Magpies Stun Chelsea as Gouffran, Remy Strike For Hosts at St James

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 – 0 CHELSEA

Gouffran 68′, Remy 89′

KICK-OFF:  Saturday 2 November 2013 at 12:45pm (GMT) 

(GAMEWEEK 10) at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

By Nisar Khan

NEWCASTLE – Newcastle United halted Chelsea’s six game winning run after two second half goals from Gouffran and Remy.

It was a very contrasting two halves, from a very slow and action-deprived first forty-five minutes until the drama was cranked up in the second.

Gouffran headed Newcastle into the lead, then five minutes before full time, Loic Remy sealed the win.

From complete silence in the Stadium for Remembrance weekend to an uproar as St James’ Park began rocking once again for the game, Chelsea got the ball rolling and passed around to get a feel of the game. 

The visitors had the first significant chance of the game as Hazard was fouled on the edge of the box. Much to the relief of Newcastle however, as it David Luiz’s free kick went over leaving Krul unfazed.

Chieck Tiote had an early let-off in terms of sanctions, as his rash challenge on Mata did not end up in the referee’s book – supposedly fortunate for him.

It was a relatively quiet opening ten minutes of the game, with Chelsea having more possession but lacking the cutting edge effectiveness to strike on goal.

Things lightened up drastically when Chelsea hit the woodwork twice with Terry’s header, and Ivanovic’s shot but Krul’s goal was yet to be intruded.

It became a very lively contest as things progressed. Newcastle and Chelsea traded chances.


After half-an-hour of play, Newcastle and Chelsea were still goalless. A few chances here and there, but a relatively slow pace at that point in the game. 

The half-time whistle blew with the same predicament as it began. Goalless. Newcastle made it a frustrating outing for Chelsea managing to restrict them and keep them at bay for the first forty-five minutes.



An hour into the game and things were louder and quicker. Would anyone be able to steal the winner in the final half-hour of the match?

Sixty-eight minutes in, Gouffran would break the deadlock.

A wonderful delivery from Yohan Cabaye set up for Gouffran to head at goal, and Newcastle took a deserved lead against Chelsea.

GIF: Gouffran scores for Newcastle

In the last five minutes, Chelsea continued to press for the equalizer, but a patient and well calculated attack from Newcastle would secure the points.

Loic Remy hit the ball first time into the net after the ball was squared across the box, surely solidifying Newcastle’s win.

GIF: Remy scores Newcastle’s second

And the final whistle blew with Newcastle winning against Chelsea. Their win maintains the fact that Jose Mourinho is yet to win at St James Park. A stunning win at St James Park and a huge uplifting win for the Magpies.

Newcastle triumph to the dismay of Chelsea at St James Park. They can be declared as the Stars in Stripes with an emphatic win. 

PREMIER LEAGUE: Borini Goal Gives Sunderland First League Win in Derby

SUNDERLAND 2 – 1 NEWCASTLE

LIVE – Fletcher ‘4, Debouchy ’58, Borini ’84

KICK-OFF: Sunday 27 October 2013 at 1:30pm (GMT) 

(GAMEWEEK 9) at Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

By Nisar Khan

SUNDERLAND –  Sunderland manager Gus Poyet won his first home game at the Wear-Tyne Derby after Fabio Borini scored a fantastic winner at the Stadium of Light.

Steven Fletcher headed his side into the lead in the fourth minute.

SEE ALSO: Reporting From Yesterday’s Premier League Action

There was an electric atmosphere at the Stadium of Light when the ball got rolling. Neither team had an early threshold possession with both teams already establishing the physical correlation of the game with tackles flying in.
Sunderland’s home fans were looking to give them support early on, and that would be cranked up when Steven Fletcher hit home the opener.

In the first corner of the game, Adam Johnson whipped it in to Steven Fletcher who headed home just five minutes in to get the fans abuzz in celebration of a huge, huge goal.

Both teams looked sharp and piled the pressure on one another, a few fouls were flying in. No fights just yet (although if you want fights here is the report from UFC’s event in Manchester last night).

As the game progressed, Newcastle’s ball control seemed to decline with Sunderland working much harder than them. Cabaye had a few chances up to then but none really posing much of a threat to Westwood in between the sticks.

Battle: Santon, Larsson battle for possession. (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Steven Fletcher came close to putting his team two goals up with a half volley, but Krul parried it out to Altidore, who was unable to close in and double the lead. A let off for Dummett to who lost control too.

Newcastle looked more comfortable however with Ben Arfa and Remy switching places forward, but what remained the same was the Black Cats’ relentless work ethic on and off the ball.

