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Here are the mid-term fan verdicts on their teams from today’s Observer.
Newcastle
We’ve only had a few bright spots in a generally disappointing, if not unexpected first half of the season. We are lucky to have the points we have, but that could be a platform to avoid the descent, again. Our possession in games is abysmal, rarely exceeding 35% – maybe it’s a blessing that we can’t see it live … 4/10
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Stars and failures Karl Darlow has proven to be an excellent substitute for the injured Martin Dubravka and has kept us in games. Callum Wilson’s skill, tenacity and scoring touch have been a revelation, and Isaac Hayden has gone from being a regular to being so essential. But Jeff Hendrick has done little to improve the team while Joelinton still struggles, typifying the “Ashley knows better” deadweight we’ve had to endure for 13 years.
Happy with the manager? No. Bruce’s drug rope tactics are infuriating. After 17 months and no progress, his excuses about Rafa’s legacy are wearing thin. Fans are baffled by experts telling us he’s doing a good job. With the talent at their disposal, we should be producing a more agile, incisive attacking football. Like Geordie, he cares about the club, but “Bruceball” is painful to watch and the way our exit from the League Cup was extremely concerning. With Rafa, it seemed like there was a plan. With Bruce, it seems like we’re going nowhere. 4/10
We have to sign We will be in the bargain basement again, but we are desperate for a midfielder who can grab a game and take it forward. And we would love to see the return of Dutch left-back Jetro Willems.
Favorite moment of 2020 Newcastle fans tell the Premier League to keep their £ 14.95 pay-per-view scheme and donate to a food bank.
• David and Richard Holmes
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Leicester
It has been another great season so far. In the top four over City, Chelsea and Spurs and even the Europa League knockouts is all we could have asked for. I was worried that we would be struggling with our intense accessory congestion, but so far, all is well. 9/10
Stars and failures Our established stars continue to make significant contributions, but special mentions must go to James Justin and Nampalys Mendy, who have done incredibly well as backups to one of the best wingers and one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. It’s also nice to see that Brendan Rodgers finally uses Ayoze Perez more effectively.
Midterm reports from Premier League fans. Second part: Liverpool to WolvesRead more
Happy with the manager? There is not much room for criticism in terms of our current progress, but not everything has been smooth. In our day we are among the best teams to watch in Europe, but when we are bad, oooyah beauty, we are bad! It’s a learning curve, but Rodgers needs to find a way to accelerate our football against deep and low blocks, oh, and answer our enduring set pieces defense problems. 8/10
We have to sign Another striker to give us something different up front. Vardy can’t lead on his own for much longer and Perez is better at No. 10.
Moment that made me smile in 2020 Watching Leicester qualify for the Europa League round of 32 in Braga was a special moment. Especially with two homegrown Chisits and club legend Vardy scoring the goals.
• Chris whiting