Newcastle United are in 'complete paralysis' as Saudi takeover talk continues to dominate the landscape on Tyneside

Newcastle United are in ‘complete paralysis’ – that’s the view of our Shields Gazette fan panel.
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Fan group Toon For Change and fans Kev Lawson and Graeme Bell have picked apart last night’s Spurs loss, Steve Bruce’s decisions and give their take on takeover talk with developments this week causing a stir on social media.

Toon For Change – @ToonForChange

Thoughts on the game?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JULY 15:  Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (C) heads past Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defender Emil Krafth (2nd R) to score their second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park.NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JULY 15:  Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (C) heads past Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defender Emil Krafth (2nd R) to score their second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (C) heads past Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defender Emil Krafth (2nd R) to score their second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park.

“Masters of our own downfall yet again and the season is quickly fizzling out. The thought of the takeover being rejected is enough to keep you up at night. We are crying out for improvements in all areas across the club."

What has happened to United's defensive unit?

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"The greater attacking threat coming at the cost of our defensive record is worrying. I think it shows how much Jamaal Lascelles brings to the back line in terms of leadership. Our goal difference is concerning given our head coach was a central defender throughout his career!”

And what do you make of the latest takeover developments?

“Who truly knows what the latest news means for the NUFC takeover but one thing for certain is that we need a decision asap. With the countdown now on to the transfer window opening, the Premier League would bring the competition into disrepute by allowing the window to open with one of the member clubs in complete paralysis.”

Kev Lawson – @Edit_Kev

Was this one as bad as the result suggests?

“So Jose Mourinho finally wins at St James Park. Decent spells of football, but defensive mistakes costing us again. Another game where we've conceded three goals, the rigidity which has been the bedrock of our season seems to be gone.

"Defending is a team game. Even with five at the back, the midfield needs to hold its shape and press in an organised fashion, otherwise, gaps appear. It would also help if Krafth wasn't selected as a centre-Back, he was at fault for Spurs’ second and third.”

Stand out performers?

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“I actually thought Jonjo Shelvey put in a decent shift tonight. The best of what we did seemed to start with him. For all of the pelters I give Bruce on Twitter for his lack of tactical nous, he's bought the best out of Jonjo and revitalised his Newcastle career.

Dare I ask, the ‘T’ word?

"The takeover is utterly exhausting. I hope it's approaching a positive conclusion so we can ditch the doldrums of the Mike Ashley era and dare to dream again.”

Graeme Bell – @GraemeBell_NUFC

How much does this team miss skipper Lascelles?

“I think, Lascelles dropping in and out of the side hasn’t helped at all. Miss his leadership massively when he’s absent. Schär just isn’t interested anymore and that’s a huge concern, caught napping several times again tonight.”

Thoughts on the takeover?

“The takeover is a circus thanks to the Premier League, they continue to drag their heels on this, leaving the club in limbo - we cannot plan at all and it’s left us at a disadvantage especially now we know the transfer window situation. It’s just beyond a joke.

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"Once we get a decision one way or another in the next 100 years or so, I hope journalists who really understand NUFC make Mr Masters and co squirm with their questioning. It’s been pathetic from the Premier League and I have had enough of it. There’s no reason that this should be blocked, not according to their rules anyway so let’s just get on with it.”