Anton Cabaye picked up the first booking of the game for a typical Derby foul – expected to be one of many before the game was over. 

Half an hour in, Sunderland were still leading but the game had developed into a very evenly-poised encounter. Newcastle were holding their own up to that point, pressing up against the Sunderland players in search of an equalizer.

With the half-time whistle putting an end to the first 45 minutes, the hosts went into the break leading. Newcastle were looking slow out of the blocks but did put Sunderland under pressure progressively. It was a very fast, intense first half that had more to give in the second.

© Getty Images

The visitors got things underway in the second half with Papiss Cisse replacing Sissoko. Newcastle started an early search for an equalizer.

With a few minutes before the hour mark, Newcastle were progressively becoming a bigger threat as they lurked outside the box. Hatim Ben Arfa passed it along the ground into the box that resulted in the goal.

Exposing a lack in concentration, it went through to Debouchy who had an easy tap-in. Failure to mark him resulted in a gift of a goal as the Derby was even again.

Newcastle and Sunderland were fighting to a stalemate, as the game intensified.

Things got faster, but of course not as fast as Vettel – who clinched the F1 World title earlier today.

Then, it would take an incredible strike from Fabio Borini to set the Stadium of Light going wild as the pass fell to Borini who dribbled and struck it to the right leaving Krul no chance of saving. Surely the winner.

GIF: Borini puts his team back in front

And as the full-time whistle blew, Borini’s goal proved the difference as Sunderland secured their first win of the season.

Could this be the turning point for Sunderland? A huge win at the Derby may put them back on track after picking up their first league win this season. They are celebrating this time round in Tyneside. 

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool Unable to Break 10-Man Magpies in Defiant Draw

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 – 2 LIVERPOOL FC
Cabaye (’23), Gerrard (’40), Dummett (’57), Sturridge (’72)

KICK-OFF: Saturday 19 October 2013 at 12:45pm (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 8) at St. James’ Park, Newcastle.

By Nisar Khan

NEWCASTLE – Steven Gerrard scored his 100th Premier League goal against Newcastle United, but his team were unable to defeat the home-side who went down to 10-men during the game.

Steven Gerrard scored his 100th Premier League goal

MATCH REPORT

The game remained a battle of evens in the first half (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Liverpool got the things underway in confidence, moving the ball around early before being dispossessed by the home side. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s early break was broken down by the Reds. Ben Arfa opened up another short chance with a break, but was unable to keep the ball. Thereafter, the away-side were confident in possession. On his return to playing for Liverpool, Glen Johnson had a penalty appeal, but one quickly waved away when he went down in the box. 

On the other end, Anton Cabaye had a chance but his shot was quickly stopped by a strong looking Liverpool defense. In the opening ten minutes, both team had half-chances, Liverpool with more possession although Newcastle were staying put. 

Right up to twenty minutes, Liverpool continued a good spell of pressure, but Newcastle would quickly dictate the game with a superb strike from Cabaye.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Cabaye picked up possession on the halfway line, ran forward and struck it from 30 yards. Swerving in the air, it beat Mignolet and the hosts would take the lead.

But Liverpool were quickly looking to fire back, with two close chances in the minute after. Suarez whipped in a troubling cross that was cleared, and another cross hit a defender’s arm. Despite a great response, Newcastle were still leading.

As the half-hour mark was approached, Liverpool continued to try but up to that point, Sturridge and Suarez were unable to forge the goal-scoring link. Meanwhile, Anton Cabaye was having a fantastic game, along with his teammate, Ben Arfa, causing a catalog of problems for Liverpool.

After 40 minutes of play, Liverpool finally got the goal. Suarez came surging into the box, but was taken down by Yanga-Mbiwa. Yanga-Mbiwa was sent-off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, and Steven Gerrard stepped up the spot.

Steven Gerrard hit low to the left, Krul dived the right way but it was not denied. Steven Gerrard scored his 100th Premier League goal and Liverpool equalized.

The first half finished even, but with Newcastle undoubtedly on the back foot. The hosts were looking confident as they started and scored, however the red card was their downfall allowing Liverpool to dictate the game. 

Captain Fantastic: Gerrard slots home the penalty (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

The fans at St. James’ Park were eagerly trying to get their team back in front. In the 49th minute there were vocal outcries around the stadium when Remy surged forward but the ball was taken away with a tackle from behind by Skrtel. Inch perfect.

Liverpool were caught by surprise when substitute Paul Dummett scored a goal from a free-kick for Newcastle. The young defender slotted it home after the ball went over a few defenders in the box.

