Ki Sung-yueng @ Newcastle United FC 2018-2019 [R]

He played a bit more conservatively than he does with the KNT but I would assume that was Rafa’s instructions. Very tidy performance.

 

But Ki has been a bit more adventurous in his passing which is nice to see. He can be too safe at times.

 

Conservative compared to his play under Bento*

But I agree, compared to his Swansea days, he seems to be more forward thinking.

 

Getting good raps from Newc fans....keep it up KI.

 

Amen.

 

Ki was always willing to put more risk into his passes during friendlies but they'd be much more measured when it was a competitive match so not too much data on Bento but perhaps some cross encouragement there by both Bento and Rafa.

 

But when the Toon Army compares Ki to Shelvey's "Hollywood Passes" - Ki looks a little more sedate of course but he's slowing things down and running things like a metronome, like we know he can. he's always in space making himself available to his back-line for an outlet pass.

after 3 starts, Toons are going gaga over him atm.....

of course, who wouldn't be thrilled to get a player like him on a free.

 

Ki always needs some time to get running and even then many people won't notice what he brings. But there's a reason he was integral to the success, albeit brief, of Sunderland and Swansea. I'm glad he's winning the Newcastle fans over.

 

Newcastle lack quality in the final third.
Ki playing so well. Everything positive going through him. Trying to drive the team forward. Pulling all the strings.
NUFC unlucky to be down. Perez has had a few decent chances.

 

Newcastle can't defend for shit. Chicharito should have scored four by now. He just scored his second. And on the balance of place, Newcastle were playing better. They need to give KSY more of the ball; he's pinging incisive passes whenever he has the ball,

 

No wonder Ki's performances have been exposing the instability Shelvey brings with his unnecessary Hollywood passes. He could have played a simple short pass to Ki who could have played another simple pass out to the left wing, but instead he gives the ball away by bypassing Ki and trying an unnecessarily difficult curling long pass.

 

Interesting. So Shelvey started along with Ki today? I take it they didn’t pick up straight where they left off from their Swansea days?

 

No, Shelvey came into the match as a substitute and played a more forward position.

 

Cheers @Hodori

 

Ki played 90 btw. A good point but kinda hard to watch at least in the second half as it seems Rafa wanted to play defense only

 

Things looking pretty good for Ki now I have to say.

 

KSY played well. Team played well too actually, especially after Yedlin got a red card. Mike Dean missed an obvious elbow to the face that should have been a red card and penalty. Newcastle unfortunate to have lost in the 95th minute.

 

HE's NoT GoNnA GEt AnY MiNuTEs

 

how did he do? started and then got subbed off. did anybody watch the match?

big 3 pts for them.

 

Strategy for the day was clearly to sit back, soak pressure knowing Town lacked quality in the final third, then hit on the counter. Worked perfectly. Painful game to watch though. He played well within the parameters he was ordered. Tidy and some quality set pieces. Couldn't get on the ball but that wasn't the idea today. Subbed at 70mins 1-0 up for fresh legs and defense. Not a vintage performance, but solid and responsible and a big win 6.5/10

 

it's interesting to see Rafa manage in this style after his early success in the Prem.

 

Benitez has always been about solid organization though. Can't say I'm surprised.