Paul Merson with bizarre Newcastle United comment fourteen weeks into the season… | OneFootball

Paul Merson speaking about Newcastle United.

NUFC with fourteen weeks of the new season having gone by.

A very intense period of time with Newcastle playing every midweek, due to Champions League and Carabao Cup, as well as Premier League

Eddie Howe and his team now preparing for their next match.

A 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, at home to Manchester City.

Paul Merson discussing how things now stand for Newcastle United as they prepare for this St James’ Park clash.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Manchester City:

“If Manchester City win this game, I will be thinking that should they keep all their main players fit, they can challenge Arsenal.

“Newcastle have not been at their best on home turf so far this season but it is still one of the toughest fixtures in the league.

“If Eddie Howe’s team can play like they did against Liverpool, they have a chance at winning this game!

“Erling Haaland has been scoring goals for fun. But will that help him win the Ballon d’Or? The answer is no. No matter how many goals you score, it always comes down to your performance in the Champions League and City must win that trophy to give Haaland a strong chance to win the award.

“Nick Woltemade has also impressed me so far.

“I always wonder when players come to the Premier League, ‘if they were so good, why didn’t Bayern Munich want them?’. That is not the case with Woltemade, he’s showing why Bayern really wanted him to be their number nine.

“Woltemade reminds me of Peter Crouch. He is not just a target man, he can play with the ball and likes it being fed into his feet. Woltemade will cause problems to other teams every single week. If Newcastle’s midfield three can fire like last season, it will be perfect for him.

“Newcastle away is a tricky fixture right after the international break and that’s why I think City will drop points in this one.

“Prediction: Newcastle 1 Manchester City 1”

My thoughts

All a bit bizarre this comment from Paul Merson, about Newcastle United having ‘not been at their best on home turf’ this season.

United obviously struggling for victories on the road this season BUT since September, the last nine games in all competitions have brought six wins, with five in a row at home in that run, plus the 4-0 at Union S-G..

These five wins in a row at St James’ Park against Benfica, Forest, Spurs, Athletic Club and Fulham, have seen 11 goals scored and only one conceded.

Manchester City have also enjoyed themselves far more at home than on their travels. They have won all of their last seven at the Etihad in all competitions, but have only won two of their last six away, including only one victory in their last four Premier League away games.

I largely agree with the other comments from Paul Merson, although I always think it is very lazy when people make comparisons between Peter Crouch and Nick Woltemade.

Crouch was a decent striker and effective overall, with a decent touch as well as good in the air. However, Big Nick has those positives AND he is mobile, with very good dribbling ability. The Germany international is far more in proportion than Peter Crouch and hence more mobile and stronger.

Here’s hoping Nick Woltemade shows these qualities to the full on Saturday, as part of a winning team performance…