Monday morning Newcastle thoughts.

Well I think we might soon start to look back on games like Saturday’s and rue the fact we didn’t get the extra two points.

A point against a team that is vying to finish fourth in the table does look good on paper. However, the way Newcastle tired in the second half I was disappointed we didn’t push on more for victory.

We all know that three points is a massive difference to the one. We also know that most of our points are going to come from our home games so to take the one left mixed feelings.

However, as I’d travelled down with some Geordie fans they were equally disappointed that they were unable to beat a team like Wolves when they have higher aspirations than ourselves.

The game wasn’t a classic but it was a much-improved display after the Everton match. I think we shaded it overall and if only Camara or Gudjonnson twice had that extra bit of luck then a 2-1 scoreline wouldn’t have flattered. The hard work ethic was back.

Although that said, if Shearer or Bramble had converted early on then the game would have been over.

Gudjonnson seemed to take on the mantle of a Cameron style role in that he pushed forward whenever he could and played well. Blake was in and out of the game as was Kennedy. Andrews, was ok as a surprise replacement for the injured Ince. Rae was Rae. Camara’s pace and trickery was a bit hit and miss but he did pose a real threat that the visitors weren’t comfortable in dealing with. If we can find a formation to suit his game then he could start to score goals.

Newcastle did look pretty ordinary at times. Shearer, as ever, was the difference. Bramble should have been exposed a bit more as he is definitely dodgy.

With Leeds and Villa winning it’s very compact at the bottom now. I think the fact that the top three are beating all below them is helping us out at present. Two wins, goal difference aside, would take us up to mid-table.

With vital games against Tottenham and Villa coming up we could either start to become marooned or climb up above teams in a similar position. However, we’ve got to try and either create more chances or take the gilt-edged ones we get, like Gudjonsson’s before the break.

Tomorrow we have the distraction of the cup game at Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Jones uses this in the same way as Arsenal are expected to, and give fringe players a full 90-minutes. We all know the priority is retention of Premiership status so I feel defeat is worthwhile if we can find a fringe player who hits a vein of form and can help change our league position.

Keep up the good work lads!