What was wrong with Isak + why was NUFC final ball so bad?

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reflects on Newcastle United's frustrating 1-1 draw with Brighton at St James' Park.
Why was the final ball so poor? Craig explores the reasons behind a result that could yet cost Newcastle dear in their pursuit of European football.

[@DavidSmith-gr9gd]

Great video Craig , supported nufc for well over 60 yrs so fully expect them to beat Man Utd and then lose to Brentford

[@stephenandrews1318]

Felt this comment in my soul

[@JackBurton3963]

Man Utd will hurt us in transitions and end our European hopes

[@BrianPinas9]

It would be embarrassing if we lost to Man Utd

[@paulgardner4931]

Yeah this is how we go for some daft reason.

[@johnenglish929]

You’re a man after my own heart, David : been there so many times over the years !

[@robnicholson4942]

A passionate account Craig. Thank you... and thanks so much for your work in keeping us informed throughout the season. Let's hope the lads can pull off a result on Wednesday...

[@shauntaylor6040]

Wilson is a utter sick note.

[@Nienna1837]

It is really bizarre. His body has given up. Sadly we have to let him go. We can't afford to not have him on crucial matchdays like today.

[@kathchandler4919]

Made of glass, we can't afford him going forward, I've loved him & it hurts but, well, he's a big lad, I wish him well in future 💙 ❤

[@KiePatty91]

I know and agree. He's very very good, but what can you do with a good striker who's injured more than he's fit?! Ability/instinct/COMPOSURE wise he is the perfect 9, but it's an absolutely outrageous injury affinity.

[@AllyBeee1]

Both Wilson and Isak are unwell not injured.

[@KiePatty91]

@AllyBeee1 I mean, Isak has had a recurring injury that he seems to be over. He's missed around 10 league games this season - about the same as Haaland. Wilson has had several body parts injured for years. Not really comparable imo

[@derekoetting4245]

I don't agree with your anderson assessment. I thought today he wanted to play in gordons position and kept sitting higher up then gordon. Gordon had to keep comming deep for the ball which is what anderson should have been doing for gordon. I thought andersons positional play ruined our left side which is usually our best attacking threat.

[@SensibleMoniker]

Another crucial match that is a damp sqib and we come up short - bit of a theme now. Starting 11 included Dubravka, with a midfield that inluded Murphy, Longstaff and Anderson - what could possibly go wrong?

[@BrianPinas9]

Dubravka man of the match again

[@vosey7969]

Aye reet pinas

[@01ddunn]

The final 3rd play was driving me nuts, every long or through ball was cut out or went nowhere near our players. Brighton did a good job at cutting them out. I thought Tino had a poor game, constantly beaten at full-back or just caught out of position, leaving it 2 on 3 a lot in the first half. Gordon said he doesn't like playing with his back to goal and he's not as comfortable doing that, we should have put Joe at striker instead and put Gordon on the right and Barnes left.

[@badofcheese]

Good shout with the front line that actually.

[@boemher15]

Great point. When Joelinton came on I thought that was the plan.

[@stephenstrong8885]

Isak was unwell yesterday and carried it on into today’s game. He had to in the absence of Wilson.

[@phil5357]

Atleast one of them can man up and play when the team needs them

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

Bruno was devastated at the final whistle, looked inconsolable

[@BrianPinas9]

Yep, he's off to Atletico Madrid

[@toonarmy1946]

He had a bad game as did most of the players,if Isak was feeling off, why play him?

[@thegoat11111]

@@toonarmy1946 Because Wilson was not fit again.

[@zepherreload]

He was devastated because the midfield was absent constantly.

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

@@BrianPinas9 don’t think athletico madrid could afford him. At €100m only a handful of clubs in that bracket

[@johnatkinson6382]

Was at the game on Saturday and your report and analysis of the match was PERFECT. Everything you said went through my mind as the game unfolded. Spot on about the "players" not turning up when they were needed and the pressure of the last two fixtures would have lifted somewhat.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks John. Glad you agreed! The final ball was infuriating to watch, at times.

[@earthlingcarl3179]

Almiron should never play again after that dive, shameful.

[@hannahreed-yv6dx]

The press was really poor as well. Brighton weren’t playing out from the back, they were going directly in to the strikers feet. By pressing so high it took our front 6 out of the game. They just needed to move one midfielder back in front of their striker. I’d expect my captain to see that and direct a change on the pitch.

