In the pub after the match, plenty of ranting and raving about the Newcastle United players.
The defeat to Bournemouth difficult to take.
I think it always feels worse when it happens at home, when the team lose at St James’ Park.
The same when it comes to if you are at the match. If you have spent time and money to be there to witness it in person, home or away, then it gets to you more.
As ever, no two Newcastle United fans see things exactly the same. We all watch the same match but see very different games.
Having said that, there are always some common themes that come out in the post-match conversation.
In the pub(s) yesterday and then online since, one theme stands out for me on the Newcastle United players.
Basically, if only they had tried harder then it would have been a different result. The language last night might not have been exactly in those words but that was the message. If the team had worked harder then Newcastle would not only have picked up a point, they could/would have taken all three against Bournemouth.
I have to say, I don’t agree…and I said so last night.
Personally, I think it is too easy and lazy to blame it on the Newcastle United players not trying hard enough.
That wasn’t what I saw yesterday. I think it was a combination of a lot of things but not a case of them not trying.
After checking, the total distances ran by the players on the two teams yesterday was Newcastle United players 118.43km and Bournemouth players 113.89km. Our lot running almost 5km further in total between them.
They were trying hard enough but just not good enough on the day.
I think the biggest problem yesterday was confidence. At the moment they are in a bit of a slump and everything just feeling a lot more difficult. If you have played football yourself, at any level, you will have experienced this. At times you can try even harder than usual but getting results becomes even more harder.
When you are on a good run of form, things flow so much more easily. Mentally you make better decisions and execute them better. Exactly the opposite when results going against you.
I also think you have to accept that the crazy number of matches this season also plays a part.
Bournemouth exited both domestic cups immediately, including a classic FA Cup clash against Newcastle United.
The Cherries had played 34 games so far, The Magpies 52. More than 50% matches having been played by the Newcastle United players!
They had a whole week to prepare but I think the season has knackered them to a large extent, especially mentally.
The Newcastle United players were trying plenty hard enough but that isn’t enough at times.