score so many goals, who needs him?!?!" But you know what? Only video game coaches act on those instincts. Not premiership managers. (I realize the difference between 4 mids and 5 might not be quite as wide as I made it out to be in this paragraph, but I'm ranting, here. Cut me some slack.)

C) As I alluded to before, he played Damien Duff in a striker role along side Giuseppi Rossi. Now, I really like Duff AND Rossi, and they both showed that they're class players on Saturday. (Actually, I think Duff should have gotten man of the match instead of the no-thrills defensive mid, Butt) They both created numerous, numerous chances. But you know the difference between an out and out striker who's out for blood, and a midfielder who has a strong shot? Just watch Duff on Saturday and you'll KNOW the difference. The guy was able to get around all of his markers, but once he got the chance, he would (no pun intended) duff it. (Well okay, I sort of intended that pun. Wasn't it fabulous?) Most of his shots were with his weak right foot, a natural occurrence if you're put in a position that Damien was. I lay no blame on Duff whatsoever - and a LOT of blame on the gaffer for this one. As I said in the preview, two other options who would have performed better in that role would have been Charles N'Zogbia and James Milner. I know that Roeder chose Duff for his size. But both of those guys know how to get in front of goal and SHOOT the ball to score goals.

D) And this is sort of a tangential thing, because it didn't really cause us to lose the game, but it DID illustrate Glenn's poor decision making, as if attempting to drive the steak FURTHER into my heart. His substitution in the 83rd minute of Milner for Solano. 1) We're dominating the game. Change the lineup to a 4-3-3 and put Milner up front. We need goals. Solano had been doing a fine job of getting crosses in but was, in fact, winded at that stage of the game. But substituting a wing for another wing THAT LATE in the game isn't going to accomplish anything. Milner had no impact on the game once he got in. He only had a few touches, and barely got warmed up. He should have brought in Milner in the 70th minute, moved Duff back to left wing with Parker and in the middle and Solano on the right. Take out Butt, and play Rossi at the top of the striking triangle with N'Zogbia and Milner on the sides. That would have been something and I'm sure would have been more effective.

Now, I can already hear all the critics of the international footballing blog-sphere ((namely RAY WRIGLEY)(HA!)) start to get all hot and bothered, saying things like "Monday evening gaffer!" And "Sure, it's easy to say in YOUR position." Well, for them, I'd like to now make a personal announcement. Eghhhgghhem. (Sorry I had something stuck in there)

This season, I will officially begin training to obtain my first official coaching license, better known as "The Badges." There are five steps to this process, and it will be a long journey ahead if I ever want to manage my beloved Newcastle United Football Club. But beginning soon, I will be undertaking (technically) the same process as SIR ALAN SHEARER, and obtaining the required licensure to be a legitimate football manager. (Note: The infinitely wise Glenn Roeder does NOT posess the usually-required licenses, and he has obtained his post by extenuating circumstances, which I happen to agree with and support, in his case. Just wanted to put that out there, though.) So you can count on the fact that before you know it, I'll be climbing the ranks to become a big time football gaffer.

Newcastle United Preview

The next stop on this season's rollercoaster ride of major to not-so-major disappointments is Charleton(on Fox Soccer Channel at noon ET on Saturday), and (Look away if you're not prepared for a mind-numbing pun...) Newcastle will be the ones trying to prove they're not ...charlatAns. (SCORE!) After a great midweek performance to pounce all over Pompey 3-0 (I predicted 2-1 and for it to be won in the back...I suppose I was about 60% correct on that one, assuming 50% correct just by getting the win right), the Maggies will hope to stay on the bounce against the lowest of the lows in the Prem. Now, here's the deal. It's Charleton. We're playing at St. James. If we can't pick up three points from this match, let's just go ahead and switch places with Cardiff RIGHT NOW and nurse some of our injuries, because we're going to end up in the Championship anyway.

