Fairly typical derby game – helter skelter for 90 minutes. Overall, I felt we played most of the football, but that curiously they created more chances. To endorse this, I thought Given was our MOTM with four top-class saves, the best being the 2nd half tip-over from Phillips that I actually thought was in.

We played with some composure and tried to control the game by retaining possession, but weren’t as incisive as we usually are. Nevertheless, CB scored what looked like a good goal at the end of a terrific move, and that decision could have proven pivotal.

Despite allowing the mackems to create several chances, our four defenders did pretty well individually, linking pretty effectively with m/f and occasionally supporting attacks.

We were far more solid in central m/f than recently with JJ having a highly satisfactory debut. It took him some time to adjust to the frantic pace, but he got better and better as the game progressed, showing some touches of real class in the 2nd half and linking neatly with Solano in particular. While knocking in a few good crosses, Laurent Robert was disappointing again, never imposing himself on the game, and rarely taking on his FB.

The mackem defence did pretty well to hold Shearer and Bellamy, although they were always at full stretch. Unlike some others, I actually thought Bellamy had quite a good game, generally attracting two defenders because of his pace.

Yet again, I thought the officiating was very average. In addition to the disallowed goal, several nasty challenges on Toon players went unpunished, and yet Shearer was pulled up virtually every time he challenged for the ball, no matter how innocuously.

A solid if unspectacular performance to maintain the Toon’s unbeaten record at La Stade de Merde - and a truly sweet victory against the ‘2-1 officianados’ – one that signifies that normal service has been resumed after a brief respite.

To be fair, the mackems didn't played badly. However, they have too much dross like McAteer and Kilbane in the side to ever really do well. In addition, they really must get past their Niall Quinn fixation and discover a new style of play that better capitalises on superkev’s ability in front of goal – before it is too late. If indeed it isn’t already too late.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Answers

Thanks Clarky. Again I must be one of the few who have not seen the game (must get rid of those rabbit ears and get cable!)

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Did we alter our pattern of play very much? Dabs seemed to have pressed up and had two near things just before he scored. I realize he is a regular in the penalty box for our corners, and this was a free kick that was almost equivalent to the situation at a corner. But I wonder if the arrival of Jenas has altered the way that the back four can/should play?

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I'll respond when The Plough closes. I'm just going out - I might be a long time.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I don't think we did Sounder, other than I noticed a greater desire to try to control and calm the game, and retain possession. Our defenders seemed rather more composed than usual today, and the man in possession frequently brought the ball out from defence - avoiding the tendency to simply 'hump it'.

Distin is generally cool in possession, and it may be that his presence is having an impact.

As I said in my match report, the link between defence and midfield was much better today, with JJ increasingly infuential as the game progressed.

The big disappointment was Robert who had no real impact on the game - other than knocking in the FK that lead to our goal, that is!!

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I'd agree with all of that Clarky. I thought Robert was the only disappointment - a very quiet game. The ability to retain possession is enhanced with Distin in place of Elliot and Distin's long throws are a very handy bonus, not to mention his aerial ability. I hope he stays in now - I think that's the best back 4 we have.

Great team effort but the 2 stars were Dabs and Given, two players brought in by TSM. Why were we so bad when he had them? :-)

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Thanks. So Jenas is already a noticeable improvement on McClen?

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

.....Rush, Barnes, JDT, Brady ..... need I go on, Jonno?

I certainly agree that the four who played today are our best back four - all CB's, but so what.

It's also debatable whether today's 11 is our best 11. The obvious omission of course is Dyer. I'm personally still not totally convinced about Speed and Dyer as our best central m/f pairing, and was impressed by my first sight of JJ today - I think he's going to be a real good 'un. Can pass, can tackle.

To be sure, it's a nice problem to have with KD and CC nearing fitness, and perhaps JJ and KD will prove to be the central m/f pairing for the next 5 years.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Sounder - Not wishing to be unkind to McClen, but this lad Jenas looks the real thing. He still hasn't fully developed physically and is a bit skinny, but he's tall and has that obvious bit of class about him. First impression was very positive.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

The best thing about our back 4 at the moment is that they can all do the simple stuff well.

Nothing special like Roberto Carlos free kicks, but given an easy clearance to make, you can bet your life the clearance will be made.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

From what I saw on Sky, Jenas looked pretty good.

'Tidy' was a word used to describe him in a Forest player profile, and I could agree wholeheartedly with that, but he seems to have a lot more to his game.