[@grahamritchie7755]

Spot on Craig the final ball was just not good enough. Also I lost count how many times I shouted 'shoot!'

[@helloyoubeautifulpeople]

Eddie needs to be ruthless, if Pope is fit, play him, Joelinton fit?? Play him

[@BrianPinas9]

Dubravka is miles better than Pope. We would've lost today if Pope was in goal

[@helloyoubeautifulpeople]

@@BrianPinas9 mug

[@BrunoIsMagic]

We started losing games when pope got injured

[@BrianPinas9]

@@helloyoubeautifulpeople It's true, it's damn true

[@BrianPinas9]

@@BrunoIsMagic Football is about 11 players, not 1. We had Miley and Longstaff in midfield who are both slow and weak. Trippier and Burn were making mistakes in every game

[@axkerman]

Joelinton has such an impact in terms of build up, pressing, holding the ball up etc etc. We need stars like him and Trippier to come back and really kick on if we are going to get 6th and hopefully Europa league.

[@derekelizabeth809]

Great video keep up the good work

[@geordiedog1749]

Too fatigued. Still suffering from the injury crisis. There’s players out there who are burning the floorboards to keep warm. They need rest. Meaningful rest.

[@tomruddell9099]

😂

[@DxSkyline]

Its 3 games left, which we desperately need to win, fatigue is something that shouldn't be even discussed as a reason for the result.

[@SensibleMoniker]

They play once or twice a week - it's their job. I used to play 3 times at a weekend. Admittedly, in the second half of third game I was a bit knackered and then I went to work on Monday morning

[@kathchandler4919]

Bruno didn't look happy at the end of that match, he dropped to the ground and stayed there, I knew exactly what he was feeling ! 😢

[@BrianPinas9]

Yeah, he's playing with a load of Championship players. He's too good for us. Only Dubravka, Isak and Almiron are decent

[@kathchandler4919]

@@BrianPinas9 Botman, Schâr too ?

[@BrunoIsMagic]

Almiron doesnt score or assist

[@BrianPinas9]

@@kathchandler4919 Botman isn't good enough. Schar is our player of the season. He wasn't playing today though

[@BrianPinas9]

@@BrunoIsMagic 11 goals last season and scored 5 early on this season

[@andrewford119]

My biggest issue is the desire and consistency of the team. When we had to beat Brighton this time last year we found a way whereas this time around we just couldn’t get across the line or actually even looking like doing it. We could get 6 points next two games or 0. Neither would surprise me; and that’s the issue….

[@JamesLynch88]

Bang on as always Craig, and good to see you in the boozer tonight

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

They looked like 11 strangers today Craig. Agree final pass was poor but we were also overplaying the attacks. Only player I thought was bright was Lewis Hall. Not a great performance so have to content with a point.

[@davidbennett5354]

Love your views Craig. I thought yesterday was very frustrating for us supporters as we know they can turn teams like Brighton over. Our final ball was not bad its just they were off the mark as if they were not on the same wavelength. Brighton were frustrating us, going down too easy however a cple of our guys did the same. Brighton also were managing the time of the game with GK taking a long time for goal kicks. May not get Europe in this form but slow and steady wins the race

[@Cory-lh3yp]

I’ve always defended Almiron amongst my friends - even though I’ve known he’s technically not good enough and needs moving on, Ive always respected his attitude and work rate. However after today I never want to see him in a Newcastle kit again. My biggest hate in football from playing and watching is diving. However if people dive when there is contact but they exaggerate it as they are losing the ball or running into a dead end I still hate it but I kind of understand it. However diving outside the box where there’s no contact and you’re through on goal at the end of a must win game is inexcusable for me and unforgivable. I don’t care about depth Eddie needs to punish him for that and leave him out the squad for the remaining 2 games. Thought Bruno and Anderson were class. Struggling with the Harvey Barnes move tbh, I know he’s shown glimpses but for the same price Antony Gordon cost that’s the level we need to be seeing, not glimpses. If he was free/15m id accept it. But at 40m serious questions need to be asked. We’ve blew a chunk of our budget on a player who isn’t even ahead of Jacob Murphy in the pecking order (love his personality but he’s also not good enough). Make it make sense?