Seventy minutes in, and Newcastle were just managing to stay put, breaking down Liverpool attacks and denying them sometimes at the last breath. While the Suarez and Sturridge combination did not click in the early moments of the game, it did in the 72nd minute…

Moses ran it down to Suarez, with a fantastic pass to Sturridge allowing an easy equalizer for Liverpool to get back on even terms.

Then two more close chances followed for the visitors, the first offside, and the second, with Suarez rattling the woodwork in what would have been an incredible goal.

GIF: Inches off, Suarez’s shot hits the woodwork

Liverpool made it really one-sided as they looked for the winner. However, Newcastle were not holding back and brought on some more ammunition to possibly stun the Reds.

The chances came and came, Newcastle were under a lot of pressure as Liverpool looked for the winner. Jordan Henderson was disappointed in himself when his shot went over, although looking promising. Steven Gerrard almost gifted Sturridge’s second with a fantastic pass, but England’s striker was unable to get it in. 

GIF: Sturridge comes close off a pass from Gerrard

Loic Remy almost won it late, but Sissoko’s fantastic tackle denied him. Inch-perfect.

GIF: Cissoko denies Remy

Liverpool continued to press for the chance, but the last kick of the game came from Suarez at the edge of the box, saved by Krul as the full-time whistle blew.

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THE BREAKDOWN
Breaking down the game with analysis and the main headlines

FIRST HALF: Newcastle Keep Liverpool at Bay… for 40 Minutes
When Newcastle scored the goal, they were looking in full control. Liverpool looked to hit back but Newcastle defended. It took one sloppy foul to change that around.

CAUGHT BY SURPRISE? Ben Arfa Playing Central, Paul Dummett Goal
The tactical change of Ben Arfa playing a central role obviously took a long time for Liverpool to adapt to, but when they did, they made them pay. Also, Paul Dummett’s goal shocked many too.

FIRST-HALF: Cabaye Best Performer in First 45 Minutes
Up to 40 minutes, Anton Cabaye was looking the best performer in the game. Having a great time in the midfield, his cracking shot was an early game-changer. He seemed to slow down later on though.

NO COMPLAINTS: Liverpool Awarded Penalty, But Protests Were About Events Before
In the build-up to Luis Suarez winning the penalty for Liverpool, the players were protesting the penalty. It was not the call, but Suarez may have been offside when running into the box. Despite this however, Yanga-Mbiwa’s foul was deserving of a red card.

CAPTAIN’S WEEK: Steven Gerrard on a Roll
Steven Gerrard scores his 100th goal in the Premier League, and earlier in the week lead England to World Cup qualification.

NEWCASTLE VS. LIVERPOOL: Goals Every Game Since 1974, Red Cards Every Game for Newcastle Since November 2012
Goals came… and so did the red cards. Yanga-Mbiwa’s sending off made it three sending offs in three Liverpool vs. Newcastle games.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Who was the best player in the game?

Steven Gerrard
Its been an amazing week for Steven Gerrard. Captain Fantastic for both Liverpool and England. 100 Premier League goals.

THE FINAL SAY
The game in a summary with analysis.

Cracking game of football – from the neutral perspective at least. Newcastle were really on top in the first forty minutes, but the red card turned things round. After Gerrard’s historic goal, Newcastle were looking handicapped. They still played well however, and an unlikely source, Dummett would catch them by surprise. Finally, the Suarez and Sturridge combination clicked for Sturridge’s equalizer. Newcastle stayed put during the onslaught and will see this draw as a heroic win. Well deserved one-point, but Liverpool will most probably be frustrated that they couldn’t pick up all three points against the 10-man side. Interpretations differentiate: Pardew sees it as a point earned, while Rogers sees it as two-points dropped. At least controversy is dismissed with the fair draw, but truly an incredible game to watch.

Liverpool and Newcastle take the point each, with the home-side feeling triumphant after a defiant effort to keep Liverpool from winning the game. 

Although Newcastle were down to ten men, they still played for the game and its a real booster for the team.

Newcastle are pushed to the limit with ten-men, but they earned the point. Four goals, making it the highest goalscoring matchup in the Premier League. Steven Gerrard’s historic 100th goal is a cornerstone moment for his career. Its a quality game that puts the Premier League back in full swing.

 By Nisar Khan – Read more articles from this author

TheSportMatrix.com

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: City Make Bold Statement for Title Ambitions

KICK-OFF: Monday 19 August at 8:00pm. (BST)

(GAMEWEEK 1) at Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

By Nisar Khan

MANCHESTER – Manuel Pelligrini’s Manchester City made a huge statement to their title rivals after dismantling Newcastle in a dominant 4 – 0 win.

