Newcastle United 4-2 Glasgow Rangers |
|
Date:
Saturday 31st July 2004
Kick Off: 3.00pm (GMT)
Venue: St. James' Park
Att: 31,554
Ref: Mark Halsey
Comp: Pre-Season Friendly (Newcastle Gateshead
Cup) |
| Pre-Season
Match Report In Association With Toon
Ale |
|
Toon Turn Back
The Years In Moving Forward
Match analysis
Watching this thoroughly entertaining and exciting match from my unaccustomed
seat in the East Stand reminded me of Season 2001/02 where we were
cavalier in our attack, using our pace, balance and movement to slice
open defences up and down the country - and that's how we were in
this game as we tore away at the Rangers rearguard often in waves
which resulted in 3 early goals before the break and numerous other
chances on goal. But there was one notable exception to the style
that enthralled us that Season, the style that propelled us all the
way to a 4th place finish and eventual Champions League qualification.
An ingredient of our play that left us pulling our hair out last Season.
Not one long punt aimed aimlessly towards Shearer! In fact the only
punts down field come through the necessity to clear any danger quickly,
times when a large boot through the ball is all that was
needed. I counted 4 long-balls all game...yep that did read: 4 long-balls
all game.
Bramble, who last Season seemed determined to register the punt down
field as his trademark , made a conscious effort to play the ball
on the deck and play the ball he did, as did that other star gazer
wannabe, his central defensive partner Andy O'Brien - who even went
on a mazy run late in the games, skipping past his man and then feigning
a neat dummy before the nose bleed got too much for him.
By playing the ball on the deck and actually moving with it instead
of launching it at all times the midfield, often the houdini of Premiership
midfield's last Season, got more involved in the game and subsequently
played the biggest part in the 4-2 win.
With the midfield on the ball, in Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer the
4 had the perfect combo to play the ball forward with Shearer leading
the line, holding up play and with Bellamy spinning off his man, dragging
the opposition about and creating space for others with his darting
runs - much reminiscent of the partnership that heralded 32 League
Goals in 2001/02 and a total contrast to how our front-line operated
last Season.
That space was set upon by one Kieron Dyer who got in behind the Rangers
defence time after time - to such an extent that the number 8 could
have had himself 4 goals. Instead he had to settle for just the one
due to his poor finishing but to see Dyer bombing beyond the midfield
and actually getting into dangerous positions even if his final ball
and shooting range wasn't exactly accurate, meant that Rangers were
always on the back-foot and that's what they were for 60 minutes of
this game.
With this style of play however the inevitable was always lurking
menacingly. With big holes starting to appear between defence and
midfield as the middle 4 thrust forward and shook off their defensive
duties Rangers come more into it and added to their first half strike
to cause a few heart palpitations among those of us in the stands
in the latter stages of the game. Even with the introduction of new
boy Nicky Butt at half time for Robert, the archetypal midfield anchorman,
Newcastle still went for the jugular which meant that Rangers found
space to make inroads towards a defense that was looking more and
more stretched as the game wore on. But Dyer eventually got his goal
to cap of a quality attacking performance from United that had you
on the edge of your seat throughout, that had your heart racing in
excitement. A performance that heightened the importance of Craig
Bellamy to our team and how we play. A performance that got the best
out of Dyer. A performance that, as Big Al said, was well worth the
money.
Whether this was just Pre-Season joy de verve or a preordained game
plan remains to be seen but if this is the way we are going to play
this coming Season, hold tight lads and lasses - this could be an
exciting Season. We may need a few defenders though...
After last Season's porridge performances this was an English breakfast
and I fully enjoyed the feast in front of me. The Rangers fans were
quiet mind...
Toon
Player Ratings Vs Rangers
Next up: NUFC
Vs Sporting Lisbon, Sunday 1st August, St. James' Park, K.O 3.00pm
(UK time)
| Newcastle
United |
Glasgow
Rangers |
Match
Facts & Stats
Half-Time: 3-1
Full-Time: 4-2
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Goalscorers: Shearer (11 pen),
Bellamy (28), Bernard (36), Dyer (89)
Yellow Cards: 1
Shearer (70)
Red Cards: 0
Substitutions: 5
Brittain (for Ambrose 15min), Butt (for Robert 45min), Ameobi
(for Shearer 71min), Chopra (for Brittain 8min), Gate (for Bellamy
90min)
Injuries: Robert (unknown)
Goalscorers: Prso (42), Ricksen
(84)
Yellow Cards: 2
Vignal (55), Ricksen (70)
Red Cards: 0
Substitutions: 4
Khizanishvili (for Andrews 45min), Arveladze (for Malcolm 45min),
Hughes (for Lovenkrands 45min), Vanoli (for Vignal 66min)
Injuries: N/A |
| Harper |
Klos |
| Hughes |
Ricksen |
| O'Brien |
Boumsong |
| Bramble |
Andrews |
| Bernard |
Vignal |
| Ambrose |
Malcolm |
| Bowyer |
Rae |
| Dyer |
Burke |
| Robert |
Lovenkrands |
| Shearer |
Prso |
| Bellamy |
Novo |
| Substitutes
Bench |
| Caig |
Hutton |
|
Gate |
Ross
|
| Brittain |
Khizanishvili |
|
Ramage |
Smith |
| Butt |
Arveladze |
| Chopra |
Hughes
|
| Ameobi |
Vanoli |
| How The Goals Were
Scored |
Newcastle Goal 11 Minutes: Alan Shearer
Robert skipped inside after a one-two and was adjudged to have been
tripped by Ricksen. Up stepped Shearer to smash home the penalty.