That being said - it's quite possible that it could happen. We've got, once again, a long list of, at least partial, injuries: Dyer, Ameobi, Martins, Emre, Sibierski, Butt, Given...and that could potentially hurt us. (A moment for an aside to talk about the injury to Dyer's eye, just days after coming off a 6-month layoff: I think it's a blessing in disguise. We rushed him back just a bit for a hammy problem. Now, although he says he feels fine, Roeder definitely had some pressure to do something. So I say, if it's just his eye and not his hammy, let him rest his whole body for another two weeks, and come back extra strong. Maybe it's even a conspiracy just to give the lad a bit more time getting back to fitness...who knows) Anyway, with our list of injuries, and Charleton's list of returners (including the dangerous Darren Bent who we should have signed this off season) it could make for another mammouth disappointment.

Here's what we have to do to win. Field a team which is halfway decent and doesn't give up a silly goal. That's it. That's all. Therefore, as long as we keep Bramble on the bench, I think we'll win this one. Lineup: Harper/Babayaro, Taylor, Ramage, Carr/Duff, N'Zogbia, Parker, Solano/Rossi, Milner. Bring on Luque in the 60th. Zogs can play basically wherever, so let him slot in for the injured Emre, keep the hot Solano on the side, and put his counterpart, Milner, into striker position, who has shown he can definitely score. I think it's a solid lineup that can control the ball and the pace of the match.

My Official Prediction:
Newcastle United: 2-0 : Charleton

Newcastle Weekend Review and Preview

UUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH.


Must I go on?
Since all these losses have started to run together in my mind, as will my posts. It's becoming difficult to differentiate how we appaulingly lost this past game from the previous 2 or 3 disappointing matches....oh yeah! Got it. THIS TIME, we had the lion's share of posession and chances in the first half (AGAIN) but couldn't capitalize on any of them (AGAIN), then in the second half we came out flat (AGAIN), our opposing team changed their formation and we couldn't keep up tactically (AGAIN) and we gave up a heart-wrenching last gasp goal (AGAIN) to tack up a big "L" on the results sheet (AGAAAAIIIIIIINNNNN). Forgive me if I begin to forget the specifics in the coming weeks, because all my beloved team has provided me with is fodder to believe that THIS FORM WILL CONTINUE.

One good piece of wisdom that occured to me while Kramer and I were discussing my emotional footballing depths this week is this: I know why I'm destined to be a Newcastle supporter: because I'm a Cubs fan! Think about it - I didn't choose the Cubs. They chose me. (well, really my father chose it for me when I was too young to be discressionary. And I still thank him for it to this day.) My point is, being a Cubs fan is my lot in life. And the Cubs always lose. They ALWAYS lose. Even when they're a few outs away from going to the World Series (hypathetically, of course), a fan (proverbial fan) with his little headphones and turtleneck-sweatshirt combo will stick his mit out and take away an easy out, thus destroying every hope and dream we had of actually achieving something.
But I digress. I've been taught to love a loser. I love losers who try and try and try and put on a great show, and who have all the heart in the world to go out there and give the fans so brilliant sporting action. And the fans, in return, MUST show love to the team. Are we seeing any similarities here? Cubs -> Newcastle. Newcastle -> Cubs. It makes PERFECT SENSE!!

Okay - on for the preview. Being the ignorant, blind, adoring fan that I am, I'm predicting a BIG VICTORY for us today against one of the top sides in the premiership in the Carling Cup. I love the Carling Cup, and I hope we stay in it long enough to visit some tiny, adorable countryside stadia. The great news for nufc is that Kieron Dyer is coming back into the fold today, a wonderful player who's been out for far too long. I think he'll have an impact going forward (teaming up with Rossi, who is starting today!)
However, this game will be determined by our back 5 (or 4 or 6 or 9.3, depending on whatever ridiculous formation GR comes out with today) If we can do a decent job of pulling some offsides, not giving up easy crosses into the middle, and keeping set plays under wraps, we'll come out victorious.

My Official Prediction:
Newcastle United: 2-1 :Portsmouth

Newcastle United Preview

I'm at work, so there's no fancy graphic this week. Maybe I'll update it tonight when I get home.

