Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Kevin Kilbane “Real positives if you are a Newcastle fan”

6 years ago
Share

Kevin Kilbane has no doubts as to who is pulling the strings for Newcastle.

After an impressive display at Southampton, the BBC pundit named Jonjo Shelvey as the ‘orchestrator’ of Newcastle’s impressive play on Sunday.

Shelvey was man of the match as he was always willing to get the ball and whilst not all of his passes found the man, the fact is that this is never going to happen because he takes risks. Trying the more difficult ball with a higher failure rate, because if it comes off it could create something, unlike others who will play the simple pass which will never stand a chance though of opening up the opposition.

Kevin Kilbane thought that some of Newcastle’s play was ‘glorious’ at ties and certainly going forward United looked far more dangerous than maybe any other game this season.

The 18 shots being easily the highest so far in any NUFC display this Premier League campaign.

Kilbane sees he players having picked up confidence/belief both from Rafa Benitez and last season’s promotion.

Whilst the way the United boss has structured the team is also having a major positive impact in helping the team to be better than the individual parts.

Summing things up after eight league matches, the former Sunderland winger believes ‘Real positives if you are a Newcastle fan’.

Kevin Kilbane talking on Match of The Day 2:

“It was glorious play at times (from Newcastle).

“I thought Fraser Forster had a poor game and was at fault for both goals but take nothing  away from Newcastle.

“From the structure of their side, I thought they were excellent.

“I think the orchestrator was Jonjo Shelvey.

“They are showing belief in the manager, they have got belief from last season, and now they have got structure.

“Real positives if you are a Newcastle fan.”

Stats from BBC Sport:

Southampton 2 Newcastle 2

Goals:

Newcastle: Hayden 20, Perez 51

Southampton: Gabbiadini 49,75 (pen)

Possession was Southampton 62% Newcastle 38%

Total shots were  Southampton 12 Newcastle 19

Shots on target were Southampton 2 Newcastle 5

Corners were  Southampton 3 Newcastle 8

Referee: Kevin Friend

Newcastle United:

Elliot, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo, Ritchie, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu (Murphy 82), Perez (Merino 63), Joselu (Gayle 68)

Unused Subs:

Darlow, Clark, Gamez, Diame

Crowd: 31,437 (Newcastle 3,200)

(Martin Keown gushing in his praise for Newcastle HERE)

(Read the instant NUFC fan/writer reaction to the match HERE)

(Read Rafa Benitez’ thoughts HERE)

(Mauricio Pellegrino thought a point was a decent return)

(Alan Shearer’s reaction to the match HERE)

(Read Alan Pardew’s take on the game HERE)

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks