‘Quickly!’ on today’s showing. One couldn’t help feel that despite Martins presence up front, our defence looked all the worse for our ineptitude in the final third. When was the last time we looked genuinely convincing going forward? I’d surmise it was the same time that our defence looked confident.

The noble and stalwart Martins absolutely refused to break tradition against Aston Villa, verily honouring the customary, traditional and nigh on mandatory protracted injury that is required of every Newcastle striker worth his sack of coals. Jest if you please, especially with morale needing seriously up-lifting just two games in, but the whole team is desperately missing Wor Shola.

To business:

Rule 1: Each goal shall be considered on their own merit.

Game 2: Aston Villa (a)
Goal 2: Luke Moore (Aston Villa)
Blame: Scott Parker

Reason: Seemingly having reverted to his propensity to slide around on his backside, Parker first petulantly gave away a freekick, then watched the ball bobble straight over his foot in one of the lamest efforts to dispossess Luke Moore, that he will ever encounter. This, of course, gave Moore the opportunity to pick his spot.

Game 2: Aston Villa (a)
Goal 3: Juan Pablo Angel (Aston Villa)
Blame: Celestine Babayaro

Reason: Having been repeatedly embarrassed, Celestine Babayaro meandered further and further away from his tormentor Gabriel Agbonlahor, who galloped and cut across the right flank virtually unopposed to leave Bramble marking both Agbonlahor, himself, and the eventual goalscorer, Juan Pablo Angel.

BLAME COUNT - Season 06/07

Responsible for 1 Conceded Goal
Stephen Carr
Scott Parker
Celestine Babayaro