Alright, it's come to this: We're playing Middlesborough, and I'm not completely confident going in. Something is wrong with this picture. Fortunately for the Maggies, we had a positive outing this midweek in the UEFA cup game with Fener...Febe...that good Turkish side. And what was the difference in the squad that GR put out on the pitch? NO TITUS SHAMBLES. Our back four lineup was Duff on the Left, Taylor and Ramage in the middle, and Carr on the right. For once, a stroke of genius from the gaffer.
Going in to this game, it's notable that Babayaro will be back to fitness, and is through with his red card match ban. So using this Thursday's game as a jumping off point, place Babs on the left, and keep the rest of the D the same, which gives you Babs, Tayolor, Ramage, and Carr. I'm still not happy with Carr, but he's as good as we have for now. Taylor is much more skilled and intelligent that Bramble, and to me, Ramage just can't do any wrong. So it's a great lineup at the back. Let Duff be on at left midfield, Parker and N'Zogbia in the middle (Emre is nursing a sore back, so keep him on the bench) and slot Milner in on the right. As I stated last week, we need the speed on both wings. Not only for attacking sake, but because both of our outside defenders have a tendancy to get too far in attack, so we need speed on the wings to support them getting back in defense. That leaves two slots in the front. I say start the game with Rossi and Martins. I love these two players, but it's a bit concerning that they're both so short(even though Rossi is listed at 6'-2" I just can't believe that). Keep Sibierski and Ameobi on the bench if we need more size, and don't be afraid to bring them in whenever it's obvious that they could help. But we really need to see what Rossi can do over an extended period of time. That gives us a fairly small but incredibly quick and skilled side, to counter the laborious Middlesborough side. With our rotten away form, I have a hard time seeing us scoring any more than a goal, and although all the pundits are giving Southgate a 2-1 victory, I say the Black and Whites will hold them for a 1-1 draw.

My Official Prediction:
Middlesborough: 1-1 :Newcastle United

A first!

Back on the architecture tip...
Yesterday was a day that marked the next phase of my architectural career. I participated in my first architecture critic jury panel! Basically, what that means is, when you're a student in arch school, you create projects, and a couple times per semester, a panel of jurors comes to hear your arguments, look at your stuff, and they give you feedback. Well, I was one of those jurors yesterday, for the first time.
My old bosses, Ali Rahim and Hina Jamelle, asked me to participate because they're doing a studio in the Pratt School of Architecture called Elegance, which is also the title of their new AD Magazine, with many projects that I designed. (See earlier posts) So, they figured I could positively contribute to the conversation, and I believe that I did, quite well. The complete panel of jurors was myself, another gentleman who was a professor at Harvard and has a project in the Elegance mag, another guy who used to be Morphosis's Thom Mayne's #2 who now has his own firm in NYC, and the head designer for the Acconci Studio, sort of a rogue art/architecture group based in NYC. It was really great company to be in and they were all very receptive to my comments, although it was quite obvious that I was the youngest, and probably least intelligent in the bunch. At any rate, it was a great time, and I'm excited to participate in more and more of them. And hopefully, a studio professor job will follow fairly soon after that. Just fyi for all the dedicated readers.

