5th October 2004
By
Craig Hope
Eight games into the season and we have conceded thirteen goals with
just one clean sheet to show for our efforts. That clean sheet came
against Blackburn in our 3-0 victory – my argument is that Newcastle
United only keep a clean sheet if the opposition do not look like
scoring. Blackburn had nothing going forward and never threatened
our goal with any real purpose.
Many argue had Woodgate still been here things would have been different.
They wouldn't have because he would as of yet failed to play. Our
decision to sell was in my opinion totally justified – our decision
not to replace him was outright ludicrous!
If a team play against Newcastle and attack they will score. Even
West Brom managed a late consolation when down to ten men.
Shay Given cannot be absolved from any blame. He never seems to keep
a clean sheet in the face of adversity. Like I have already mentioned,
I can't remember the last time we kept a clean sheet as a result of
Given's heroics (Ed: Boro away October 2003) – if we do it is because
the opposition have failed to create and have lacked ambition.
My views I feel are that of the minority as Given's character and
often outstanding saves are a camouflage that have supporters and
pundits alike heralding our Irish stopper as one of the best in the
land. He is good, of that I cannot disagree.
He makes some fantastic saves, his kicking has improved ten fold and
he very rarely makes an obvious error. It is this last point that
also goes a long way to enhancing his reputation – he is seldom under
the spotlight for blatant howlers. Too many times however I here the
words, 'Given could do nothing about that!'. Quite frequently I scream,
'Yes he @#!* could have!'.
On Sunday he should have been the one to meet Savage's centre with
a strong fist instead of Upson's header. When the ball went in Given
was almost stood behind his line. He is not commanding enough and
too many times innocuous balls into our box create panic and confusion
between Given and his defence.
The defenders either are not free of fault. Playing with a better
back four Given may feel more confident. I do feel for him with a
central pairing of O'Brien and Elliott protecting your goal. I want
Shay to do well because as I mentioned earlier he is a fantastic character
who wants Newcastle to win.
Any readers who agree with my sentiments please get in touch as I
feel I am in the immoral minority! Those of you who disagree please
let me see where I'm going wrong. I know our defence is sub standard,
that is not my argument – this article was merely a release of frustration
at our incapability of keeping clean sheets for which our goalkeeper
appears above blame.
Craig Hope wants your feedback - If
you have any propositions for Craig or any comments regarding this
or any of his other articles or any matter regarding NUFC he would
love to hear from you so drop
him a line. |
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