Early Christmas?

Another Newcastle win plus a new hip in the same week.  Very cool.

Rondon celebrates goal in University of Pennsylvania colors

Recall that I said I'd be happy with a draw at Huddersfield so the 1-0 win was even better.  Again with 5 at the back, willing to cede possession.  Rondon took advantage of the scoring opportunity he was given (nice cross from Manquillo) and Huddersfield did not convert the few chances they got.  As opposed to other matches, I didn't watch the last 20 minutes assuming the equalizer was just around the corner.  The Magpies seemed to have things pretty tight at the back.  I am wondering about the change kits - looks like University of Pennsylvania surplus.

Jesus Saves Scores

Gabriel Jesus made life miserable for Everton with a brace of goals at the Etihad.  Calvert-Lewin pulled one back at 65 minutes but shortly thereafter Sterling scored to give Man City their comfortable 3-1 win.  Similarly, Shaqiri's two goals meant doom for Man United and their beleaguered manager (more below) as Liverpool stay atop the table with their 3-1 win.  Some may say that both Shaqiri's tallies were deflected past DeGea; true dat, but they were both struck from high percentage locations so hard to say it was pure luck.  The 538 metrics agree, suggesting it was a blow out.  The win means Liverpool stay just ahead of Man City.

Judging by scorelines, looks like I missed the two best matches of the weekend.  Watford were up 3-0 on Cardiff but two goals after the 80th minute meant an exciting finish.  And Arsenal lost for the first time since August 18th, dropping a 2-3 decision to Southampton.  That looked like a marvelous back and forth affair (unless you're a Gunner fan), with Arsenal coming back from 0-1 and 1-2 deficits before Charlie Austin sealed the thing in the 85th minute. Arsenal were wearing those sea green kits that remind me of my high school prom tuxedo again; I haven't done the numbers yet but I'm wondering it that's a good color for the Gunners.

I did see West Ham continue their hot streak with a 2-0 win over Fulham.  I think I watched Chelsea beat Brighton 2-1 but not remembering any details.  Spurs left it late but did get the 1-0 win over Burnley.  No change at the top four but Arsenal fall a little farther behind and Man United have pretty much confirmed their mid-table status.  

May Outlasts Mourinho

As regular as the swallows returning to Capistrano, Jose Mourinho is leaving a team during his third year with the club.  A little surprised it was the loss to Liverpool that was the final straw.  The caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer...  Wait. Stop right there.  The new Manchester United guy is a former Arsenal player? Oh, okay, it's Norwegian.  Anyway, his first four matches are Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle so he has an excellent chance of starting 4-0.

I wouldn't be placing any bets for Theresa May's long-term tenure either but she did outlast the Special One.

Schedule

Lots of games.  Too many to discuss.  I will note that Newcastle's holiday fixtures are Fulham (H), Liverpool (A), Watford (A), and Man United (H).  My initial reaction is that three points might be a good haul for us, which sucks.  Maybe we nick a point at Watford but I wouldn't hold my breath.  

Hopefully you get to watch a lot and have a good holiday season.  Probably won't be back to post until after New Year's Day.