Newcastle United Weekend Wrapup

Wow, a weekend wrapup on Thursday. Now THAT'S dedication. Well, it's taken me these four days to wipe the tears from my eyes, send in my keyboard to get repairs after tears got it in and caused a malfunction, clean up all the glass and parts from my tv after I sunk my foot in it after the match through frustration, and waited patiently for the knots in my stomach to untangle themselves.
Now look, this last weekend was somewhat of a watershed moment for all our beloved Magpies. It was Bolton, who are a quality side, but did NOT play as well as they can. It was at St. James Park, a place where we hadn't LOST to Bolton in like 30 years. Where, before this season, teams would come in, HOPING for a draw, and not being too confident even on that. St. James Park was a major advantage for us in recent history. And, looking at our current form, we'd just had two very disappointing matches, at Old Trafford and Anfield, losing 2-0 in each. We did have one underwhelming Uefa Cup win in there and a very strange tie at home against Everton. But it had been a full month since our last QUALITY performance against West Ham (who everyone seems to be having a quality performance against.) If we pulled three points from this game, we'd rocket back up to 11th place, close to the top half. And as we found out from last year, it only takes one nice string of wins in the second half of the season to pull yourself up. So if we can stay in mid to upper table, we can manage the latter half of the season.
But no. We dropped three points, putting us only 2 POINTS from the drop zone. 2 POINTS. The entire first half, we controlled posession, and there's no reason why we only came away with one goal. We need to learn how to finish. But obviously, this is not our main priority. First, we need to learn how to defend. Harper has been shy like a kitten between the sticks. He need to A) Learn how to come off his line early enough to let people know that he's there and ready to take the ball and B)Learn how to HOLD the ball, rather than just punch it away. Man, that annoys me.
Then there's the defense. Again, Roeder gives Bramble the nod. Again, Bramble is slow of his mark, slow to mark strikers, uncoordinated with the ball, and in the end, he is to blame for (at least) one goal. But Roeder ALWAYS gives him more starts. So why would he be bothered if he lost the game for us? There are no repurcussions for him. He goes about his business, waiting for that next game, so he could "turn things around." Please.
The ONLY shred of light on the defense was again, Peter Ramage. He played with fire, he was smart, and he rarely was caught out of position. He's quick enough to get back on defense when he makes forward runs (unlike Steven Carr) and he's got a fire in his belly. I recall the play where Diouf came down his sideline, and as he tried to turn on Ramage, he efficiently took down Diouf and the ball, a questionable play which rightly got the whistle but could just as well have gone without one, but as he got up he looked Diouf right in the eye as he lay on the turf and said some rather harsh and impacting words. Didn't him to forget what just happened. I liked that, after seeing the fearful, flat, unknowing stare of Titus Shambles all season.

So, as I said before, we're two points from a relegation battle, I've lost all confidence in Roeder to field a side that makes any sense (his side was different than my predicted one) and we're not getting any better in defense. Something drastic has to change, very soon.

Newcastle United Preview

Bolton comes to St. James Park this Sunday for the only game of the day, which will be on FSC at 11am EST.

Newcastle come into this game anything but strong. Given is still out and will be for a number of weeks and months. Babs and Bramble are still out with bans, which I'm convinced makes our team stronger. Our back four will be Carr, Clark, Taylor and Ramage. The middle four should probably be Milner on the right, Parker and Emre in the middle and Duff on the left. As it should be. Solano is reaching full strength, but I doubt he'll get the starting nod, and the fact is, Milner just gives the Magpies much more width and speed to match Duff's on the left. With a two headed horse like that, it'll keep defenses guessing much more than if you play with Solano on the right. It's obvious Solano will cross it from the right corner of the box, and Duff can crash the rear post. But with Milner on the right, you get almost as much quality crossing, but you also achieve an option of Duff crossing it and Milner crashing the post.
I'm hoping Ameobi is truly fit for this week to really team up with Martins. Martins has created many many chances so far this season, but just like Ameobi, he's been lacking the killer instinct. This worries me, but I think very soon they'll become a force.

Bolton doesn't necessarily scare me, but they've been hot recently. Speed has started to score, Jaaskelainen has been unbeatable, and Nolan is finally coming into form. Davies is always a solid player, although that egg he calls a head really annoys me. So although they're nowhere near a scoring force, neither are we, and they were able to score two on Liverpool, while we WERE scored on TWICE against them. (Home field advantage worked in both of those afore-mentioned games...so hopefully that'll come into play again this week.) Although our back four + keeper are dreadful at the moment, I can't see Bolton getting more than one goal from us at St. James Park. Most of their goals come from the midfield. I, again, believe that our mids will thoroughly control theirs.
However, I can't see us scoring much this game either. I'm guessing Ameobi will probably hobble off injured again in the first half, leaving Martins up front, hopefully with Rossi. This could possibly be a great pairing, but we're yet to see it. The net lack of height scares me, but Rossi has already shown his briliance in the short time he's been on the pitch. If Newcastle get a bit of luck on their side we could squeak out two goals.