One thing was his height - at almost 6ft he can win his fair share of headers in midfield, which is what we lack when Speed is missing.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

.....Rush, Barnes, JDT, Brady ..... need I go on, Jonno?

NO! In fact you could've stopped after the first one. :-)

Central midfield is interesting. Without wishing to write the guy off too early, Speed is obviously much nearer the end of his career than the beginning and I can see him starting to play a slightly lesser part from next season. I also notice that Robson has rejected the Wolves bid for McClen which is a bit of a surprise. I wonder if Robson values him more highly or just feels he needs the extra cover at this stage of the season?

Certainly we are going to need some depth in the squad with all this European football coming up IF we manage to qualify for Europe. One of the Sundays reckons that Emerton is a done deal if we are in the CL.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Where does Emerton play?

He would have to be something special to displace either of Solano or Hughes on the right, and unless Dyer is moving on, Jenas and the aforementioned porn-star seem to be the first choice midfield pair for the future.

The only other thing I can think of is Dyer going to the left with Robert going to France, and then Emerton and Jenas in the middle.

I know it's good to have strength in depth, but it'll be hard to keep players happy.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Although I was in a flippant mood on Pauls pre-match thread yesterday, I did remark on a game plan which would have GIVEN us success, We once again were on the corner trail today, over 10 I think but the final execution leaves a lot to be desired. I have seen more innovation from Aberdeen on this set piece, apart from Speed Toon are pretty static and jumping flat. A major plus this season and the inclusion of Distin enhances this is our threat from height in their box and the installation of confidence when defending in our area. Pit Bill I think, picked up on this a few months ago when he stated in a thread that no longer did he feel like bricking it when a ball was crossed into the box. Over to you coaching staff , the tools are there,use them. The game was a typical Derby, Newcastle`s technical ability on the ball was far superior to Sunderland`s, what Philips had to do, he did well, but Shearer gave him a lesson in what is expected of a former international center forward , holding the ball up, bringing others into play, taking the knocks , and showing there is more to a performance than scoring. The back four were good, Dabias has a tremendous will to win , Hughes is improving in his correct position every game, every team needs an O`Brian , does what he is payed to do, consistently. Distin has an aura about him but moving from left to right to take long throws in my mind is a no no against Arsenal, just say Kilbane is no Pires. Early doors for Jenas , for some reason Toon can play effective triangles down right , nothing on left. CB has been talked up so much and deservedly so that at times 2 defenders are sticking with him which hopefully brings us to the jewel in the crown, midfield support arriving in the shape of Dyer for the last 8 games. Solano is good, very good,a measure of his ability is that if he was on the transfer list there would be no shortage of takers from the PL and beyond. When he had a bad patch and being discussed on here as a homer I think it was Gav who stoutly defended him and urged us to keep the faith. All I can say on here about Robert is we are hypocrites if we castigate Marcellino for turning his back on a shot , his effort or lack of it over the 90 must drain the confidence of the lads who are pulling out the stops,pity cos he may just have something to offer for 10 mill. Shay well done son, Finally nice to see Screach again , the country air and the Peev from the Plough must be suiting him cos he is scrubbing up well.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

"but Shearer gave him a lesson in what is expected of a former international center forward"

Very nice :)

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

It would be nice to see Robert put a bit more effort in (or seem to put more in)

However, he does enough to warrant being included for me, even though he should do a lot more.

His free kicks and crosses are a great asset to us and he even got back to head a Sunderland cross out for a corner.

The question we need to ask is 'would Bernard do better there?"

Although Bernard would put more effort in in terms of tackling and so forth, his free kicks aren't what he's renowned for. If he sets up one goal a game for the remainder of the season I'll be happy.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

The beauty of four centre halfs is that if one leaves to join the midfield you begin to play my fluid 3-5-2 formation which I believe cannot be beaten. I know few people agreed with me after our defeat at home to Spurs but it is total football. Hughes popped up in the box more regularly than Speed or Jenas !! It made us look completely in control and showed why CB's who can pass and move in addition to their defensive responsibilities are such an asset.

I won't get carried away because the makems have looked poor against most other teams this season but my dream is born ! I was brought up in admiration of Johan Cruyff's Dutch team that didn't win (my escapism from toon sides that couldn't play !). Beautiful football unrewarded. I hope it's not an omen.

PS I fancy our chances away at Liverpool more than I do at home to the Arse.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I agree about the Arsenal / Liverpool games, although I don't think either of those sides will be looking forward to playing us.

