The Toon Army Marches On

Article by James P Mahon    No Comments

Last night, Newcastle United FC gave what can only be described as a “Total Football” performance against a Manchester United team lacking in any real substance or passion. Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs were torn to shreds by the grit and tenacity of Tiote and Cabaye while Jonas and Taylor suppressed Patrice Evra and Antonio Valencia in their own half. Dimitar Berbatov was totally shut out while Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones showed nothing but frustration as Alan Pardew got his team selection spot on and his tactics A1.

I spoke briefly on BBC Five Live after the game about what can be taken from this performance; which is how essential Tiote and Ba are to this team and how we shall cope without their presence.

Pardew has delivered, now give him money and a chance to develop this team further. We are not Champions League contenders but we are showing that we are the best of the rest and to push on from here is a must. With Tiote and Ba leaving on Saturday for the African Cup of Nations, replacements must be brought in whether by transfer, loan or even on a free (if there is any talent left on a free at this time of year).

The team played as a team should, working for each other and feeding off each others’ drive and energy. On a night when the North East lit up, let us rejoice and build on what we saw tonight, moving onwards and upwards, so these kind of nights are not novelties that happen every few years.