My official prediction:
Newcastle United: 2-1 :Bolton Wanderers

Scotty for England

Well, Scott Parker's first performance for England has come and gone...and obviously, his presence didn't have the impact that I was hoping it would. In fact, the editors of skysports.com gave Scotty the worst rating on the field today. (Ironically, the fans gave him one of the best, but that only proves that he's very well liked - unfortunately you can never depend on the fans to give true ratings of players.)
McClaren went with the 3-5-2 formation, possibly a crazy experiment intended to show that he's more flexible than Sven was, and although I appreciate experimentation, especially in early stages of the Euro qualifications, this was CROATIA AT CROATIA. A team who's NEVER lost in a qualifying match at home. And starting with Ashley Cole in the 5-man mid in front of SWP and Jenas, that's questionable at best.
I think the main problem of the England squad is the immense doting that follows them everywhere they go. It seems as though since the Premier League is held in such high regard in England and these players get treated like kings each in their respective club, that they feel that same reverence should follow them to the international stage. They believe that since 19 year old kids look up to them on the pitch, so should every international player, and that's just not realistic. And they feel that these international matches will be like friendlies. And that's just not the case at all.
Obviously the very base level of quality of player also has something to do with it. I mean, Paul Robinson isn't one of the top 6 keepers in the World. Besides John Terry and Ashley Cole, how many England defenders are in the top 15 or 20 in the world? (And playing the best defender in a midfield role just seems silly to me)
As always, there's a striker issue...Defoe is too short, Crouch is too uncoordinated, and Rooney just isn't playing up to his potential. The midfield is absolutely average, barring Gerrard and Lampard, and Gerrard was out and Lampard hasn't played like himself since 2004. So while the entire football-loving world looks up to the England squad, really looking at it, it's not a huge surprise that they were embarrassed when they traveled to Croatia, is it?

A Pleasant Surprise

Something huge happened yesterday. When I followed my own link to (what I called) my own book, Catalytic Formations on the Amazon.com website, and I took my own advice and started searching similar books on Amazon. What did I find? I found that Ali is releasing a new AD (a popular architecture magazine published by an English Company standing for Architectural Design which Ali has edited on multiple occasions in the past)and the cover image IS ONE OF MY PROJECTS FROM THE BOOK!! So first, I see a huge image on the cover of the new AD that's MY WORK. But second, the issue is called "ELEGANCE." So there's my project with "Elegance" written in HUGE letters at the bottom. I was soaring!

Great architecture books

Since architecture, as a topic, has been fairly lacking in this page as of late, I figured I'd give you a second outlet for architectural literature, in my list of the first five books every person should read about architecture. This list is pointed towards people with little specific background in architecture but an intense interest in contemporary culture and building.

1) Francis D.K. Ching, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. This is a graphic-based book which explains different aspects of architectural styles, the building process, design concepts and tools, etc. It's about 200 pages in a large page format and illustrated throughout in pencil by Ching, one of the greatest architecture professors of our time. It's a beautiful book, and although it's given to EVERY first year undergrad student as mandatory reading, I still constantly flip through it for answers and inspiration.

2) Architecture in the Twentieth Century, Taschen. This is a fairly inexpensive, two-book series on modern architecture throughout the world from the past 100 years. Some great photographs, and it's quite extensive. Very good to have around the house and flip through to educate on a rainy Saturday.

3) Ali Rahim, Catalytic Formations. My book. A friend and I created all of the projects in this monograph for Ali Rahim. It took away 9 months of my life, but it was a labor of love, I'm immensely glad I contributed to this project and am extremely proud of it. In my humble opinion, it contains some of the most beautiful computer generated architectural images you'll ever see in your life. A very contemporary philosophy for creating architecture and culture in the technological age goes along and helps explain and describe all the projects.

4) Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture. A beautifully written book by one of the leading architects from Switzerland, about how everything, but especially little things, details, contribute to how one experiences architecture. It goes through smells, ergonomic properties of doornobs, the power of memory, and much more. It's a very short, small, thin book which looks terrific and will fit in any small travel bag or man purse.