Changing the way we play (ie moving to 3-5-2 at times) could be dangerous at this stage of the season. Perhaps in pre season we could try it, but if it is going to work the present back four look capable of it, as we have two of them who could play right across the line if we needed it.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Have to agree about Jenas- although he didnt exactly dominate midfield(hardly expected on a debut+derby), he looked very classy and composed. Considering the circumstances i thought he was outstanding, particularly 2nd half.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

To a man they were all heroes - each did what was expected of him. Sure it wasn't always pretty but it was a very calm, collected performance bya real team. And most importantly it was another 3 points away from home. I'm so proud of the lads, all of them. Saturday and the gooners can't come soon enough. This is what it's all about eh

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

What a day!

Despite DSS's condemnation, I was fired up for this one. I'll leave "cold light of day" thoughts to another time. This was a derby. But not just any old derby. Sod the previous matches (which we are still ahead in). This one mattered in the overall scheme of thinhgs. The Mackems are in severe danger of being dragged down with the Smoggies (check their run-in if you don't believe me). We are in severe danger of qualifying for Europe. That's Champions League Europe - not UEFA. No foregone conclusion mind, just in with a chance. And who knows - we could even win the bliddy league. But we don't talk of that sort of thing in polite circles, do we vicar?

No - overall, today was about local pride, and despite warnings otherwise, it was a barcode-bedecked Screach who left The Stealth Astra © in The Straabeery carpark at 9:40am and joined the happy, nay pissed, throngs on the buses á la Stade de Merde. Nowt special mind. Just a happy, expectant bunch of like-minded Geordies ready to do their duty. After what seemed like an interminable time, "Coach number 27" set off. Sadly, we only moved 5 feet before we drew to a premature halt. This process was repeated twice more, but eventually, the diesel fumes from Number 26 in front cleared and we headed south down St James' Boulevard and ower the waata into (almost) heathen territory. The Toon Army was in motion. Howay me Bonnie Lads!!

With polliss out-riders, we negotiated the waving masses in Dunstan and proceeded past Team Valley and up past the Angel, arms wide-spread bidding her foot-soldiers a safe return from victory. Thanks Pet!! As one who usually makes his own way to away games under independent means, this was quite an experience, and what was previously "just another away game to get 3 points" quicky turned into "one we must win. Strangely (not) the closer we got to the evil place, the stronger the feelings grew. Clearly, I wasn't alone in this feeling, and many of our brave warriors we stricken by an uncontrollable urge to mark their passage (pardon?? - Ed) on the grass verge of the slip-road off Weshurton's Eastern Way (or whatever its caaled).

Soon, we entered the lands of the unwashed. But not before us lot doonstairs were chastised from the vocal above. "Can you hear the doonstairs sing? Aah caan't hear a f***in' thing." Ouch! Lesson learned and full renditions from there on in. "Whey's keys are these keys (Richard's?)?" and "Get yer t!ts oot fer the lads" being the most popular. Don't you just love derbies?

And so it was, we reached the final battle ground. Transport was parked and we were despatched into the fray. Well, I say "fray", but that overstates things. To be honest, with just over an hour to go before KO, where were the Mackems? A few formed a guard of honour, but nowhere near as many as I had exected.l And even then, they were completely knocked back by the Save Chimp posters and chants. 1-0 to the Toon Army (not the last time I might mention that particular score!).

I'd like to jump straight to my comments on the match itself, but I can't let the opportunity to comment on the "facilities" afforded to away supporters. Make no mistake, this was far worse than Filbert St and Goodison. KO was 13:00 and wee arrived in good time - let's say I was in the ground by 11:40, so plenty of time to "relax". I'd done a recce a couple of weeks previously when Tommy's Bairns stuffed the Mackems 2-0 and I was very surpprised and disappointed by the facilities that evening. This time, it was even worse. A tiny "below stairs" area was totally inadequate for the visiting support. Put it in context - 6000 at Elland Road had far more input/output areas than they had at the Stade de Merde. To compound things, the bar didn't open until 12:05, by which time, Geordie was demented!! The crush was fantastic, taking me back over 35 years to the Fairs Cup crush down Leazes Terrace back lane. Ah - I'd almost forgotten what a big crowd could be like (and remember, this was only for the bar!). In all seriousness, I thought the facilities were pathetic, and its only by chance that serious injury wasn't caused. Not very nice.

