Intriguing to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United’s hammering of Ipswich Town.
The comments from neutrals especially telling…
A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.
The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.
Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.
On this occasion though, the politics entirely absent, just concentrating on matters on the pitch…
The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Ipswich fans and the odd Newcastle supporter also contributing:
‘Seasons greetings everyone after the Sir Bobby Robson derby.’
‘(Sunderland fan) Didn’t the mags sack him and he was seen at Sunderland games more than Newcastle.’
‘No, the mags never sacked him, the owners did.’
‘Hey ho, no early Xmas presents for us.
Well played the Toon. Men against boys I am afraid. Only Arsenal and Chelsea next up!!.
Safe trip back for the black and white army.
Hope you get some silverware this season you deserve it.
As for Town just praying we can stay up but a big ask I fear.’
‘First time Ipswich Town have truly embarrassed themselves, however, take heart in that this season is long from over.
Newcastle United? Welcome back. 2 wins in a row and now Europe is not too far away. Think about CL as well as the top 4 is fairly wide open.
From a neutral, good luck.’
‘Have to laugh at comments about Arsenal signing Isak for £100 million. Do they really think he’s only worth what City paid for Grealish?’
‘Great performance from Newcastle again. Outstanding from Lionel Murphy and Isak. Isak could have had another couple as well. Magnificent support from the toon army as usual. What a hike. Really hope Ipswich don’t go down. Always had a soft spot for them. I can think of at least three other teams I’d rather see go. There’s only one Bobby Robson.’
‘I can think of 18 clubs in the PL I’d rather see relegated than Ipswich..’
‘We were totally outclassed by Newcastle who could easily have had eight or nine goals such was the difference between the two teams.
Keep going Town and hopefully that first home win will come. COYB.’
‘Brilliant performance by everyone. Now we can read how we’ll sell Isak, Bruno, Sandro and Anthony in January and sack Eddie as well! These are better than you get out of Christmas crackers!’
‘RIP “Inconsistent Newcastle”.
They’ve taken a 3 goal lead in each of the last 3 games. They’ve scored at least 3 goals in 4 of the last 5 games (and just fell short against Brentford). They have one of the leading strikers in the division bang on form. They’re doing well despite absences like Pope, Botman and today Joelinton. And they are starting to put their goal difference right.’
‘(Spurs fan) You will find that Isak wants to go to a big club.’
‘Eddie predicted the goals would flow again and he was right. Unlike those who, unbelievably, said Howe was out of his depth.
Yes football is a game of opinions but the knockers have all gone quiet over there.’
‘What exactly is Newcastle going to win anytime soon with Eddie??’
‘Well, the league cup in March for one, seeing as you’re asking.’
‘More than they would without him.
Give him time. He has to overcome 14 years of abject neglect by Ashley for starters.
Three years on and he has taken a bottom of the league side to Champions league, Wembley amd now another semi final.
That will do for now.’
‘Totally outclassed today ,thanks Newcastle fans for remembering Sir Bobby.’
Bobby Robson Statue Ipswich Newcastle Scarf
‘Comprehensively outplayed today. Newcastle were excellent all over the park. In Tonali, they have someone who can influence the whole play. Of course, we love Morsey in that role, but Tonali is a different level. Onwards and upwards, we go again. In Kieran we trust.’
‘Superb performance from Newcastle. They were stronger and slicker than us in every position. Can we survive? Still possible if we nick a couple of results and Saints, Wolves & Leicester keep losing. However, looking doubtful atm. Toon Army were best supporters at PR since they were last here a few years ago.’
‘I was pretty sure we would get a hiding today from Newcastle and I had gut feeling Isak would come close to bagging a hat trick.’
‘Ho hum – we move on. Newcastle fans gracious in victory (the sign of true quality) – still think we might survive (but not sure I want to!)’
‘Well played The Toon. Your supporters were excellent too.
We shot ourselves in the foot again by conceding so soon, and giving a good side an early lead when ure scrapping for points doesn’t help. There’s only one Bobby Robson, walking along, singing a song, walking in a Robson wonderland…
Top 4 for The Toon and 4th from bottom for The Town will see the great man looking down with a smile’
Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Saturday 21 December 3pm
(Stats via BBC Sport)
Goals:
Newcastle United :
Isak 1, 45+2, 50, Murphy 32
Ipswich:
(In brackets the half-time stats)
Possession was Newcastle 59% (52%) Ipswich 41% (48%)
Total shots were Newcastle 15 (10) Ipswich 10 (4)
Shots on target were Newcastle 7 (5) Ipswich 2 (1)
Corners were Newcastle 1 (0) Ipswich 2 (1)
Touches in the box Newcastle 35 (20) Ipswich 20 (10)
Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 64), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Miley 80), Willock (Longstaff 64), Murphy (Barnes 64), Isak (Almiron 73), Gordon
Unused Subs:
Vlachodimos, Targett, Osula, Kelly
(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)
(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)
(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 : Absolutely brilliant and Alexander Isak first NUFC hat-trick – Jingle bells! Read HERE)
Newcastle United upcoming matches:
Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC
Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC
Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)
Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports