Steven Medd

You could well be right.
When you look at the Mackems last night, that was a win based entirely on defending as a unit as priority number one. Most likely outcome was a draw with that approach, but they snuck a bonus win. We’d probably have lost that game at the moment.

It feels to me that because we are not as clinical as we have been previously that we either consciously or subconsciously overcommit to force goals, leaving gaps. The improved physicality of teams in the PL, plus some moving to a more direct approach means we get caught out more often.

Had a curry and a few beers and the result stings a little less now. Still annoyed, more with the stupidity of conceding just after an equaliser TWICE than the actual result, but less fussed.

Howe’s post-match - clearly not a happy bunny. Didn’t throw any specific players under the bus, but picking out only Tonali & Thiaw as being near their needed levels & talking about an ‘honest conversation’ is telling. Acknowledged how poor we’ve been defensively of late. #NUFC

No obvious solutions to any of our problems in the league at the moment. Pope needs replaced, but Ramsdale is unconvincing. Trippier’s legs have gone, but no sign of Tino/Miley back. Big Nick lost early promise as a striker, unconvincing as a midfielder. Still got at least a month before Bruno back.

If we’d won today, we’d have been up to 8th and be two points off 7th. There’s now the possibility of ending the weekend down in 14th.
It’s like we have two different teams - the one that generally impresses in CL and cup comps and the one that stinks up PL games.

Dreadful result. 8th place is about the only realistic position we can aim for now and even that is looking very unlikely given current league form. Players brains have completely fallen out, don’t have the basic concentration to not concede immediately after scoring. #NUFC

I mean….just ludicrous. 🤦‍♂️ #NUFC

Although that Burnley winner is ruled out…BOOOOO!!!!

And as I hit send…YEEEESSSS!!!!

Bournemouth & the Mackems drew, Burnley overturning a 3 goal deficit to be beating Brentford - it’s all lining up for #NUFC, except for the actual match they have some control over.

From what I can tell #NUFC seem to have had a stinker of a 45. Only one goal behind, so an opportunity for Eddie to kick some backsides at HT and us to turn this around.

Expecting a tough game from Everton. Don’t have the best of feelings about it, but fingers crossed we see similar performances from both teams to the match at the Hill Dickinson.

Good result for #NUFC that, assuming that we do the business this afternoon. I won’t be there sadly, but my fatha (who has my ticket) is usually a good luck charm.

Can we please, please, please get through against Barca so I can have an away trip to (hopefully) Madrid during my Easter holidays 🤞 #NUFC

Barca (again) the glamour tie, but for progress I’d have fancied Chelsea more. Oh well, we never do anything the easy way. #NUFC

Probably not worth over analysing a game in a tie that was stone dead before kick off and then buried down a mineshaft after only 6 mins. Through to the next round, to literally nobody’s surprise. #NUFC

Probably about as much rotation as I expected. Was never likely to just hoy the U21s in from the start. Think Neave will get longer than a few minutes second half, probably see Shahar debut late on. #NUFC

Run Geordie Run 365 Help Mark Allison raise money to support St Benedict's Hospice, Sunderland

Much needed donations to St. Benedict’s Hospice would be gratefully received at www.justgiving.com/page/rungeor.... Thank you again to everyone who had donated so far.

Day 53 of 365 done. Nothing left in the tank after the toughest week so far. Lots of travel and a lack of sleep. So pleased to have made it through reasonably unscathed.

I can cope with the aching legs and I’m very pleased to report that, after 694.3 miles, my feet are holding up well.

Watched the highlights of the #NUFC match on MOTD. I’m a bit bleary-eyed after a late night, but from the post-match analysis it would be easy to forget who City were playing. Wanging on about Haaland who didn’t even score. No time to discuss a disallowed goal that possibly shouldn’t have been?

Missed the match, sounds like the lads gave a decent account of themselves and were a bit unfortunate. I can take that. #NUFC

I’m out at the Maximo Park gig at the City Hall, so missing the match. Will have to rely on score updates on my phone. Probably for the best.
As much as our away performances and results have suddenly improved recently, I’d still be surprised to get a result tonight. Could happen, probs won’t. #NUFC

Keely Hodgkinson - generational talent and now a WR holder.

Outstanding performance, fabulous result. Finally gives us an opportunity to rotate next week amongst a relentless run of games. What a night for #NUFC.
As for the Gordon penalty ‘controversy’ - can you imagine Shearer handing over the ball? Fuss over nothing.

I reckon we might get two during half time #nufc

a cloud is painted on a brick wall with the words it 's hard to stay mad ALT: a cloud is painted on a brick wall with the words it 's hard to stay mad

Someone is going have to sit me down and explain how these lot qualified for the knock out stages. #NUFC superb, but they are so bad.
Qarabag blown away.

I don’t think they’ll play with a low block, but will instead try to get at us being at home. That might work in our favour and leave gaps for us to exploit. May favour Gordon, Barnes & Elanga as the front three.

Praying that tonight turns out to be an absolute doddle, so we can cruise through the latter parts of the game & even rotate 2nd leg. Probably shouldn’t read too much into that 6-0 knacking to the Scousers. Qarabag did manage to qualify from the group stage after all. #NUFC

And most of the other PL sides basically get byes through to the next round.