Man City showcased their dominance on Newcastle, thrashing them 4-0. (via PremierLeague)

STARTING LINE-UPS:

(via BBCSport)

MATCH COVERAGE:

Prior to kick-off, there was a tribute to the late Bert Trauttman, with everyone in the Etihad Stadium paying their respects to the Manchester City legend.

Manchester City started off quickly, with pressure on Newcastle United and Pablo Zabaleta’s shot being driven straight at Tim Krul. The Magpies’ keeper would be brought into action just over a minute later with an attempt from Dzeko after promising link-up play between himself and Jesus Navas.

Manchester City solidified their flying start within six minutes, with David Silva capitalizing on Krul’s parry of a cross, heading it in to start their season off emphatically. 

David Silva celebrates his goal (via PremierLeague.com)

The Citizens continued to press after the goal, not leaving Newcastle much space although Hatim Ben Arfa had a shot on goal, only to be offside from the mistimed run – but something to take forward for Newcastle in the game.

Yaya Toure went down in the box in the 12th minute but the referee waved it off. In my opinion it should have been a penalty, Yaya Toure was take down and denied. A chance was denied to double City’s lead.

Newcastle United really did not get much done in the first twenty minutes or so. Manchester City continued to make it uncomfortable, with their best chance being the free-kick of which Ben Arfa made a mess of. Any attacking attempts just seemed to disperse and end up on the other end of the pitch, most notable in the 22nd minute when it in fact conceded a goal.

The attack was broken up allowing City’s defense to clear away safely, with Kompany surging forward, then a pass to Dzeko who helped Aguero on with a delightful backheel. Aguero found himself against Steven Taylor, in the direction swaying off goal, but Aguero took the shot and it clipped the inside post and went in. Superb finish to double City’s lead.

Manchester City’s defense kept things really secure, with any crosses being sent back with a powerful header or clearance, allowing City to have another run at goal.

The first booking came in two, with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa pushed Edin Dzeko after the ball went out of play, and Edin Dzeko got in his face. But there was not really a fight, if you are looking for that, see what happened at SummerSlam last night. Moussa Sissoko was booked just over a minute after after a foul out of frustration.

While Newcastle did have their fair share of possession in the first half, they were not doing near enough in comparison to Manchester City’s effectiveness on the ball. There was just not enough good service up to the players up front, meaning Newcastle’s chances came slim and slow. Tiote had a chance that did not pose a threat to keeper Joe Hart, but props to him for taking the shot and having a go. 

Just before the 3 minutes of stoppage time, Dzeko could have easily made it 3 – 0 to Manchester City, as a well-timed run from Aguero allowed him to put in a near-perfect cross, only for Edin Dzeko to head wide.

Steven Taylor’s penultimate action in the match was a potential handball penalty shout. His final one would increase Newcastle’s woes when he received a straight red card for a foul on Sergio Aguero, right before half time too – it looked like Newcastle were beaten.

Taylor distraught after receiving a red card (via PremierLeague.com)

Manchester City had a dominant first half, pressing on Newcastle United and keeping a real tight defense that meant Newcastle had minimal legitimate chances. The problem for Newcastle is the balls going up to the forwards are not good enough, they were being picked off by City’s defence time and time again, and the center halves would send it forward allowing City to take control. The red card to Steven Taylor just before half time may have crushed Newcastle. They were at City’s mercy now.

Newcastle were really up against it when the whistle blew to begin the second half. And just 5 minutes in, things would get even worse for The Magpies, as Yaya Toure scored a sensational free-kick that was awarded when Debuchy fouled Aguero. Excellent free-kick by Yaya Toure. 

Yaya Toure takes the free-kick (via PremierLeague.com)

City continued to press for chances, the game quietened down but Newcastle seemed on the backfoot for a majority of the game. Manchester City just dominated, and they did not even sit back that much, as they continued to chase down the ball when they lost possession.

City’s captain Vincent Kompany picked up a minor injury but was substitued for Javi Garcia on a matter of precaution, as the Belgian seemed to overstretch when he was defending.

Substitute Samir Nasri made it 4 when he slotted it past Tim Krul, to further solidify City’s win, and it made Newcastle’s night even worse.

More chances came, but City did not score on them. They simply cruised to a dominant win.

THE BREAKDOWN:

CITY TOP THE TABLE, NEWCASTLE AT THE BOTTOM

Manchester City now lead the Premier League table with the 3 points and a goal difference of 4. Could this performance mark their intent to remain there at the end of the season? The game ends with City at the top, and Newcastle right at the bottom.

