KopiHomeDON'T BE A BUNCH OF SISSIES, NEWCASTLE UTD
30.08.03 <<< Previous Next >>>
I am very disappointed with Newcastle Utd's performance so far. The away draw with Leed Utd, the home loss to ManYoo and the mid-week penalty heartbreak against Partizan Belgrade has left almost every Magpie Fan wrecked indeed. Where have the soaring magpies been?
The draw with Leed Utd in the 1st match saw the Magpies slipped after a 1-goal lead scored by Alan Shearer in 18th min. But Leeds scored an equalizer through Mark Viduka after just 5 mins.
Shearer, Beacon of Newcastle Utd
Immediately, Magpies' formation was thrown into disarray and they could do nothing against a determined Leeds Utd which intimidated with their tough tackling midfield and lively attacking triangle of Lamine Sakho, Alan Smith and Viduka. Leeds went on to score another goal in 56th min through Smith when Olivier Bernard put him on his way with a careless back flipped header toward Shay Given's goal. Newcastle Utd's play that day seemed lethargic and it was dreadful. Fortunately, Shearer was there for Newcastle Utd in the end and scored a dramatic equalizer in 87th min.
I have seemed a lack of character and fighting spirit in Newcastle Utd that day. Kieron Dyer was non-existent, apart for winning the 1st half penalty for Shearer to score in 18th min. Craig Bellamy was lost in the seas of battling Leeds defenders and midfielders. Only Shearer's beacon shone on that day.
Today's home match against Birmingham City would have to be the turning point of the Magpies' poor start in the new season. I know it would be tough for the team after the heartbreak of failing to qualify for Champions League group stage. But it would be a nice comeback if the Magpies could bounce back with a win over Birmingham today.
As I said before, I do not see any player in the current Newcastle squad capable of replacing Shearer in the scoring department and this is a pending problem that requires the Board's immediate attention. Shearer has scored all 3 of Newcastle's goals so far and he is likely to remain the main source of Newcastle's goals supply. Who is going to fill his boots when Shearer is unavailable during the season? Ameobi seems a likely choice. He is strong and athletic. But would he get enough match exposures to improve his skills and strike rate while Shearer remains the Goal King of St. James Park?
Newcastle Utd vs Birmingham City would be the ideal stage for the Magpies to lift themselves back into title contention. Please leave the past behind Magpies and show us your commitment to win titles and cups. Wake up from your overdue slumber and fight for your Fans! Show us the character to win the battles! Don't be a bunch of you-know-what!
Soaring Magpies
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