{"id":10269,"date":"2024-11-01T12:53:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T12:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=10269"},"modified":"2024-11-03T10:40:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T10:40:42","slug":"scaling-the-north-face-of-the-eiger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=10269","title":{"rendered":"Scaling the North Face of the Eiger"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tomorrow we embark on the longest journey in our Premier League schedule to visit the capital of Geordieland and the pinnacle of their \u2018culture\u2019. Interestingly, the name of this conurbation has mutated over two millennia to reach its present form: \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062e\u0641\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u064a\u0627\u0636\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0645\u0627\u0644\u064a (almakhfir alriyadiu alshamaliu). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site first appears in the historic record in 211AD as Pons Aelius<\/em> at the north of the Roman legions\u2019 bridge over the Tyne where they subsequently built a minor fort that played second fiddle to Corstopitum, a few miles east. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the Romans withdrew in 411, the site was again relegated from the historic record and presumably nothing of consequence occurred. It remained anonymous throughout the Anglo-Saxon era, even during the \u2018Golden Age of Christian Northumbria\u2019 and while at some point it was named \u2018Munnaceaster<\/em>\u2019 (Monkchester) suggesting ecclesiastical activity, the venerable Bede made no reference to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the Norman conquest, the Northumbrians proved to be an awkward and belligerent bunch (quelle surprise?) and the Norman response was the merciless \u2018harrowing of the north\u2019, devastating the whole region so that it remained ‘poor and backward until the Industrial era’. In 1080, The son of William the Bastard built a wooden motte and bailey on the site of Monkchester which was subsequently replaced by a rectangular stone keep providing its new name, \u2018New Castle\u2019. This became England\u2019s principal northern fortress in the centuries long border wars with the Scots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights of its subsequent history were the town declaring for Charles 1 in 1642 and them shutting their gates to the Old Pretender\u2019s army in 1715 which is said to have earned residents of the town the moniker \u2018Geordies\u2019 after newly crowned George 1. Thus demonstrating that their leaders are as likely to make bad strategic decisions as good ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The football club was founded in 1892 from the amalgamation of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End and joined the Football League in 1893 spending 92 seasons in the top flight since. As the only senior club in the city, it have become a cultural focus for the populace. United were most successful between 1904 and 1910 when they won an FA Cup and three of their four league titles. They have won five other FA Cups but have won no major domestic trophies since 1955 and were relegated from the Premier League in 2009 and 2016 returning promptly each time. After a brief period of flattering to deceive under John Hall and Kevin Keegan and then under Bobby Robson, they settled back into mediocrity and flirting with relegation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After enduring the trials and tribulations of Mike Ashley\u2019s ownership from 2007 to 2021 during which managerial quarrels, sackings, crowd dissatisfaction and austerity became the norm – a reprise of the \u2018harrowing of the north\u2019 – the Geordie nation wholeheartedly embraced the takeover of their club by a consortium dominated by Saudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund (PIF), hoping that their beloved \u2018Mags\u2019 would become a second dodgy, Middle Eastern sports-washing, petrodollar-fuelled, silverware magnet. This, despite Saudi Arabia\u2019s notorious record on human rights, its authoritarian absolute monarchy and its clear aim of using that proud old club to sports-wash its appalling public image. A decision that matches their 1642 support of that believer in the \u2018divine right of kings\u2019, Charles 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eddie Howe saved them from relegation in his first season after they had failed to win any of their first 14 games. The club then spent a fortune in 2022 bringing in Pope, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett (!), Guimar\u00e3es and Isak while adding Gordon in January 2023 to build a strong team that qualified for the Champions League in fourth place in 2022-3 only to be eliminated in the group stage. The expectation that they would push on to reduce the Premier League to a two-way petro-dollar fuelled slugfest was palpable. They then added Barnes, Hall, Tonali, Minteh and Livramento in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Premier League\u2019s introduction of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) primarily to prevent clubs getting into financial difficulties but with an eye on the alleged questionable financial activities of the other Middle Eastern outfit, which was then under investigation, have considerably constrained that ambition as inflated sponsorship deals, under-the-table salaries, disguised owner largesse and dodgy financial statements are now on the PL check list. This summer, their imminent breach of the debt limits due to that 2022-3 splurge forced the sale of two talented young prospects in Elliot Anderson for \u00a335m to Forest and Yankuba Minteh for \u00a330m to Brighton to prevent the sale of one of their \u2018crown jewels\u2019, Isak, Guimar\u00e3es or Gordon. Due to this stricture no-one of any consequence was signed this summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This recent constriction of transfer incomings has put a dampener on Geordie euphoria though adding bitterness against the Premier League and the so-called \u2018Red Cartel\u2019 (expect an even more vitriolic reception, lads) whilst adding support for C130y in their case against the Premier League and their defence of charges of financial malfeasance. The team\u2019s performances to date suggest a similar dampening effect on the players who had no doubt been lured to the club with promises of national dominance, silverware and parity with the other Arab mob. There were rumours that Gordon might have defected to the Mugsmashers this summer but, in the end, he did not; meanwhile, Guimar\u00e3es was flashing an ankle at PSG and Isak is said to be considering a move soon (Arsenal are allegedly in the frame) and the internet is awash with speculations on potential replacements for the latter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, reports have appeared that those who control PIF on behalf of the one true king have diverted resources towards other sports less likely to acquire opprobrium from the backwash of sewage that may result from the C130y case. After all, chaps, what\u2019s the point of sports washing? It\u2019s not to gather more negative press!