[@BrianPinas9]

Almiron is better than Gordon. Had more of an impact today. He is also technically better and scores better goals. Our best player in the Champions league and shouldve been starting today

[@BrianPinas9]

Anderson is a Championship player. Absolutely useless

[@Cory-lh3yp]

@@BrianPinas9 ZzzzZzzZZzzzz

[@BrianPinas9]

@@JJSpence15 Forest have a better squad of players than ours. Murillo is absolutely class

[@BrianPinas9]

@@JJSpence15 At the end of the day, we all want us to improve, but it's just not getting better with Eddie Howe still in charge.

[@johnson_street_IEMD]

Brilliant assessment ... i opted for the Toon Review watchalong, and probably glad i did ... in some ways, it will be great to see this view in August when Tonali will nearly be available, hopefully Bruno and Isak are still our players, and we will hopefully have signed that third striker we sooooooo desperately need

[@btaylor7226]

Morning Craig, great report mate, absolutely spot on as usual. Certainly agree, we didn't have the final cutting edge yesterday which was disappointing. Didn't think the referee had a particularly good game either, allowed Brighton to waste so much time and stopped the game for cramp, really?? We are going to have to be on our best game against Man Utd and Brentford, both difficult games so we'll need our strikers to be at their best. A lacking midfield performance too which is disappointing. Lets hope the lads can prepare well mentally as well as physically for our final push as Chelsea are hot on our heels. For next season the owners MUST address our striker position, Isak needs a younger type Wilson player along side him. For me, Wilson needs to be moved on as we cannot rely on him to be available, he's far to injury prone. I believe Eddie will get the lads up for our final push......just 2 more gsmes, let's give it all weve got! Cheers Craig, all the best mate 👍🖤🤍

[@truthfactory8139]

since Isak came back from injury, he's played a lot of games.

[@billmoore7137]

That's what he's there for, to play games

[@truthfactory8139]

@@billmoore7137 am just saying those who claim he's injury pron are exaggerating it. We all want to see him play every game but we're all humans.

[@marcusoreallly]

Glad you ask Eddie the tough questions. He seems bullet proof, but I'll count on you to pierce the veil. However, his secrecy might instell terror for future opponents. Eddie is a badass

[@badofcheese]

My only issue with the Gordon one not being given is that they’ve been given all season long, sometimes after not being given on the pitch and the referee being told to go and look. I absolutely don’t think they’re penalties and don’t want to see them given. But I do want to see consistency.

[@No.1shopkeeper]

Great content Craig, honest analysis as always, I would just like to add a comment about Kevin De Bruyne, he is world class and he is surrounded by world class players. Unfortunately at the minute Bruno isn't 😫

[@manakara9821]

What I saw was the old Howe trick again. Too little too late. We kept using the right wing attack when Tino and Murphy after 10 tries was obviously not working, the left was hardly used at all. Joelinton and Trippier should have come on at half time if not started. This was a crucial game but Howe didn't field our best. AGAIN Wilson not available when seriously needed??? He has to go.

[@hannahreed-yv6dx]

I don’t think it was the final ball as such. It was the lack of any effective movement up top. Good runs can make a poor delivery look good.

[@rogercookcouk]

Great home game finisher Craig. I thought Hall was brilliant, my outstanding player. Anderson seems to grow every game, Gordon never stopped. (My 3 ⭐ ratings. Bruno gets the Bruno star!) Krafth a bit of a weak link in the back 4, Murphy showed his level sadly...

[@marknesbit1487]

We don’t have the passing from out the back without pope, Schar, botman and trips. That’s been so good for us starting the midfield & attack. Back 5 cobbled together because of injuries. Add in the media’s hard on for de zerbi and how good he is, although I’m disappointed we didn’t win, I still see it as a great point. Still in our hands.

[@BrianPinas9]

Chelsea are in the driving seat. Brentford is our toughest game.

[@boemher15]

Wlison proved beyond doubt why he cant be relied upon. Its simply not sustainable to have 1 of 2 forwards miasing 50 to 60% of game availability. Infact Wilson's lack of cover for Isak has cost at least 2 to 4 points this season.

[@RENCHER]

As always, I hope (pun not intended) that fans will hold judgement until the end of the season. If Man Utd and Chelsea drop points then our one today might be crucial. The premier league is competitive and any ideas of "we should be beating XX" are just bollocks.

