Newcastle v Everton - Match Preview
What a difference twelve months makes. This time last year: Newcastle had begun badly, seen an upturn in the form to the tune of six wins in a row, before beginning a gradual decline that eventually saw John Carver do his level best to send us careering into the Championship. This year, it’s all change! Newcastle began even worse than last year, and saw a far smaller upturn in form (2 wins, 1 draw). What will the Christmas period bring this year? There’s a certain irony that the fixture list conjured up Everton (H) – Pardew’s last game before his departure to Crystal Palace. Those lacking intelligence, or perhaps, attentiveness (pundits, Chelsea fans) point to that moment as Newcastle’s great mistake - the point at which Newcastle’s demise began. The fact Pardew ended with a win goes someway to confirm this narrative.
However, the truth to which Newcastle fans are all too aware, is that Newcastle have been in decline since the now clear fluky 5th place finished in the 2011/12 season. Pardew oversaw steady demise (not all his fault) – before it accelerated beyond all proportions at the back end of last year. Take us to the McClaren era, and it’s more of the same – just a little worse. This seems to be the pattern. The messages coming from the club haven’t changed. Five years ago, it was about progress, patience, and stability. Flash forward, we’re still being told that progress is happening (despite all evidence to the contrary), we’re still being told that “stability” will see us improve, and still asked to exude patience, to let this master plan develop in due course.
What is becoming clear is the meaninglessness of these buzz words. “Progress”, by any quantifiable metric (results, league places, cup runs etc), is not happening. In the face of such a claim, the club resorts to more abstract and deliberately unquantifiable notions of progress (apart from, perhaps, the balance sheet) to construct a myth I think some fans still hold onto. That somehow, Newcastle are moving in the “right direction”, whatever that means. We’re then told that “patience” and “stability” are the means with which to achieve this mythical “progress”.
In reality, patience and stability are not means, but ends in themselves. What the Newcastle board ultimately aspires: is a club and fan base willing to accept any circumscribed nonsense. The board wants Newcastle fans to be in a permanent state of patience, and accept any coach, scout, board member in the name of stability. This, in my opinion, is Newcastle’s end game. A quiet club, with quiet fans. I hope they’ve chosen the wrong club.
To the game: I was dismayed to read in the Chronicle that Newcastle are targeting a winger and forward in the January transfer window. I’ve said all year Newcastle are crying out for a ball-playing central midfielder. They need one desperately. An extra striker wouldn’t go amiss, but I think going forward they are OK. It is utterly baffling they wouldn’t strengthen the centre of the park. But then, it is Newcastle. To hope we can get through the season with Tiote, Colback and Anita in central areas is foolhardy. Perhaps Wijnaldum drops back there – but we lose his attacking nous.
As for this game, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. Everton have underachieved this season – they have some excellent players. They were unlucky to lose against Leicester in my view, and I think they’ll be hungry for a win here. Having said that, Martinez, a bit like McClaren, can have his team put in some bizarre performances from time to time. Both of them are often schizophrenic with the quality they have their teams produce. Last year, Everton were dreadful in the 3-2 win. Let’s hope for more of the same.
Team news:
Most players seem to be returning to fitness, which is good at this time of year. I would play Siem de Jong again. I disagree with those who say he’s provided nothing to the team. I’d be pained to write him off to see him be a success elsewhere (remember his brother?). He’s obviously a good player lacking confidence and fitness. Cue hypocrisy: I’d call for some patience in this case! But I also understand the calls to get Perez in the team. But, as I’m not the manager, I don’t need to resolve that particular issue! I think we’re all glad that Cisse won’t be on the pitch – Mitro brings far more to the team. Other than that, I imagine not much else will change.
Prediction:
Who knows? I think are Everton are just about a “big” enough team for Newcastle to try. And we’re on TV, which seems to bode well. I think the Toon can get the win. 2-1.
