Reap the Wild Wyn: Newcastle United news and other links to make you a better person for August 25, 2016.
If you're a Newcastle fan the signing of DeAndre Yedlin was pure oxygen. Our friends over at Cartilage Free Captainhad some nice things to say about the signing, along with their own lamentations over his leaving. It's usually a good sign when the fans of a club question why a player was allowed to leave. Fortunately for Spurs they are talent heavy, and Yedlin was probably not going to see the pitch.
Twitter gave us some inspiring, and funny, commentary.
The last player we got after playing for Sunderland turned out to be completely wank, so anything above that will be a bonus. #Yedlin
— The True Geordie (@TrueGeordieNUFC) August 24, 2016
Yedlin "Even when playing for #SAFC, I admired #NUFC. They're the bigger of the 2 clubs, and like many SAFC players, I've lived in the city"
— NUFC Global (@NUFC_Global) August 24, 2016
Yedlin close to joining #NUFC. As for his ability, here are some quick thoughts: pic.twitter.com/renxXUrTTo
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) August 23, 2016
Now the bad news. Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic are both out for this weekends match with Brighton due to concussion like symptoms, which basically means they have some degree of a concussion. Some are taking the opportunity to take shots at the protocol itself, but for me that's wasted energy on something we cannot change.
Looking back on their physical presentations both during and post game there is good reason to believe the day off will do them some good.
We are now left with the problem of formation. Mitro being gone is more of the same, but no Gayle leaves us very thin at striker. Even if we take the positive from Ayoze Perez's performance against Cheltenham Town we are still left wondering if it's an actual sign of progress, and how much did Gayle's presence facilitate Ayoze's glory.
My guess is Rafa will roll out a basic 4-4-2 with Perez and Isaac Hayden, allowing the club to drop to a 4-5-1 if necessary. Defending against Brighton may be more critical to points, and playing for the draw may be the best option. Hayden has the skills to play multiple positions, and his size may be a necessity. Maybe the biggest knock on Ayoze is that he is not a physical presence, and Brighton will be looking to push him around.
If Yedlin is ready his speed will surely cause problems for the Seagulls, but this may be the match where we need something special from Jonjo Shelvey. His hot and cold play is frustrating. There are opportunities for him to be had on the offensive foot.
OK, let's kick the ball.
Stats comparison: Daryl Janmaat v DeAndre Yedlin - HITC
Opinions vary on whether Newcastle lost more than they gained. The stats favor Daryl, but for me the eye test favors Yedlin.
Newcastle United double injury blow: What Rafa Benitez could do against Brighton - The Chronicle
Good commentary. I'd be shocked if Vernon Anita gets the nod next to Perez.
EFL Cup draw: Wolves face Newcastle trip in third round - Birmingham Mail
Wolverhampton is presently third in The Championship table.
Newcastle United 'in talks' for Palermo left-back - SportsMole
He plays left back. We need help at left back.
Airlander 10, ‘The Flying Bum,’ Crashes During Test Flight - Huffington Post