[@thegoat11111]

Not with our current squad no. But all that shows is that we still need better quality players brought in as well as the club offloading the players who are just not good enough.

[@larslnskog7580]

Gordon dived, he obviously throws his foot out to get hooked by the defender. I hope he stops doing it, even if it means we will miss out on some cheap pens. Almirons dive was just shameful and sad to watch. Other than that todays match was a dissapointing watch, youd think with what is at stake they could atleast show some guts and interest, but we looked sluggish and slow through the midfield, while getting bullied of the ball way to easily at times. Isak being sickish explains his lackluster presence, while also reinforcing the trend of us playing injured/sick players, which so far this season seems only to come back and bite us at a later date. Do we really rate our backup strikers, Gordon or any of the youth, so horrendously bad that its never worth giving them a shot? At times this year weve had some players on field barely able to stagger around, much less pose a threat and not a single gamble ever tried on one of the fringe players.

[@BrianPinas9]

He did clip Almiron's foot

[@listey]

Agree. Gordon was a disgrace and Almiron was even worse.

[@BrianPinas9]

@@listey Almiron made an impact

[@willfoster2664]

Really the performance for the final home game with so much to play for it was really below par Period. Sloppy and lack of intensity and Isak looked really poor a man that has had his head turned i think . You just dont take your number 9 off with no striker on the bench . Obviously Eddie wasn't happy and for Wilson for gods sake get rid please

[@BrianPinas9]

Howe will be sacked at the end of the season

[@willfoster2664]

I don't Think SO

[@phildavies6968]

Nice summary, Craig. How many good games has Barnes had? West ham and Luton ??

[@BrianPinas9]

Been injured for most of the season. Got to give him one more season. He's just a goalscorer, but not a good all round footballer like Almiron and Saint Maximin

[@what_im_eatin_uk]

We needed 7 points from 9 going into that game which I always thought would be the toughest. It's still in our hands 2 wins in 2 and we make it.

[@neathletics2439]

Despite having options on the bench - Eddie Howe shows his total inability to change a game - again. He’ll be given another season. End result will be the same

[@BrianPinas9]

I hope not. We'll not progress and will waste millions on more average British players. Dummett, Lascelles, Longstaff, Ritchie, Gillespie etc will be retained

[@truthfactory8139]

Isak did not look all well. He's needed for Man U game. Hopefully he recovers and comes back to his normal self. He was not the same player we v Spurs. You have to say both central defenders kept their eye on his and did a job. The one time he went right, he almost got a terrific pass to Gordon. He needs to try and get to the front of a defender when the ball comes from out wide.

[@kyled96]

I really hope we don’t bottle this position. It’s one thing we need to shake off as we progress over the years, we’re historically bottlers but hopefully this squad can find that energy/determination they showed last season. If we’re on it we can definitely get the results we need in the next two games!!

[@damienreilly4347]

Unfortunately its the same issue as it has been all season, some of the players are just not good enough. Longstaff and Murphy were awful today (bar Longstaff's finish) I like Howe but sometimes he insists we play well when we dont, so im not sure what game he was watching

[@conradrichards3363]

Miggy should be sold for that dive alone it was diabolicle lazy cheat when he has the abiliity to pass players in the box bring on Minteh next season

[@andrewb1984]

Craig, do you not think that Anderson was at fault for their goal? Watching the man and getting tangled up. No idea where the ball was till it was too late.

[@Steph-wq9it]

Isak had been ill, along with Wilson. There’s two more games to play. Why question Eddy Howe? This is why Eddy is in charge, trust his judgment 🎉

[@joinmeonthedarkside2]

A mention for dubravka couple saves that made it a draw not a defeat....

[@jeanince3553]

Hi Craig, You mentioned that we may need a right winger. Can you update us on Yankuda Minteh who is a right winger and at 19 is doing great work on loan to Feyenoord. John and Jean

[@craighope_dailymail]

Hi John & Jean. He’ll come back for pre season & then a decision will be made. Probably another loan.

[@givemesomewine]

I agree with the deflation with Wilson out.. . It happened to me.

[@montybrewster7]

I have my head in my hands....again! Nothing more to say than that. Cheers craig.

[@shauntaylor6040]

Rinse and repeat, a very inconsistent season. Murphy just epitomises that. Good games, bad games, good halves bad halves. A decent run then an inexplicable bad game. A win pretty much guaranteed European football but bottled.

