That game, man

[toptoon]

Raises more questions than answers. You could say the difference between the two halves was changes in tactics from both teams but, for me, theres a mental weakness in our squad. Tactics dont make you suddenly start losing the midfield duels after dominating them.
We were so far ahead, we relaxed and dropped the effort level by a couple of % and that was enough to lose the second half 0-2. Can you see other top 6 teams coming under the cosh after being 4-1 up at HT? I cant and, this season, the heart palpitations will be frequent if we can do this with a 3 goal lead.

Dont get me wrong its a massive 3 points and Im delighted but our performances are so inconsistent. For as brilliant as we were in the first half, we were poor in the second.

[Sclox]

Not just poor but pishh poor. I can't believe I was sweating that last 5 minutes at halftime I had 3 points ticked off and was thinking about the FA cup. This is going to be a msjor problem if not fixed. This was the Bournemouth, Fulham and City Mr Hyde in the second half.WTF man?

[Zippity]

This is how ridiculous Newcastel United are-even with a 3 goal lead, I couldn't relax.

It definitely comes down to mentality. Not being brave enough on the ball, switching off, making the wrong decisions-there was almost none of that in the first half but as soon as Forest started having a go, we shat our pants.

I'm not trying to lessen Forest's role in things, though. They're a very good team who are where they are for a reason and they were bound to come back into it...but...the manner of our play??? I've honestly seen Under 11 sides play with more composure.

It makes you wonder if our only hope in the cup final is to keep them out then score with the last kick of the game.

I don't think I've seen a game with a greater disparity in performance between the two halves.

We're a very strange team.

[toptoon]

As much as I love Bruno and dont doubt his determination and will to win for a second, you have to wonder how good a job hes doing in motivating those around him, as captain?

[Sclox]

Are any messages from the coaches, if any, regarding tactics/adjustments "in-game"reaching the players/capt on the field when they need to effectively?

[5under1and]

I think that some of us have forgotten what it’s like to support Newcastle United I have seen to many games like this and end up with one or zero points
This season even the best teams - Liverpool have been unable to win games
We are 5th in the league not 5th from bottom trying not to be relegated and in a CUP FINAL

[Sclox]

I think that some of us have forgotten what it?s like to support Newcastle United I have seen to many games like this and end up with one or zero points
This season even the best teams - Liverpool have been unable to win games
We are 5th in the league not 5th from bottom trying not to be relegated and in a CUP FINAL

Aye, you are right mate I think we all acknowledge how well we are doing but I reckon we are all now just trying to scratch our heads and work out that 2nd half performance and mention anything that we think can squeeze out that extra 1% to ensure we don't end the season with fk all again.

[toptoon]

I think that some of us have forgotten what it’s like to support Newcastle United I have seen to many games like this and end up with one or zero points
This season even the best teams - Liverpool have been unable to win games
We are 5th in the league not 5th from bottom trying not to be relegated and in a CUP FINAL

Very true.

Just watched Eddie?s post match comments. He said our second half performance was poor ?for some reason? and described it as ?puzzling?. He also said Nick Popes distribution is very good!!!!

Im sure he does know what went wrong in the second half but clearly doesnt want to tell us.

[Nufcian]

That match!

First half? f**king sublime

Second half? f**king sh!t

We sat back? no one can tell me that was not instructions from Howe, because 11 men did not decide on their own to do it.

Brilliant play first half, they had maybe 2 shots on target the entire time, and we bossed them all over the pitch. I saw Forest fans leaving at 4-1 even.

We came back out, and it was a completely different, nervous, hesitant, and lacking in any intention to get forward apart from the odd break.

If we play like that, even first half included, Liverpool will rip us apart and come out on top over 90 minutes, both on Wed and on the final.

Willock was average.

Murphy? and I know people will disagree, and he has got some goals and assist, but I have NEVER seen any player as petrified about any physical contact and challenge as him. Said it before, but he?s awful in terms of taking people on or tackling? he?s a liability when the opposition have the ball? and their first goal? WTF was he even trying to do!?!

Obviously a great 3 points, but we were hanging on by the skin of our teeth at the end.

[Marat18]

May be Howe thought it was a perfect opportunity to try some defensive tactic for a cup final scenario if we somehow go one up.
Like we just sit back and try to break them on a counter. We let one in - no big deal, just go on with it.