But what of the game? Well, despite controlling midfield, having more posession and having what (in retrospect) looked like a perfectly valid goal chalked off for offside against Bellamy, we went in at HT 0-0. No problem as far as I was concerned. We'd dominated, despit ethe Mackems having a couple of chances which Shay controlled very well. Nobody had an outstanding game (possibly Shay apart) but all played well, pressing hard and having most of the posession. However, after signficant pressure and a succession of corners, the ball eventually reached an unmarked Dabizas at th efar post and he headed us into the lead. This was well-deserved, having hit the bar and the keeper's legs in the previous few attacks. The game continued with Toon well in charge. Munchkin had a chance at the end but a world-class save from Shay (He turned you down, he turned you down, Given turned you down") saved the day.

We were kept behind for 20-30 mins. In all honesty, I didn't mind. We were enjoying ourselves and the day was young! Eventually, after serenading YBR (and Monkey Heed), we were allowed back on the buses back to SJP. We'd won 1-0, yet this fact hadn't seemed to sink in to the Sad Mackem B@st@rds. Fair do's. Before the game, we were riled with the 2-1 chant. However, did nobody tell them that they had just lost 1-0 (it could have been far more)? Sad? Very sad. Mackems? Aye. B'st@rds? Probably.

Anyway, we arrived back at SJP in one piece. Three more points (was that all it was???) and a quick shandy in The Straabeery before heading back to Powburn for a bit of Mackem baiting. All-in-all, a canny day oot. Did you see iz on the telly, Mum??

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

LOL. That was really funny Screacher. So good a description that I felt I was there.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

You know who we reminded me of? Man U. I thought we put on a typical Scum performance - not allowing a big game atmosphere to disrupt us (they're aal cup finals noo, bonny lads), not playing particularly well yet somehow not being lucky to win, leaving the opposition feeling slightly cheated yet grudgingly respectful. All that worries me slightly is that we've had a few too many 'grinders' recently, and the last time I remember that happening was that season when eventually the momentum ran out and we lost the league. Next couple of games would be a good time to rediscover the kind of form we showed against Leeds...

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

We're winning against my expectations so i'm extremely happy...gotta agree with you though Dan about the sparkle being a little missing....

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Man U...ergh! As said, typical derby game and typical makems trying to muscle our lads off the ball (whether or not they had the ball). Curiously, most of the reports I've seen have rated our lads with only 6s or 7s. The Bobby Guide to Marks Out of Ten follows:

Given 9 - quite outstanding display of shot stopping. Crucially stood up to the munchkin's excellent control and volley, and the 2nd half long range effort. Inspirational
Hughes 7 - never really troubled in defence, but some average distribution and crosses let him down.
Dabizas 8 - determined to score after the goalline clearance. Quality defending. Still makes me worry when he goes forward
O'Brien 7 - equally strong in defence. Stayed back more I felt, allowing Dabs to steal the glory
Distin 8 - brilliant at times, but above average throughout. Shackled the unpredictable Mboma for large parts of the 2nd half and player Quinn out of the game
Solano 7 - caught up in defence too often for my liking, but looked dangerous going forward.
Speed 7 - solid enough, traded tough tackles and allowed Jenas to ease himself into the game
Jenas 7 - looked a bit shocked at the atmosphere at kickoff, relxed more as the makems chased the game 2nd half, considerably improved after the goal. Promising youngster, I think it is.
Robert 6 - disappointing. Failed to find space wide left and coming inside just exposes his weak right foot. No doubt will complain he never got the ball. Well you won't if you stand still on the halfway line!
Shearer 8 - typically knocked and bruised all over the pitch. Some patchy play but a wonderful example of holding the ball up and making the simple pass. Won tons of headers, even when 2ble marked. That says so much about wor has-been.
Bellamy 8 - seemed to run out of steam 2nd half. Mysteriously booked for 'adopting an aggresive stance' by Glynis Barber but is learning to be a little quieter. Very unlucky to be given offside for the 1st half goal. Finishing is improving remarkably well.
sub Ameobi 6 - disappointingly let the ball run away for a goal kick after making excellent progress on the left wing. Unlikely now to be anything more than Carl Cort's seat warmer on the bench.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Thanks, Clarky and Screach. Hope Pit Bill has something to add.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Thanks billions for the ticket sweety, (that's English billions, not these half price Yankee ones), settle up at the weekend.

Can't hope to better what's already on . All I can add is that I'd hate to have to watch that lot every fortnight, and maybe that my fears about the effect M'Bummer might have had, turned out to be misplaced.