Newcastle Goal 28 Minutes: Craig Bellamy
Brittain's right-wing cross was deflected into the path of Bellamy
who smashed the loose ball into the roof of the Rangers net from inside
the box.
Newcastle Goal 36 Minutes: Olivier Bernard
Bernard picked the ball up in midfield, evaded a few half challenges,
won a 50-50 and then unleashed a 25-yard rocket past klos into the
top right-hand of the Rangers goal. Goal of the game.
Rangers Goal 42 Minutes: Dado Prso
Novo tricked Bramble into going the other way and when the little
forward cut the ball back to Prso the Croatian striker stroked the
ball home past Harper from 10 yards past
Rangers Goal 84 Minutes: Ricksen
With Bernard caught out of position Ricksen was free to charge into
the box to squeeze home Arveladze's low right-wing cross which evaded
everyone in the box before finally ending up at the German's feet.
Newcastle Goal 89 Minutes: Kieron Dyer
Chopra, playing on the right-wing curled in a peach of a cross behind
the Rangers defence for Dyer to poke him from 4-yards out for a well
taken goal.
| Match
Reaction From Alan Shearer |
Shearer said:
"They (Rangers) sent about fifteen thousand fans down and we
had about the same so they certainly got their money's worth. There
was no one shirking any tackles.
"That is without doubt the quickest match we have played pre-season
and that is what we need as it is that standard we have to play at
come the start of the season.
"The result wasn't important it was more about the performance
and the main thing is to stay injury free and to be ready for Middlesbrough.
"I think we played some very good football especially in the
first half and probably could have scored one or two more goals, but
in the second half the pace dropped which was to be expected as there
was no way we could have kept that up for ninety minutes."
| Match
Reaction From Alex McLeish |
McLeish said:
"I didn't think that we did too badly in the first half and it
was unbelievable that we were 3-0 down at the break.
"A bit of school-boy at the first goal cost us - two guys left
it up to each other - then a sclaffed clearance landed straight at
Bellamy's feet for the second and when you give someone of his quality
such an easy chance they punish you.
"The third goal, you have to take your hat off to Bernard because
those shots are unstoppable but maybe Burkey would feel a bit disappointed
at his tackle in the first place.
"But we re-organised things at the interval and I felt Arveladze
was very effective for us when he came on.
"We dominated the second half, Newcastle relied on the break
and they were very effective at it because you can't take your eyes
off guys like Dyer and Bellamy for a minute.
"We will take lots of positives from this game though. While
there are things we must take a close look at there is a lot to be
pleased about.
"We knew that this would be a challenge because as our fitness
has improved the opposition has become more difficult and they don't
come much harder than the Geordies in their own back yard."
Paul M wrote in & said:
"A great match to watch and a buzzing atmosphere all game. Craig
Bellamy was out of this world - I though he wasn't fit? Dyer had a
great game too and I wish people would lay off him. The defence looked
dodgy when Rangers attacked but we held firm despite conceding two
goals but on the break we were electric. Bernard's goal was class,
Brittain come in and did well. Good to see Butt in a Toon shirt even
if it feels weird after all those years seeing him in a red shirt.
Hughes also had a class game and I think the stick he takes is over
the top. He's a very good player and a model pro. All in all an enjoyable
day. Shame we didn't get to see Paddy K, but he can wait."
Woodgate27 (forum member) wrote:
"4-2 flattered Rangers in the end, it could have been a lot more.
Aaron Hughes had a good game, he seemed in control but his passing
was sometimes a bit off. O'Brien continued where he left off, looked
very good. Bramble made some good challenges but was his usual self.
Bernard was good going forward but they got down our left for both
goals worryingly, maybe due to him having Robert/Dyer in front of
him. Robert actually won the ball himself to win the pen, that was
a surprise. Bowyer didn't have one of his better days, unfortunately.
We saw all sides of Kieron Dyer today - running energetically, beating
players, running into a cul-de-sac, bad passing, bad finishing, tap
in goal, Captain.
"Butt looked solid, pleased we signed him. Chopra looked very
good down the right hand side, excellent first touch and a great cross
for Dyer. Martin Brittain looked very handy to have, nice delivery
and a good touch. Bellamy was fantastic, came deep, made runs, got
a deserved goal and linked up well all round. Can't see us leaving
him out. Shearer was typical Shearer, a bit quiet though, missed a
header and blazed a free kick over. Very few long balls, kept possession
well, dare I say it looks good!"
Sparks (forum member) wrote:
"First 40 minutes was great, free flowing passing reminding me
of the 2001/02 season then it was really flat, I think this was down
to Dyer being shifted out to the left, we lost all width on that side
and he gave the ball away a fair bit because he was forced in the
corner where he had to use his left foot all the time. Bowyer didn't
have a great game (where was he for their first goal?) and Butt had
a very low key debut. Up front Bellamy was excellent and Shearer did
a job. Bernard had a super first half but a very low key second, Hughes
had a good game. Bramble was up and down and O'Brien did OK. Both
of their goals were disappointing though, Prso unmarked 5-yards out
and Bramble being caught out, and Dyer disappearing from the left
for their second."
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about this match with fellow supporters in the match thread! |
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