It always feels that bit more special when games against Newcastle come around. The mutual affection for Sir Bobby Robson make the occasion one where all present can remember the great man. Sadly, any pre-match seasonal feel-good vibes were obliterated in just 26 seconds.
From the moment that Conor Chaplin kicked the ball straight out of play from our own kick-off, our Geordie friends punished us.
For the first time on many occasions throughout the afternoon, Leif Davis was caught high up field, and it was down our left where we were put to the sword.
Sir Bobby Robson's statue outside Portman Road pre-matchSir Bobby Robson's statue outside Portman Road pre-match (Image: PA) For too long a moment, we hoped that VAR would come to our rescue. But it did not, and the tone of the afternoon had been set.
From the gloomy skies from which rain fell, to our overall performance, it was one miserable afternoon.
Sure, we are not a two-man team. Far from it. But we missed Axel Tuanzebe’s solidity at the back, and Liam Delap’s hustle and bustle up front. Without either, we just look too lightweight.
But it is what it is. We all know the score. Overall, we are giving nine out of ten performances most weeks. The problem is every week needs to be ten out of ten. Only the established teams are capable of that.
After the weekend’s results, and with the midway point of the season in touching distance, I am starting to feel a sense of déjà vu.
The three promoted clubs look in danger of being the three to drop straight back down again. But I will not dwell on that thought and what can be done about it for now. We cannot give up hope yet.
Sammie Szmodics worked hard up top, but Town really missed Liam DelapSammie Szmodics worked hard up top, but Town really missed Liam Delap (Image: PA) We must pray that another January transfer window will make us stronger like the last two have done. There must be a hope that the second half of the season is kinder on the injury front too. And of course, we must become stronger all-round.
Massive credit to those fans who gave a constant rendition of ‘Spirit in the sky’ for the last 15 minutes or so just to lift the sullen mood.
The applause given to our boys after the whistle was warming too. The players stood in appreciation for sure. They know we are giving as much as we can. They are too, remember.
They were simply outclassed by an excellent Newcastle outfit. Dare I say it, the best to visit Portman Road so far this season. The Geordies in the away end were the noisiest fans too.
Mind you, when I got caught up amongst them outside the ground post-game, their song about it being the best trip they had ever had made me smile. Winning 4-0 at our place and it being their best-ever experience is one heck of a compliment to us!
Where do we go from here? Well, just the small matter of Arsenal away and Chelsea at home next. No problem, right?
I have fond memories of our last Christmas holiday game at home to the latter. Boxing Day 2000 it was.
Chelsea stormed into a commanding two-goal lead with thanks to two clinical finishes by Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Can Omari Hutchinson inspire Town to an unexpected result over Christmas?Can Omari Hutchinson inspire Town to an unexpected result over Christmas? (Image: PA) Town fought back superbly thanks to goals from James Scowcroft and Marcus Stewart. The game finished 2-2 and lifted us into fifth place. A win would have taken us into third position. How different that Premier League season was.
The best that we can hope for over these next two games is maybe two points and with little further damage to our confidence should we suffer two defeats.
I have every faith though that we will compete and be on our game. We have proved multiple times this season that we can give a good account of ourselves.
As well as hoping for something unexpected in these games like what happened at Spurs, I also hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and Santa delivers you plenty of Town related presents.
Have a great one!