How To Score Past Newcastle: Part 18 Of A Plausible 38
By A.K. Dholakia On Sun 17 Dec 2006 |
Few who cared to think about it would imagine that there would be an eighteenth part to this series. Newcastle were at home. Newcastle were facing the bottom side in the Premiership. Newcastle were facing a side that had not scored in nearly a month. Newcastle were facing Watford.
Whilst the points are gladly received, Newcastle are not performing at a level that is indicative of higher aspirations. A midtable position will, perhaps, suffice this season - but only because expectations at the beginning of the season were so promptly and thoroughly obliterated. It could be passed off as a season of transition. The insatiable Newcastle fan will soon hunger for loftier plateaus to look down from. A place from which they will expect a fun day out thrashing the living daylights out of a team like Watford - like a Keegan or Robson team would have, not a nervy finish that’s settled by a goal five minutes from time or so.
Time will tell.
Game 18: Watford (h)
Goal 20: Hameur Bouazza
Blame: Nicky Butt
Reason: Nicky Butt has far exceeded everyone’s expectations this season. Many were seconds away from writing him off completely. Lately, the self-effacing and unspectacular Nicky Butt has been a somewhat spectacular spectacle. It is therefore with regret that I confer the blame for Bouazza’s goal upon him for failing to get tighter to the flick-on header. Given was impinged upon though, and it’s a strange goal. If he continues to perform as he has, then I’m sure he could be forgiven for such aberrant things from time to time.
BLAME COUNT - Season 06/07
Responsible For 4 Goals Conceded
Stephen Carr
Celestine Babayaro
Responsible For 2 Goals Conceded
Scott Parker
Peter Ramage
Steven Taylor
Nicky Butt
Responsible For 1 Goal Conceded
Titus Bramble
Steve Harper
Craig Moore
Nolberto Solano
Shay Given
Loading ...
Not to split hairs but… Why does Titus only have the blame for one goal this season when he was clearly at fault for both against Fulham? Or have I missed something?
Sent in on: December 19th, 2006 at 11:23 pm
To be honest - you could equally blame Roeder for not thinking up a plan to foil Watford’s continued in-yer-face, aggressive corner routine we saw at Vicarage Road.
Sent in on: December 19th, 2006 at 10:42 am
I think these articles have got to the point where you are specifically looking for someone to blame, if someone is to blame and its obvious then fair be it, however youve now blamed given against backburn which was outrageous and now nicky butt, when truth be said it was a great corner, good flick on and in my views a foul on given.
Sent in on: December 19th, 2006 at 3:11 am
No, this isn’t a negative article whatsoever. It’s positive because it allows us to learn our lessons and when we do come to raising critical analysis of the team as supporters we can use tallies like this as reference points and evidence to back up any points we make.
If it wasn’t for world war two, then our medicine and other technological capabilities would be 30 years behind what they are today. And if you can work out what iImean when I say this then you’re a bloody genius because I can’t express it in words.
LONG LIVE THIS ARTICLE AND LONG LIVE THE TOON.
Sent in on: December 18th, 2006 at 11:06 am
I think it’s fair enough keeping a tally, I think our central defence is unjustly malaigned (Bramble in particular), to be fair they’re not great but our full backs are the real weak link and I think the tally to date shows this.
Without the benefit of seeing it on the telly I dont think Given was fouled - the ball was coming towards Bouazza so he had every right to stand his ground, the ball came to him and he scored. I can’t remember how tight Butt was for the flick on but I thought someone should’ve been in front of Bouazza - possibly Milner stepping off the post.
Sent in on: December 18th, 2006 at 10:08 am
All defensive players make mistakes to concede goals, it happens every weekend in the Premiership. I don’t think it’s constructive as a true supporter to keep a tally.
It’s negative and frankly too many NUFC supporters have this view. I don’t think I would see this on a Man U supporters site….
Black and White runs through my veins, let’s keep it positive!!!
Sent in on: December 17th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
I blame the referee for not giving a blatent foul on Given.
Sent in on: December 17th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
Impossible to please everyone.
Tbh.
Sent in on: December 17th, 2006 at 9:11 am