Not All Draws Are Created Equal

 I did get to see three of the five draws this weekend.  And a few of the mid-week matches.

A Good Draw

There were no illusions about how difficult Bournemouth would be at home.  Even Opta saw the Cherries as a slight favorite.  So, the 0-0 draw isn't a bad thing.  Especially since Howe went with a heavily rotated line up.  He's not taking flak for that but he is getting some pushback for a conservative game plan that included a back three.  The argument is that regardless of their good start, this is still Bournemouth and a club like Newcastle should aggressively be seeking the win.  I was fine with it as I think people are underestimating Bournemouth and the wrong approach could have landed the Magpies with a 1-3 or worse defeat.

Sometimes When You Tie, You Actually Lose

That would be Aston Villa.  The good news is that did manage to score against Sunderland.  But that's about all the good news there is.  This was a 10-man Sunderland and the one goal was all Villa could manage.  Worse, Sunderland got a late goal and came away with a 1-1 draw.  Yikes, Villa would have been thinking three points even full strength so against the shorthanded side, this is a terrible result.  Emery, perhaps unfairly, has moved into third or fourth place in the sack race.  

Random Observations Based on Little Observation

- Crystal Palace are still undefeated with two wins and three draws

- Man United got a big win over Chelsea in a monsoon, helped by an early red card to keeper Sanchez

- Spurs displayed some grit as they rallied from 0-2 to get a draw with Brighton (actually saw that one)

- Arsenal snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat in a lively 1-1 draw with Man City (saw that one too)

- Wolves are still pointless through five matches after a 1-3 loss at home to Leeds

As Defending Champions, Newcastle Are Obligated to Carabao the EFL Cup

Osula netted two vs Bradford City
Getty Images

The Magpies entered the Carabao Cup this week with a 4-1 thumping of League One Bradford City at St. James' Park. Though the visitors put up a good fight, Newcastle were never really threatened here after getting two quick goals.  Good to see some scoring regardless of the opponent, especially from Osula.

Ten Premier League sides are still in the hunt as we are down to the last 16.  Newcastle's opponent in the fourth round will be Spurs

Europa Cup Action

G-O-A-L for McGinn 
Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Against Bologna, Aston Villa did this thing where one of their players kicked the ball past the goal keeper and it went into the net. Dennis wasn't sure what that is called.  It's called a goal. They also ended the match with more goals than the other team and Dennis asked what is that called.  That is a win.  But even in victory this team remains a puzzle.  They had many more chances and Watkins missed a PK. In short, this should have been an easy win but instead was a nailbiter. 

You Say You Want the Revolution? (apologies to The Beatles)

With the Union struggling of late, 11th place New England rolled into town at the perfect time. Though they struggled to take advantage of the situation, Damiani's 70th minute goal was just enough to come away with a 1-0 win. Set up by a great pass from Westfield, we make it this week's  YouTubeableMoment.  I only saw the highlights but the stats - especially xG of 1.9-.8 - do suggest that the U were better than 1-0.

The win keeps the Union on top of the East and first in the Supporters Shield standings.  However, with three to go, they haven't even locked up a top four finish yet.  

No Time To Rest

We have another busy week on tap.  

Well this has to be a typo.  For the 7:30 am Saturday match (USA), Opta has Brentford as a solid favorite over Man United at 48%-26% (26% draw).  Sure it's home match for the Bees but really?

Four choices at 10 am.  TV wants you to watch Man City host Burnley but that looks like a massacre.  I'd be inclined to go with...oh never mind, there's no good option as you can pick from Chelsea - Brighton, Crystal Palace - Liverpool or Leeds - Bournemouth.  Then we move to the "feature" 12:30 match with Nottingham Forest v Sunderland on USA (lemme guess, Ryder Cup gets the NBC slot?).  And there's the no longer special but regular 3 pm Peacock match between Spurs and Wolves.

It's an all BFS Sunday with Aston Villa hosting Fulham and Newcastle against Arsenal at St. James' Park at 9 and 11:30 on USA.  This is usually an unhappy match up for the Magpies, no matter where they play.  The good news is that things have been more even in recent times than, say, the 2012-2021 era where Newcastle lost 17 of 18.  Still, we are solid underdogs here.  Dennis may have a better time with Fulham.

There is a Monday match too, with Everton facing off against West Ham at 3 pm on USA.

Tuesday and Wednesday are match day 2 of Champions League  league play.  Six EPL sides are in action, including Newcastle at Union Saint-Gilloise; I will confess to not knowing that club but I see they are top of the Belgian Pro League ahead of more well-known clubs like Anderlecht and Club Brugge.

The Union need to make hay while the sun shines as they face DC United away at 7:30 on Saturday.  No disrespect intended but this is the easiest match of the Union's closing contests.  With so many teams on their heels, it is basically a must-win game.

Busy times