[@Adamm357]

Performance definitely wasn't good, but I still think we're capable of beating Man United and Brentford. I'm also not fully convinced that Chelsea win both games. Just need to have faith in the team. There's no point pushing blame at this stage.

[@alexanderhowcroft8779]

After 70 minutes it’s clear the objective was not to lose. We weren’t at it, people are overreacting to 1 point. Take the point and go to old Trafford with our destiny in our own hands

[@ianbrownlee1434]

Dont know why we bought barnes.. Never starts... Meant to be an upgrade on maxi.. Questions need answering about transfers... Never gonna progress with ritchie wilson gillespie dummett murphy krafth almiron etc etc.. Time to be ruthless

[@BrianPinas9]

You've got to blame the slow midfield for not creating the chances. Anderson and Longstaff are poor.

[@terrym61]

Yes the bench looked good but people expect the players on it to perform to their normal standards and they just aren’t going to do that after very little game time.We see it every time players come back from injury so it’s really a false sense of security

[@phil5357]

My concern is too many players know they won't be here next season, whether their choice or otherwise. Not hopeful for the lastntwo games. Barring a couple of games, we've been crap away from home all season

[@BrianPinas9]

We've had about 6 good performances out of 50 games. I can't see the owners sticking with Eddie Howe. We've gone backwards and wasted £169m last summer

[@kennyw218]

Who won’t be here? Who wants our dead wood

[@BrianPinas9]

Looks like Anthony Gordon is off to Liverpool. I would sell Murphy too and sign two new wingers to compete with Almiron and Barnes.

[@craig3420]

Gordon to Liverpool..u need sectioning

[@ossealey8995]

I hope yesterday ended the notion that there was a "conversation" to be had regarding Wilsons future at the toon.

[@nickc8476]

Huge opportunity missed today massive 2 points dropped. If we do not qualify for a european spot we have gone backwards this year.

[@Britisheats]

Nah, three stars was Lewis Hall today. Saved us several times when Krafth and Burn were caught out and played some superb passes.

[@davediamond491]

Chelsea are the team to watch for, with an easier run in than Newcastle. At least it's in our hands, so to speak. Very interesting Wednesday to come!

[@georgemorley1029]

Well I don’t think they will make up the GD. It makes no difference who’s over our shoulder if we don’t win our games.

[@davediamond491]

@@georgemorley1029 very true. We have to win both remaining games. Just I hear the words "Manchester United" and I automatically think that'll be a tough game.If they lose that match, Chelsea will need to be defeated by Brighton. I'm so pessimistic about this whole run in. Haway the lads.

[@sp.8632]

The sooner we put to bed that Gordon is a viable option for the sticker position the better. Ha can physically go up there when there is no one else, but he isn't a serious striker option for a team looking to challenge for European positions. Leave him to do what he's been good at, and sign an actual striker option.

[@MrComicy]

Some of the players just weren’t ruthless enough, looked tired and uninterested, possibly because some know they won’t be here next season. 8 new players needed in the summer (they don’t need to be PL proven). The transfer window for me will show how much ambition we really have, time to spend some serious money and move on a few players who can’t offer any more. All players need to play 110% on Wed/Sat otherwise we are walking away with no European football. Also play Pope if he is fit.

[@jayc6428]

Always thought this would be the hardest game for us to win, Brighton is always difficult, more often than not a 1-1 at home and a defeat away, we can beat the red shite and we have a great record at Brentford under Howe.

[@sellingtowinselling3876]

Murphy had a stinker

[@JackBurton3963]

Absolutely atrocious, couldn’t believe how bad he was.

[@Nienna1837]

Crossing straight to the goalie time and time again. Murphy is one good game, and then sadly back to being rubbish in the next one.

[@yogihightower]

Guaranteed to start no matter how bad he plays

[@BrianPinas9]

He's a good championship player.

[@corronord]

For me, every time Eddie emphasises the need for a strong crowd presence. Our team plays flat.