Wasn't a particularly good game to watch, typical derby I thought, but the end result says all that needs to be said.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Bobby - the Munchkin's "excellent control" prior to Given's terrific 1st half save, was largely down to him using BOTH hands to control it in front of his chest. It happened right in front of Pit Bill and me.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Sorry Clarky. It was his chest. AT the time, I suspected hand-ball but looking at the video (some of us managed to remember to set it!!) it was clearly his chest. Great control and a great save.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Allegedly the ball handling incident came later, but what do you expect if you go running onto the pitch with no clothes on..

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Phillips had a decent game IMHO but why does every1 say Given the saviour after all TS made good saves . Dabs coulda had a hatrick. And didnt we have more shots on target than they did???

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Not to mention hitting the bar and having a good goal disallowed. Yes the better team won - but that was a phenomenal save towards the end of the game.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Howweh Screach, you wouldn't have been able to tear your eyes away from the crowd in case you missed a second of your brilliant attention seeking performance, (and I'm not even 100% sure you weren't the streaker), to see what SK was up to in our penalty area.:-{E} Serious but, even taking into account my advancing years and failing eyesight, I've never seen a more blatant piece of cheating. If it isn't obvious in the telly version, the telly version is wrong.

I caught it live and I'll swear to my dying day Phillips palmed it down with both hands, and I reckon if it had gone in, it would have been as big a travesty as Maradonna's 'hand of god'.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

PB - believe me, I have watched the video many times ;-) and there is a very good shot from the camera just in front of me at ground level. Munchkin didn't touch the ball with his hands. It was a very good piece of skill (bringing the ball down on his chest) which was matched by Given's save.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Phillips definitely chested (or chinned) it down - he was wasted on them yesterday - 2 chances - 2 saves - 1 good 1 world class. With decent service he'll do well.

Team points from a TV view -

Given - 10 - did nowt wrong, distribution was good, several top drawer saves and 2 world class ones.

Hughes - 9 - he's just getting the hang of full back,

Dabz - 9 - Mr 110% effort - a couple of scuffed clearances and he nearly let munchkin in but his 2nd half exploits when he stepped out of defence pulled him up.

O'brien - 9 - looking better every game - a la Hansen in his good days. Solid and always about when covering neeed - put in a couple of superb stops

Distin - 9 - a rock at left back

Solano - 8 up and down well - linked well with JJ and Hughes

JJ - 8 - started solidly despite some hammering challenges - once he realised he was at the right level he started expressing himself - I enjoyed watching him - can't wait for him to put some weight on

Speed - 8 - Mr dependable now he's the bedrock in midfield.

Robert - 7 - never given any space or service - took some clattering tackles yet kept showing - he even headed a clearance. Not really his game today but he still made a goal.

Bellamy - 8 - annoying Welsh git - oops he's on our team - what a player - never stops - he must be terrible to play against. Scored a good goal and didn't kick off about the linesmans flag.

Shearer - 9 - awesome - held the ball up and kept the play going brilliantly. I bet Bjorkland was knackered at the end.

Overall the display was 110% effort allied to control and power. We matched them for effort and class told. More shots and corners but a couple of seasons ago we'd have lost that one.

I love this game.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

given 9 - must be up for player of the year. Would have got 10, but didn't have much else to do apart from making a couple of World Class saves. Distin 8 - Great performance. Strong and assured with some great runs.Keep him please. Hughes 8 - Looking like a real hero this season. I wouldn't swap him for any other right back anywhere. Can i say higher than that? Dabizas 10 - Was going to win this game at all costs. With that in your team you can go anywhere. THE HERO OF THE DAY. O'Brien 8 - Gave Dabizas the oppportunity to score with his defensive savvy. Great guy. Solano 8 - Top star, the pitch didn't help. But he's turning into a leader in the team. Speed 8 - Never game them an inch. JJ 8 - Will get better and better. I think a smooth pitch would see him turn into an England regular. Robert 7 - Not a great show, but his dead ball stuff has been a feature. Shearer 9 - Nothing went past him, played their defenders like a fiddle. His contribution was critical. A tru captain. Bellers 8 - A class stance throughout.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

Are these marks out of 15 ?

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

The official site has the remaining games for top 6 teams listed; Sunderland have to play Arse, L'pool, Chewlsea & Leeds.

I sincerely hope they do well for the rest of the season (c:

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002