BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Southampton

The Mag

·26 janvier 2025

BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Southampton

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United winning at Southampton.

United making it ten wins from their last eleven games.

Vidéos OneFootball

The comments from neutrals especially telling…

A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.

The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.

Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.

On this occasion the politics entirely absent, concentrating on matters on the pitch…

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Southampton fans and the odd Newcastle United supporter also contributing:

‘Just a thought about tonali… The ban must have been the loneliest and most mentally depressing time of his life. He obviously had the character to keep going through his adversity and now is showing the toon the kind of fortitude we need and appreciate. What a player and an inspiration.’

‘Newcastle United are not quite a top 4 team yet (top 6-8 realistically).’

‘They are a top four side.’

‘Top 4 two seasons ago, top 7 last season with half the squad missing. I think we’ve probably got a better chance than Forest, Chelsea and Bournemouth (who are flying now but I don’t think this form will last through to the end of the season).

We may even finish above Arsenal, once they realise they won’t catch Liverpool they’ll give up and plummet. Man City will finish 2nd, we’ll battle for 3rd.’

‘In Forest’s case, did you mean recently? They finished third in the Premier League when Frank Clark was the manager. They also won the league and 2 European Cups before football was invented.’

‘You only need to finish in top four once to be a top four side. Fortunately, the Premiership is getting tighter by the season so more and more teams will be able to say that.’

‘Ten wins in eleven, not too shabby for Newcastle United.’

’10 wins in 11 games plus goals for Isak and Tonali.

That loss to Bournemouth feels much less upsetting since they just smashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 today.’

‘Bournemouth beat us 4-1.

People need to remember form is temporary, class is permanent.’

‘Not too many laughing about Bournemouth this week!’

‘Brentford have Liverpool next, I wouldn’t begrudge them another win before their form starts to tail off.’

‘From a Saints – what a useless overpaid rabble this squad has become. They’re laughing all the way to the bank.’

‘Most Newcastle fans recognise that feeling from the last relegation when those with a conscience and loyalty stayed and put the effort in and others left to play for Spurs etc’

‘Well done Newcastle United.’

‘Derby’s record is now under threat

its getting to the stage now where Southampton winning another Premier league game this season would be an upset on the level of San Marino winning a game.’

‘I’d just like to say to the Toon, have a good night out tonight and if it’s boring over there, get on the train to Pompey where you’ll get a warm welcome cos we likes you Geordies anyway.’

‘Southampton were always going to struggle but this is embarrassing. Six points and it’s hard to see at this stage them getting many more. The ownership have to accept responsibility for this.’

‘And they said the Blades were bad last season!’

‘Wow Nottingham Forest stuffed today.

Stroll in the park for Newcastle and still in two cup competitions and looking good for a top four place.

Safe journey home to the best supporters in the Premier league.’

‘I see the BBC rabble are peddling Isak to Arsenal again tonight … utterly disgraceful.’

‘Wonderful to see Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle up there.’

‘Saw Le ‘Tis there today, wonder how he feels.

Personally I’m not angry , just very very sad that 65 yrs of supporting Saints has come to this and in truth, it’s all about money or lack of it/ having the right person making decisions on who we buy.’

‘The thing is, it really can’t be blamed on a lack of funds. Over the past couple of seasons we’ve been throwing money at the transfer market to the point where we’re actually getting close to FFP issues.’

‘jammie pen, 2 long var checks, its not football anymore.’

‘Newcastle need a young attacking Centre Back, as Burn, Schar and Botman are all over 30.’

‘Sven Botman is 25. He is not yet up to speed after a very serious injury, but he should get there in the next few weeks. He has been out of position on the right recently, but is a fine left sided centre back. We need a right sided replacement for Schar in the medium term.’

‘Well played Newcastle.’

Southampton 1 Newcastle 3 – Saturday 25 January 2025 3pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 26 pen, 30 Tonali 51

Southampton:

Bednarek 10

Possession was Newcastle 47% (48%) Southampton53% (52%)

Total shots were Newcastle 17 (7) Southampton 12 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 9 (5) Southampton 5 (2)

Corners were Newcastle 8 (5) Southampton 3 (0)