[@sfcobra]

Cheers Craig. Honest as ever. Agree with most of that. Big big opportunity missed, especially with Chelsea winning. Man Utd are lucky and terrible but wouldn’t put it past them to beat Arsenal and Us. We lacked a lot today and back to the usual nobody in the box scenario was clear to see. Nobody making runs, no real clear chances. Carved open too easily at times and Liv was poor today for me. I give up with Wilson now. Agree we need another ST and a RW. Murphy doesn’t do it for me, and Almiron showed his true colours being offside for that goal. Its basics and he has the pace and looking across the line. Just awful. The whole performance wasn’t great but maybe down to the way Brighton play also. If Man Utd lose to Arsenal and we beat them then it’s in europe but would rather get 6th and not the conference. Was hoping to put pressure on Spurs but 5th is over now. Big week coming up and hope it doesn’t end in tears.

[@bas6628]

I think Eddie is thinking ahead for Wednesday's game against you know who?

[@derekclacton]

Disappointing last home game - fine margins - if Miggy had stayed on side … Quite simply, they just didn’t play well enough and need to do better! 👍

[@jayc6428]

Joey can be a better striker under Howe than he was under Bruce, he should be thought of as an option at least in moments like that.

[@progress2success402]

As we draw an end to the season at home let’s look at the positives. We went into every game as fans thinking we were could win/ get a result today. We have scored the most home goals in the the league(some have a home game left to play) we only lost 3 times and have only forest was a shock ( Liverpool(freak implosion with misfortune in both goals) and city(last min goal) being the others. both were not a disgrace and we were disappointed in both games to not at least get a draw. From the disappointing draws (4) Everton was a late moment of madness, Bournemouth was poor but we got a 90th plus equaliser, luton bad performance but great come back and Brighton was just a bit of a stale mate! All in all only true gutter this season was Notts Forrest(and Chris wood)! When was the last time we can say that! I’d take this again next season with improved away form!!

[@progress2success402]

Also only Everton and the top 3 have a better home defence record than us and we conceded 7 goals (out of 22)to Forrest and Luton.

[@chrisdonnelly7401]

if there was changes before they took isak off i think he would have scored as we attacked much better when miggy and joelinton came on, i wish anderson had gordons speed he would be world class

[@jayaychare7318]

Isaak looked bit Knackered

[@BrunoIsMagic]

Didn't look interested maybe he is gonna move to another club

[@terrybarton4407]

Oh my God, what happened! All yesterdays premier league results went as I expected… except Newcastle. On that form we will not beat either Man U or Brentford.

[@aba100able]

RW position is a real issue. Barnes should have finished that 😒😒

[@ssoolliidd1]

I thought the defence had a solid game, Hall & Krafth were decent, Burn & Tino didnt do much wrong. I feel the middle & front line were bang average. Im very suprised the ‘merit ratings’ went to any of the mid/forward line in all honesty. I know defence isnt an exciting pick, but they were definitely the better performers

[@arthuringle1550]

If Arsenal win tomorrow then we only need one point at Old Trafford to guarantee Europe

[@phil5357]

Arsenal have been a juggernaut for months. Now we need them to win, watch them collapse like a deck of Spurs playing cards

[@jimmyeatsmovies893]

They were thinking about MAN U, holidays. And I'll be shocked if anyone our troops were marked 5/10!??? 2:50

[@earthlingcarl3179]

Had to win that one to make it comfortable.

[@kathchandler4919]

I thought, for me, it was a disappointing performance, I'm just getting over shingles of the face, eye and head, missed the last match because of it, I pushed myself to go today...they played like I felt !

[@johnatkinson6382]

....and sadly the performance wouldnt have taken your mind off you physical suffering. I went to the match feeling wonderful enjoying the spring sunshine and warmth and the thought of the three points that our warriors would win for us. Sadly that didnt happen and it was sooo bad i came away feeling quite ill (just joking, well sort of)

[@kathchandler4919]

@@johnatkinson6382 you're so right, it's a very painful illness when it's on your head & in your eyes, requires you to take amitriptylime which makes you sleepy, a vibrant , physical game was what I was expecting, not what we got !

[@BrunoIsMagic]

We rely on bruno too much if hes not carrying the team which he does most of the time its not enough if he just has a good game If bruno gets injured or suspended we are screwed

[@ChrisPalmer-tv5ot]

Disappointed with Harvey Barnes finishing… big opportunity lost for us! I still think we can with the last two games though. HWTL

[@givemesomewine]

and I think the 100 million for Bruno is safe ..not a chance

[@willfoster2664]

Great player but no way worth 100 million

[@BrianPinas9]

He'll be gone in a few weeks. Jack Grealish and Rice were over £100m each and he's better than them

[@1702PK]

Terrible waste of 40 million on Barnes. That’s 1st team player money, how would he get in the team before Gordon. The simple question is do you think we go to the next level under Howe and his staff. I don’t, but am happy to be proved wrong next season. Top 4 or a trophy will be his objectives or he’ll be gone.