5) Neil Denari, Gyroscopic Horizons. This is a monograph of Neil Denari's work until around 2001. He was a teacher of mine at Sci-Arc, a brilliant thinking and theoritician and a genuine terrific guy. The book is filled with architecture trying to be machines so complicated that they become simple, and as colorful as you can get while still being sterile....discuss.

So I hope some of you will use this list as a jump off point, even to search in amazon to begin an endless architecture browsing session.

No matches; No preview.

I'm sure my loyal fans (fan?) out there are going to be devastated, but since there are no premiership matches to be played this weekend, we'll all have to keep contemplating the poorly scheduled Euro qualifier and if/how Crouchie can look even more like an arachnid than last week. Also, my man Scotty Parker will be getting a run out so if he gets any touches, surely the game will go our way. Keep an eye out for him.

So, with no premiership games this weekend, we can concentrate on any number of other important issues surrounding the world of Architecture and Football.
*Joey Barton's ass. Probably the most important topic, but I'm sure there are other, more appropriate websites to visit if you're into that sort of thing.
*Tevez and Mascherano being urged to quit West Ham. I think this is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. These guys have never fit at that place, we all know that they're there strictly because of obvious behind-the-scenes posturing by enormous, faceless corporate conglomerates who have taken over the game of football. A sad occurence being made into a clumsy indication of where this game is headed.
*When Beckham will retire from real football and begin his pathetic MLS career. I mean, how perfect would it be to see Mr. Posh in a Houston Dynamo Jersey? Ehem. Houston Dynamo kit.

*The incredibly predictable and ridiculously difficult UEFA Cup group Newcastle got drawn into. Fenerbahce, Palermo, Celta Vigo and Eintracht Frankfurt. That's just wild. We'll be really happy with 7 points, and in a group like that, 7 points will probably do it.
*Now, finally, to a bit about architecture. I've had a request to do an essay on buildings or arhitects who have influenced me. I will dive into that project and come up with a more comprehensive list, but for the moment, I'll say this: Whenever people ask me "Why did you become an architect?" I always give them the same, fairly fragmented answer of "The Fred and Ginger building by Frank Gehry." Now, at the moment there are many many buildings that I admire much more than this one. But at a certain moment when I was a high school student, and I thought the extent of interesting architecture was secret rooms and sunroofs, I saw the cover of Time Magazine with this building on it and finally actually realized that architecture, as I had always heard, was truly an art which had science and logic infused WITHIN it. It didn't have to be based around making money. It could make a statement. And if there was any chance that I could make my own statements using steel, glass and stone, then sign me up.

Newcastle United Weekend Wrapup

Well, obviously this weekend was a rough one for the Black and Whites. Not a great weekend to remember whatsoever. Typically, I like to look on the bright side of things, especially when it comes to Newcastle, but this one is a tough pill to swallow, particularly because we played as bad as we did against the Red Devils, a team who a very close friend of mine supports. And a team who we play this bad against virtually every year we travel to Old Trafford.

From the first until the 40th minute, things weren't going too bad. Now, nothing we going WELL, to be said, but nothing had been destroyed yet. Then it all came crashing down in the next 15 minutes, and although no goals were scored in the final 35 minutes, the tone continued to get worse and worse for the Magpies. By the end of the match, it was laughable how different the level of play was between the two sides.

First things first: ANOTHER goal conceded in the final five minutes of the first half. That makes three on the season. Three. In seven games. Am I the only one noticing this?

