Newcastle in Milwaukee, Post Game Thoughts

I just got back from watching the Toon play at Miller Park, and I thought I'd share my thoughts on the match.

Defensively: The main centerback, Jamaal Lascelles, is a strong player, but he lacks speed. His main weakness was exploited multiple times in the game, one leading to the PK. He is great when he can stand up a player or fight for 50-50 balls...but if the other team plays through balls and forces him to turn his back and run towards his own goal, he is going to get beat again and again. I think this is going to be a desperate, re-occuring problem if it isn't addressed soon. The other back, Mike Williamson, seems to have the same problem. Both defenders are good enough players, but neither are going to be able to keep up with fast paced offenses and teams playing through-balls for days.

Offensively: The team seemed to lack urgency. Too often the team was content with possessing it around the back, playing it to one of their wings, who then plays it back, and then the field switches. This is great and all, but it isn't dangerous. It isn't urgent. I don't know if the problem lies with the midfielders who aren't willing to turn and run at defenses or forwards who aren't making runs to create space. But I counted a lot of times where forwards were standing on the back line with their hands up in the air as if the right or left back should magically transport the ball to their foot.

And for the love of all that is holy, please get their defenders turned around! Make them chase down balls and run towards their own goal! Counter attack with speed! Play through balls ON THE GROUND. The first thought doesn't always have to be "pound the ball forward," but it sure would be nice seeing it happen every now and again...

On the result: Sure, Newcastle walked away from this game with an L. But if we are going to lose, this is the time to do it! I think the coaching staff have some good, eye-opening film they need to study. There are things to work on, for sure. But it isn't all bad! The touches were crisp for the most part, and Newcastle definitely had their chances. Cisse and Sissoko looked to be in sync when they finally got the ball going towards the goal - they just need to get the defense turned more often!

Final thoughts - Damn, it was a hell of a night! I'm still smiling because I got to see the Magpies play live, something I might never get to do again. I'm still excited for the season because I'm confident the new coaching staff can take the missteps of this game and fix them going forward. And I'm so proud that the team was as classy as they were. After the game, they came over and applauded all the fans, which was awesome, and some of the players even stayed for hundreds of pictures and autographs. (For comparison: Club Atlas left the pitch and were in the locker room 5 minutes after the final whistle.) The fact that the guys were gracious enough to do that for some of us fans in the States makes me glad I follow this team! For me, it was certainly a night to remember!