Three Points: NUFC Stays Up With Ugly Win Over QPR

Three relieved notes from Newcastle United's survival-ensuring 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road:

Finally, some luck
No doubt the fans of any team battling relegation tend to think their side has been unlucky. Still, it sure seems like Newcastle has turned that feeling into a reality this season, between constant injuries and a handful of damaging refereeing decisions.

It's hard to whine too much, though, after QPR handed Newcastle the victory it needed to remain in the Premier League. Jose Bosingwa's jersey grab on Hatem Ben Arfa was so blatant and persistent that Lee Probert was forced to award a penalty for an infraction that sadly generally goes unchecked.

Then, Bosingwa completed a solid day's failure with a timid back pass that forced Rob Green into a rushed clearance and gave Yoan Gouffran the chance put Newcastle in front. Jonas Gutierrez, so often criticized this season (oftentimes with reason, to be fair), deserves praise for his hustle to pressure Green on the play. So too does Gouffran, who still had to finish from outside the box.

Still, it's hard to imagine there were too many teams Newcastle would have beaten on the road with the performance it offered up. United defended solidly for the most part (apart from several worrisome moments from right back Mathieu Debuchy), but it didn't create many scoring chances and allowed QPR to control proceedings in the second half.

Still the best
Fabricio Coloccini was the heart and soul of Newcastle's rise to fifth place last season. The Argentine, like the rest of his teammates, has endured significant turbulence this season — most of it seemingly due to his undisclosed-but-much-discussed personal problems.

But it's hard to confidently say Newcastle would be in the Premier League next season without Coloccini's contributions over the past two weeks. The backline was a total mess before the club captain returned from a back injury. With him back in the lineup, Newcastle has conceded one goal — on an unwarranted penalty kick — in two trips to London, a problematic destination over the years, and Coloccini has been the team's player in both games.

There is a whole host of issues that need to be addressed in the summer, but attempting to persuade Coloccini to stay should rank near the top of the list.

A feel good ending to a terrible season
Newcastle's season finale against Arsenal is meaningless in terms of survival, though the club could bank Mike Ashley a few extra million pounds by finishing higher up the league table (and could laughably reach as high as 10th). But the match will no doubt mean an awful lot to Steve Harper.

The 38-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, will start the final game of his 20-year tenure at the club thanks to Rob Elliot's dismissal. Since Newcastle has yet to announce any plans for a testimonial to Harper, the Arsenal match will ensure fans are able to properly send off the affable goalkeeper.

Harper has never been a world class goalkeeper, but he's been steady and dependable when called upon and has never complained about a lack of playing time. His leadership was key in Newcastle's recovery from relegation, and he seems like the type of character whom the club would be wise to bring back in some capacity when his playing career is over.

Comments

[greg]

I would be happy if Harper stayed for another year as a player and continued in a coaching role, He has been an excellent servant to NUFC and it is the least he deserves.

[rob]

Steve Harper as player/manager you heard it here first!

[Jim]

Ditto

[Mathew]

Yesterday highlighted all the flaws in AP as a coach. Our passing at times looked crisp, but HBA continued to show brilliance then stupidity with his passing choices and runs. There was no real direction with attack and Cisse looked like he was playing the game on an island. No service really of any quality.
If this game showed us anything its we need a solid back 4, mainly the central defenders. If Colo is going home, then get that deal done sooner than later and replace him, overpay if needed, but get TWO big central defenders who can PASS it out not boot it up the field.
If Newcastle wants to keep its stars then they need to show early in the summer they're serious, splash the cash and look like a top 5 club with intentions, not a relegation dog that skimps at the market.

[Jaeger]

harper might be a good keeper coach.

glad to see we're safe. we were never actually in the relegation zone but yes way too close to it. we all know we need some cover at CB and two good ones brought in ... and two strikers. hopefully abeid or bigi or anita will step up next year so we dont have to spend on another CM.

Top 8 or bust next year.... everton will be weaker... manure should have more drama in it. arsenal-spurs and chelsea will be fine.... and we'll compete with liverpool for europa spot is my prediction.

[MichiToon25]

Mathew,

You say that the game highlighted all of AP's flaws as a coach but then only used players' specific shortcomings as evidence. How are HBA's bad passing choices (for example) Pardew's fault? Please explain.