Next: Glenn Roeder's questionable decision to play 4-5 1. Starting lineup w/ player ratings: Harper(7/10), Carr(6/10), Ramage(7/10), Moore(5/10), Taylor(5/10), Milner(8/10), Butt(5/10), Emre(7/10), Parker(6/10), Duff(6/10), Ameobi(5/10).
Now - This was a good back four to play with. I mean, who else was he going to play? He really had no other options back there, which shows just how sad our team sheet is these days. We've got two men out for the match, and we field a Championship-level back four. As for my opinion, Carr and Moore both need to go. I LOVE Ramage. He had the only decent shot of the second half. And Taylor will flourish if he gets playing time this year. I trust him, although his botched header in the second half completely GIFTED the second goal.
We should have played a 4-4-2 with Butt on the bench. Parker and Emre completely dominated the middle of the field for the first 30 minutes, and if they would have had somebody to play it to at the front, the Manchester mids and defense wouldn't have been able to take so many liberties going forward, therefore halting some of the pressure which came in the middle of the match. Roeder needs some freaking trust in his own players, or this whole managerial thing won't work out too well for him. Duff was nowhere to be found all game, which surprised me, but Milner had a brilliant one. The kid is faster than people give him credit for. He just needs a bit better touch on the ball to set up crosses. Of course, what's a good cross if there's nobody in the middle to receive it? Ameobi did all he could at the front, but he's freaking injured, so what was GR expecting of him? It was a terrible decision. If we had Martins' speed to accept a few balls at the top of the box, or send in some low crosses, Ameobi wouldn't have had to run so much with his bum hip AND ankle. I love Ameobi. His game was awful, but only because he didn't get the support he needed from his teammates OR his coaching staff.

All that being said, Manchester United played brilliantly. I have to give it to them - Fletcher, despite what I said in the preview, had a better game than any of the nufc midfielders. Ronaldo should have scored a hattrick, and albeit BOTH incredibly fortuitous goals, Ole had the knack of knowing EXACTLY where to put himself on the pitch to be effective. But the midfield was who really impressed me. The one-time touches and incredible, quick movement was what changed the game. With two passes, the Mufc midfield spread out our mids and defense so much, getting from 18 to 18 was virtually a giveaway. It was only a matter of time before they sprung their attack. Whereas we were typically stuck on our end of the halfway mark trying to find a hint of an opening. They were brilliant on Sunday, and deserved even more than the 2-0 win.

This week, we've got a precious week off, for Emre and Ameobi to heal, and for Parker to shine in the ridiculous Euro qualifier. Let's hope he plays well enough to keep his spot!! Then, next Sunday we take on Bolton for what SHOULD be 3 points at St. James, despite Bolton's recent upsurge. If we can have a healthy Ameobi to partner Martins like we should, we can take it and start the up and up of what should be a very manageable October.

Newcastle United Preview

I will try to preview NUFC games from now on. From now on I'll try to do it during the week, but since this nugget of genius just hit me today, it's being published today. Following is the first match preview.

Newcastle has never won a single match at Old Trafford in the Premiership. With such an extensive injury list, it makes it difficult to believe that they'll pull one out this weekend. Given, Ameobi, Solano, Rossi, and of course Owen are all out with knocks, and Babayaro and Bramble are both to sit out with match bans. Our already-thin defense is left lacking once again, and with Rooney looking to get back on track, I'm guessing he'll come out sparkling against us, as he typically does. The young Taylor will try his best, but I'm guessing that he'll come up a bit short tomorrow. Our mid is not quite as hurting, with Duff, Emre, the newly appointed England star Parker, and Milner likely getting nods. With N'Zogbia able to fill in either in mid or defense at around the 60th minute, he'll be a great value on our bench. As for attack, hopefully Martins can continue delighting us with his celebratory backflips, and I'm hoping he'll be partnered by Luque for the first half, with Sibierski waiting to fill in for the second half. I'm dying to see Luque perform when it matters, as he's proven he's got a massive shot, but hasn't made it count when it really could benefit the club. His real problem is his pace and dedication, but I'm hoping Martins' immense speed can make up for the both of them.
On Manchester's side, Park and Silvestre are out, which will hopefully give Fletcher a starting spot, which, as usual, he will spoil away with his consistent laughable performance. Fletcher is the Bramble of MUFC. As I said, I'm sure Rooney will shine tomorrow, but maybe, just maybe, with enough blunders from Fletcher and Ferdinand, and hopefully an ill-advised early red card from the bafoon Heinze, NUFC can pull out a surprising draw 1-1 at OT. But I doubt it.

My official prediction:
Manchester United: 3-1 :Newcastle United