Quantcast
Blogs

The acid test for Newcastle

|
Image for The acid test for Newcastle

Put your hand up if you envisaged Newcastle United occupying a top four spot come the second week of October. Keep that hand raised if you thought they’d still be unbeaten in the Premier League during that period. I’m expecting everyone’s arms to be firmly down by their sides right now. Raise your hand if you thought they would be struggling at the bottom of the table right now. Arms should be flinging up into the air right now, fingers ridged and pointing directly upwards. Unfortunately for all of those currently suspending their appendages high above their heads they are completely and utterly wrong with their predictions. Under the infectious management of Alan Pardew the Toon Army are actually sitting pretty at the top of end of the table and guarding a seven game unbeaten record they have fought tooth and nail to protect.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-video’ align=’right’]

Despite losing their number nine and captain in the summer along with having to deal with the destructive nature of everyone’s favourite tweeter Joey Barton the club have brushed it aside to begin the campaign in formidable fashion. Whilst the admirers have flocked to St James’ Park and replenished the confidence inside its walls with compliment after compliment the truth is Newcastle have yet to see their powers fully tested to the limit. Yes they played Arsenal at the start of the season but Arsene Wenger’s Gunners were steeped in turmoil during that time and since then the opposition have been lacking in the quality of those normally residing in the top six.

Tottenham make the long trip to Tyneside tomorrow looking to continue their fine recent run that has seen them win the last five in all competitions and also give the Geordies their first taste of defeat since losing 3-0 to Liverpool at the start of May. Despite their positive start to the season the fact that Newcastle have to come up against a team possessing genuine quality means people are still yet to be convinced that the club can exceed their mid-table expectations this year. Whilst you have to live by the old adage of ‘you have to play what’s in front of you’ there is the worry that the Toon could crumble against a side who’s calibre exceeds that of the Blackburn‘s and Fulham‘s of this world. Whatever the result against Tottenham on Sunday it’s certain that it could prove to be a defining moment in Newcastle United‘s season and give a clearer indication of the direction they will head.

Continue to the NEXT PAGE…

Share this article

2 comments

  • hotdog says:

    I don’t know why we haven’t ‘been tested’ so far. We have played a cross section of premier league sides. The top 3 aren’t even tests – more damage limitation exercises. Spuds and Liverpool will probably occupy the slots we dare to dream of taking at the end of the season.

    We have only beaten one team by more than 1 goal this season – despite dominating Villa, fulham, blackburn and wolves (for 60mins).. the ability to score more during those spells of possession- against the midtable sides and below is the real issue, if not, the wins will quickly turn to draws and then even defeats.

  • kenni scotland says:

    As a newcastle supporter i can understand the confidence of the spurs fans and the media, but there is a trend occurring where they think they just have to turn up and take the 3 points. I saw the game against Arsenal, spurs have alarming weaknesses at the back, although i still think they are probably the 4th best team in the league, but please do not take it for granted that 3 points are yours for the taking, every away game in the premier is difficult, if you do not give newcastle the respect they deserve Spurs will come a cropper

Comments are closed.