Sadly a bit of a let down on the pitch, we weren't in it & the 2 cheap early goals killed any game plan that may have been set up beforehand. I felt that we we stood right off across the midfield and allowed Shelvey & co to pull strings, when we had the ball their pressing was intense and we didn't have the quality or strength to get out. We think we have some prized assets, on this display they have a way to go the be at the level of the very best in this division. I was hoping to see Woods, Sawyers, Lewis & Nico play well - not to be sadly. An over fussy and card happy ref didn't help to be fair - soft yellows dished out again. This was a bit of a reality check, we all know that the resources are so much greater at these top clubs but I'd hoped to see us compete and show some of what we're about when we play properly.
That's now only 4/18 points away which is a concern, with tricky fixtures to come & the skipper suspended. Once again we need to step things up a little, as we've done before
Mustn't overlook the fact that Newcastle is a fine city and a great football away day - the friendly respectful locals made a refreshing change to some others that we encounter. I only feel sad that we may have looked like a plucky lower league side up for a cup game rather than what we actually are. Memories of the game won't live long, but those of the visit to the toon certainly will.
Need to give the team our strong backing again up at Derby and then make our 4000th league game something special.