CRUSHED BY THE RED CARD

Steven Taylor’s sending off was devastating to Newcastle. Their key centre-half was sent off at a pivotal time before the half-time whistle and Newcastle went in with less hope. The defence were struggling to cope already, this made it worse.

UNSETTLED BY CABAYE SAGA

The speculation about Cabaye’s possible move to Arsenal just felt like it left the team unsettled, damaging morale and being negative for The Magpies.

LACK OF EFFECTIVE SUBSTITUTES

There were not enough game-changers on the bench for Newcastle. Things are needed to be done as soon as possible in the transfer market.

NOT ENOUGH GOOD BALLS TO THE FORWARDS

 The main problem for Newcastle in the first half was the fact that the forwards’ supply was simply not good enough, thus allowing Man City to take control.

PELLIGRINI’S 4-4-2 A TRADITIONAL WINNING SOLUTION

Manuel Pelligrin’s 4-4-2 is a traditional, yet effective formation for City’s win. It worked really well throughout the game.

DEFENSE ON LOCKS

Outstanding defence from City keeps the clean sheet, Newcastle had minimal chances during the game with Kompany and co. keeping things secure.

EDIN DZEKO WITH STELLAR PERFORMANCE, BUT MISSES OUT ON GOAL

A fine performance by Edin Dzeko throughout the game. Unlucky that he did not convert on his chances, but he played great throughout the game.

STATS:

(via BBCSport)

Yaya Toure – Man of the Match.

THE FINAL SAY:

Manchester City run riot with an excellent performance over Newcastle. Manuel Pelligrini wins on his Premier League debut, but it’s disastrous for his Newcastle counterpart. An excellent Yaya Toure free-kick takes the highlight reels. The absence of Anton Cabaye proved costly for Newcastle, who were lackluster throughout especially with Steven Taylor’s sending off.

Manchester City with a dominant victory that sees Newcastle suffer their heaviest away defeat. Manchester City are going for the title, and what a way to start.

 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Preview Series, 2013/14 – Newcastle United

By Waqar Hussain

After a very impressive second season back in the Premier League, the Magpies were put back in their place last season after the Tynesiders came to. How will they fare this season? Read below.

Sissoko and Cisse celebrate (via ChronicleLive)

Predicted Finish: 18th
Predicted Main Man – Loic Remy
Predicted Flop of the Year – Shola Ameobi

Newcastle Goalkeeper Tim Krul (via SkySports)

Squad 

Goalkeepers: Grade D+

Tim Krul
Rob Elliot

Defenders: Grade C-

Fabricio Coloccini 
Davide Santon 
Mike Williamson 
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa 
Ryan Taylor 
Massadio Haidara 
Mathieu Debuchy 
Steven Taylor 
James Tavernier

Midfielders: Grade C 

Yohan Cabaye 
Moussa Sissoko 
Vurnon Anita 
Hatem Ben Arfa 

Hatem Ben Arfa (via ChronicleLive)

Dan Gosling 
Romain Amalfitano 
Jonas Gutierrez 
Gael Bigirimana 
Sylvain Marveaux 
Cheick Tiote 
Gabriel Obertan 
Haris Vuckic 
Mehdi Abeid

Forwards: Grade C+

Papiss Cisse
Yoan Gouffran 
Shola Ameobi
Sammy Ameobi
Loic Remy

Verdict:

One one side of Tyneside, an Italian manager has been happily splashing cash around to improve his squad. On the other, a British manager has spent nothing, only bringing in one loan signing to excite the fans.

Since long-standing keeper Steve Harper left, nothing much has happend at St James’. Tim Krul now has hardly any competition and the squad is short on the position so a suitable aquisition might be on the list. In defence, there is so much quality I just can’t put my finger on why they leaked so many goals last season. With names like Mathieu Debuchy, Fabricio Coloccini and Massadio Haidara at the back they should be stable this season.

Again, in the middle of the park, Alan Pardew has so much quality with the likes of Sissoko, Cabaye and Ben Arfa, it’s impossible to see what went wrong. If it didn’t work last season, I don’t see any signings coming in to improve it and there are rumours of Ben Arfa and Tiote leaving the club. 

At least there is a replacement finally for Demba Ba, Loic Remy might only have joined on loan, but my brain says he will make a permanent move. He partners the spectacular scoring Papiss Cisse in attack and it might be a happier ending. Loic Remy might prove to be a Christian Benteke type signing for the Magpies.

Overall, I think that if the Magpies don’t make at least four decent signings, then they are going back where they came from, the Championship.

 By Waqar Hussain
TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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