[@rrstows3522]

2 games left. Chelsea closing in ,man u game has become massive.

[@stephennutkin2477]

Despite the lack of depth of our squad, Despite the horrendous injury list we are where we are and even if we ended up losing our last two games we are higher than we should be and yet there are those bemoaning the fact we can’t win another game in the hardest league in Europe if not the world by a predicted 3/4 nil. We are up against a cartel and its supporters . Do people not think that our owners will not want as much as we do ?. When the last ball of the season is kicked everything will be looked into including the good and the bad that’s what makes PIF successful in the business world. IF Bruno goes (I don’t think he will) we will have even more money to spend and only Newcastle’s owners know how much we will have despite the guesses of the cartel loving press .

[@davidrobinson2776]

I feel a bit brutal in saying this but Longstaff, Anderson and Murphy are nowhere near good enough. They would all struggle to get a game in any of the top 10 teams in the PL.

[@gmailalt6928]

Anderson is 21 years old and has rarely had a poor performance for us. Disgusting comment that I’d expect from our fickle fan base

[@zepherreload]

I keep getting crap from fans who love players who are at the championship level. Longstaff Murphy, almeron, craft, burn, They are the issues day in and day out. Yes, they have good points but very bad days. I don't care what anyone says they need to be replaced ASAP. Simple as that and howe is not going to take us any further.

[@Andy-we5og]

If we can get £20-30m for Wilson, unfortunately we have to take it It also seems Wilson was disappointed we didn't accept the offer from athletico in the January window , his body is failing and his hearts not in it anymore

[@BrianPinas9]

It'll be around £12m for him because of his age

[@robbo2099]

Taking Isak off was dumb. Only needs 1 chance even if he doesn't touch it all game until then

[@gmantoon]

Newcastle always do shit the hard way all the time sometimes I genuinely think we are a jinxed football club was such frustrating watch yesterday I don't see us getting Europe now really hope I am wrong!

[@stephenkennedy6610]

was trips only brought on to say his goodbyes

[@joebell5404]

I hope we don’t get European football. I’d rather just have 38 games and just focus on trying to get CL again. We have a better squad than spurs and I think we could get top 4 next year

[@searchterminatorseed2301]

Barnes should have been playing recently and getting into a rhythm

[@barrycrosby8602]

Get rid of Wilson his injury record is appalling, you mentioned last week about Gordon even when he isn't 100% fit he plays same for isak and many others but Wilson seems to think he needs to be 100% fit otherwise he will be in the garden putting his feet up rather than trying to help the team win, completely the wrong attitude we can't afford luxury players like him

[@digsy_1982]

the negtivity amongst the fanbase is just ridiculous.. 1 draw all it seems the world has ended.. get a grip guys...

[@nickc8476]

It is called standards ? Drawing at home to Brighton is not good enough especially when you consider what was on the line for us.

[@gmailalt6928]

@@nickc8476 It’s called being fickle. Bet you spat on Bobby Robson when he was being hounded out too

[@jarrakev1]

hold on you said yesterday you could only see us win. stop hedging ya bets so much

[@craighope_dailymail]

I’m not hedging my bets - I’m changing my opinion based on a change of events.

[@BrunoIsMagic]

Craig your talking about bruno he cant do it every week some one else needs to step up! Longstaff! For example

[@davetherave1564]

Out of sync in attack. Barnes should have stayed on the bench, Anderson solid performance, disappointing result, we needed 3 points

[@stewartfraser2740]

Good, incisive report as usual Craig. My goto after match report now. At best I feel Newcastle have difficulties finding Isaak on a regular basis, to often he is absent. Yesterday, he was especially missing through his lack of effort so something was amiss. Agree on the need for a third attacking option. Glad Hall's contribution was recognised, disappointed also that he went off as I think it affected the left side attack as it was. I don't understand Pope's two matches on the bench unless he genuinely isn't ready for a full match and is there for cover. If not, he should play.

[@stephenkennedy6610]

no body wants to take a shott on