Pre-match narrative
Under-fire Alan Pardew reportedly has two matches to save his job. This revelation has put the Toon Army in a prickly position. Do we do what we have all done since we have laid eyes on the black and white shirt, and get behind the team? Or do we turn against them in hopes the rumors are true and Pardew will finally be let go?
Key man
Graziano Pellè will cause the Newcastle center backs major concern on Saturday. In Southampton’s last contest at West Ham, the 6’4" Italian stud-muffin put two in the back of the net, with one being ruled out for offside. The one that counted was a nice left-footed half-volley to beat Adrián in the 83rd minute. The former Feyenoord man possesses the size and skill to give Newcastle's shaky backline problems.
Team we want/team we'll get
Newcastle should try to exploit the center of Southampton's defense with quick passing and plenty of through balls. José Fonte is a big, but slow-footed center back, and there could be space available if Emmanuel Rivière can hold up the ball and play it back to Rémy Cabella. Ayoze Pérez has gotten into great positions in his substitute appearances, and perhaps his partners up front can give him an opportunity to finish one off.
How Pardew could screw this up
The Newcastle boss will continue to stick with a 4-2-3-1 system that has not functioned in two-plus years. The formation continues to yield uninspired and downright dull football. Opponents continue to invite Newcastle into the final third of the field, daring the Magpies to create a goal. Of the three goals scored against Palace, two were by defenders, and the other from a set piece. Newcastle continues to fail, yet the manager sticks with the system.
Pardew's favored formation looks even grimmer with the news that Jamaican spark plug Rolando Aarons will be out tomorrow, and potentially much longer. The 18-year-old winger has been the only positive on-field product so far this season. Aarons’ good form continued with a goal for England’s under-20 team against Romania during the international break.
Predicted post-match Chronicle headline
Last time around, Newcastle endured its most lopsided defeat at St. Mary’s Stadium since 1898. The 4-0 drubbing could have been even worse if not for some impressive saves by Rob Elliot.
The situation doesn't look much better ahead of tomorrow's match. Rivière has been completely stranded by himself. Cabella may be too lightweight. Siem de Jong, the man who Alan Pardew had planned on building the team around, is now out for a significant amount of time. Aarons, who showed both creativity and an eye for goal in his cameo two weeks ago, is also unavailable. The obstacles facing the club on the South Coast tomorrow look insurmountable. So the Chronicle headline after the match will read...
“Punchless attack leaves Pardew in peril”
i would just like to ask.... has there been any indication from the CLUB that Pardew is on his last hope, or is it all press speculation? doesn't make sense to not fire him after the way last season ended and turn around and do it 5,6 games into a new season. it would unsettle the club.
Posted by: jaeger | 09/12/2014 at 10:46 AM
Pardew out.
Posted by: Rob M | 09/13/2014 at 06:57 PM