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The club currently sits twelfth in the league after nine games with three wins, three draws and three defeats, nine goals scored and ten conceded. In four home games, they have beaten the Saints 1-0, the Marshdwellers 2-1, notably drew 1-1 with C130y and lost 0-1 to Brighton. In five away games, they have drawn 1-1 with Bournemouth, won 2-1 at Wolves, lost 1-3 at Fulham, drew 0-0 at Everton and lost 1-2 at Chelsea. Their goals have come from Barnes (3; 1 assist), Isak (2; 1 assist), Gordon (2), Sch\u00e4r (1) and Joelinton (1). I think we can expect a tight low-scoring contest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newcastle United are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 with the probable starting eleven of Pope, Livramento, Sch\u00e4r, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimar\u00e4es, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes\/Gordon. Botman, Lascelles, Wilson, Targett, Dubravka and Trippier are currently listed as injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talking of injuries, it\u2019s time to consider the Arsenal\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without doubt our accumulation of defender injuries plus Saliba\u2019s suspension (job done, Gillet?) contributed directly to our failure to take the three points off the Mugsmashers last weekend, which our first half performance fully merited. The midweek victory over Preston North End reassured us that Timber has 45 minutes in him but Gabriel and White did not recover sufficiently to travel. Kiwior\u2019s performance in Gabriel\u2019s place was reassuringly strong (not to mention two assists) while Zinchenko did manage an hour before being replaced by MLS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his pre-match presser MA8 suggested that the Friday training session would determine whether Gabriel would be available but he confirmed that White and \u00d8degaard won\u2019t make the trip. The recent performances of Nwaneri and MLS should give us confidence that we have the manpower to ride out this storm. Therefore I expect a starting 11 akin to the following with the variance primarily dependent on how well Gabriel performs in today\u2019s training session and tests and with my personal first choices in bold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raya<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partey<\/strong>\/Timber Saliba<\/strong> Gabriel<\/strong>\/Kiwior Timber<\/strong>\/Kiwior\/MLS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nwaneri<\/strong>\/Partey\/Trossard Rice<\/strong> Merino<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saka Havertz Martinelli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partey has been a revelation recently as an inverted right back so I think he will get first call for that position but we do have the option of playing Timber there if MA8 wants to stiffen the midfield with three strong giants rather than giving Nwaneri another platform to demonstrate his talent which he might see as too big a gamble. His final option in midfield would be to play Trossard alongside Rice and Merino, a role in which his interchange of field positions with Havertz has proved fruitful in the past. It must be nice to have so many options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have been playing well and that first half against The Mugsmashers was truly magnificent. Meanwhile it\u2019s five matches since the hosts have won in the Premier League. That should give us the confidence that we can take all three points home from Wali Yacoub<\/em> Park so I predict a fine 2-0 to the Arsenal, though not without a struggle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bookies also think we are favourites to take all three points and both Paddy Power and Bet365 offer an Arsenal win at 19\/20. Betfair offer a more tempting punt at 13\/5 for Arsenal to win without conceding. However the Holic Pound is still going to support Ukraine\u2019s struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you watch the match from your comfortable perch, wherever in the world, have a thought for CER and 21CG who, after their midweek nocturnal journey home from their visit to Deepdale, face a 3.00am start to attend this game and must then climb the north face of the Eiger ((c) C100) to get to their seats before taking the interminable road home. Courage mes braves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final conundrum in this match is wondering which diabolical reinterpretation or non-application of the Laws of the Game the PGMOL muppet with the whistle or Jared Gillet (whom I believe to be the VAR official – again!) will employ to ensure that we fail to take the points?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, enjoy the game, Holics!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tomorrow we embark on the longest journey in our Premier League schedule to visit the capital of Geordieland and the pinnacle of their \u2018culture\u2019. Interestingly, the name of this conurbation has mutated over two millennia to reach its present form: \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062e\u0641\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u064a\u0627\u0636\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0645\u0627\u0644\u064a (almakhfir alriyadiu alshamaliu). The site first appears in the historic record in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10269"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10281,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10269\/revisions\/10281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}