villa 4 - 2 newcastle
*that's the way!* Newcastle started off well even though they conceded an early 4th-minute goal from Mellberg (from a corner). Old-man Bobby finally saw some light in his tactical mistakes by dropping Shearer (who very well might be the cause of unhappiness in the dressing room) from the starting XI introducing Kluivert for his first start since his transfer (hai, how can such a talented player not be in the starting XI?!?). Another change in the starting line-up was Bowyer in place of Milner (who's a very talented youngster but still lacking in terms of his tactical knowledge).
*cheers* Kluivert finally scores his 1st goal for the Magpies! A great killer-pass from Butt and half-committed challenge from a Villa defender allowed the reknown hitman to put the ball past Sorenson when he turned the defender. (I guess only Butt is able to read the play of Kluivert whose style of play is at the moment too chim for other Newcastle players to read, hai). A classy beautiful goal.
*finally a win?* A 2nd beautiful glancing header from O'Brien took Newcastle to a 2-1 lead at half-time. (The way Newcastle played would've made ppl thought they were gonna win the game)
*sigh* Robert's problematic play since the start of the season bugs Newcastle again!! He brings the ball out of Newcastle's own half but loses it half-way in the attacking move near the opponent's penalty area allowing a fast break from Villa. This is like the 5th time I see him lose the ball and again it resulted in goals conceded. (hai, wonder if old-man Bobby saw the problems with our dearest left-winger) This problem allowed Barry from Villa to score bringing Villa 3-2 up by ard the 70th min.
*oh dear, not again!* Kluivert being injured (not sure how he got it) was sub-ed by who else but Shearer and a mysterious (from my pt of view lar) substitution of Bowyer (he played fine lorz, shud've sub-ed Milner for Robert as well) by Ameobi. A serious tactical mistake by old-man Bobby from my perspective. Another blow to the first team was Bernard being injured and sub-ed by Elliot.
Adding injury to insult, 2nd-half sub Angel scored a deflected goal to seal a 4-2 win for Villa in the last 10 to 15 mins of the match.
*how cum???* Lotsa talking pts (controversial decisions) for the match but the most significant one is the yellow card for Sorenson when he handled the ball outside the box as Bellamy took a shot at goal. That was definitely a red card in my view!! Not the first time I see Mike Riley giving a wrong decision!!
I'm really glad Newcastle are finally scoring goals again but I guess the signs are really pointing to an inevitable exit by old-man Bobby even before his contract runs out at the end of the season. There seems to be lotsa dressing room problems for Newcastle (which I think is because Bobby is losing his control & influence over the players). Players like Dyer and Bellamy are daringly making public their opinions which are negatively affecting the club and shudn't happen at all.
*wat r u doing??* Freddy Shepherd has done marvelous much for Newcastle but his comments about not renewing Sir Bobby's contract was really unnecessary. It definitely affects not only the manager but also the players as a whole.
*your time is up* Bobby Robson must not be deprived of credits for taking Newcastle out of the relegation zone in his 1st season aft taking over the even more problematic Ruud Gullit. He brought in players like Bellamy, Jenas, Robert (who performed very well for 1 to 2 seasons only), Ambrose, Butt, Milner and last but not least, super hitman Kluivert. Took Newcastle into Champions League on his 2nd or 3rd season (I can't recall) but aft tt, the mini 'downfall' of his reign came when Newcastle only managed a Uefa Cup place in the 4th season and now are struggling very very hard to kick-start their season (only 2pts from 16 up for grabs). Although Newcastle are well-known as slow-starters, this season's start is simply too terrible to be normal.
posted by sc @
Gran Torino - Jamie Cullum
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