I honestly don’t get the negativity. It was 100% a deserved win. Plenty to work on in terms of turning the screw at the right moment and being more strong in possession. But can’t believe I opened Bluesky and first thing I saw was ‘scrappy’ ‘undeserved’.

Ok. Second half much poorer !

Not unhappy with that. Playin a Villa team who are really up for it and we are growing into the game. Not all teams will roll over like last 2, so we have to learn to manage this kind of game. Must be careful not to lose all 3 midfielders too high up the pitch. And be clinical in 2nd half. #nufc

It’s so weird. I’m not expecting fireworks every game but about half the games this season have been like this. You can tell about 5 mins in they are just not on it

I dunno what it is this season, but far too many ‘off days’ where just everyone is off the pace and half a yard too slow. It’s not an over-reaction. And I know we can do so much better but why is this happening particular this season. Not one or two calamities. They are all not on it. #nufc

Definitely!!!

@greeny-lo.bsky.social hey glad to see you on here!!

Defensive mistake definitely cost us. Bournemouth playing well but some slips in defence. Hopefully we will get Gordon and isak more into it in the second half. There are more goals in it. #nufc

Totally agree. Yeah there was concern that being captain would distract him but now having the cushion of other players putting in star performances too, he is able to embrace the role he wants of being a fan and leading by example. It’s great to see and he looks like he’s loving it

Love how Bruno leads the young players. Arm round shoulders, patting them on the back. He is an absolute priceless part of #nufc so much more than just what gives us on the pitch.

I def think that’s the case with Bruno and Joelinton. If that’s the case with Gordon and Barnes then that’s good news

I hope that the Barnes decision was cause he felt a knock. I’m happy to see Gordon but could be a confidence destroyer if it’s tactical. #nufc

The Mrs first game #nufc

Had great pints in newc pre games (thanks Bluesky for recommendations) mean-eyed cat and Newcastle tap we’re highlights. #nufc

Well. Just got back to Taiwan after one of the best festive periods for #nufc I could have imagined. Hope Botman is ok, but honestly the confidence and spirit in the team is insane. Well done to Howe and his team for getting the most out of the Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton partnership.

Wide!

Happy Christmas to Newcastle fans far and wife! #nufc

That was a great first half. Tonali is pure class! Looks like they finally all are totally on the same page. Brilliant linking play. Credit to the work done on the training pitch #nufc

First game at the ground for a year for me tomorrow (flown in from Taiwan) and bringing the missus. Can’t wait. #nufc

A good performance by #nufc dictating play, controlling midfield… feels like a few other times where we have expected it to lead to us kicking on, but it hasn’t. What needs to happen to build on this? Player selection? tactics? Mentality? Thoughts …?

There is no way that result should’ve happened. Brentford didn’t do anything special. There was nothing threatening from them unless we just gifted them chances. #nufc

We look decent going forward and winning midfield battle so we should have enough to win. But we do have mistakes in us defensively. And don’t get tight on their attackers so we are vulnerable to pass and go. Gordon could be a great addition on 65 mins. #nufc

Giving it away!!! #nufc

I know I’m generally blindly optimistic but I fancy a win today. We have to win the midfield battle. Feel that Barnes will have to do a Murphy and play multiple roles. Gordon, Wilson & Sandro off the bench could be massive!!! #nufc get into them!

Wondering when the last time a team won a match without having a shot on target?? One for the record books ? #nufc

This isn’t just us in this situation. The whole league is unpredictable because the flavoured setup for most teams is all about turning the ball over and countering. It’ll not be long before two teams kick off and belt it out to concede their own corner so they can counter and break !! #nufc #epl

We are just a bit too easy to play against. Teams are wised up and stopping the wide runs. So it’s all playing to feet which is easy to defend against #nufc

#nufc first half:
* struggling to find threaten in final third. Feel like it’s because in the build up we’re too static.
* generally look better in position but always have a mistake in us and opposition know it.
* need to unlock Tonali’s vast potential. Howe should keep him on (even over Bruno)

I wouldn’t be surprised if Howe starts Bruno and Tonali today. Just gotta be careful of leaving big gaps. Tonali will have to get used to doing the majority of the running.

Oh yeah i knew I’d forgotten something. Probably Kelly straight swap