Well, for a "seven goal thriller" that was a bad game. I will quote it in years to come to illustrate the point that lots of goals don't mean good football. The first half was very poor, with neither side doing much going forward. Our best chance was a shot by Bowyer that was blocked by a defender. In the second half, things went crazy. Robert scored with a long-range free kick. This time he deployed a new technique, falling onto his backside as he kicked the ball. [1-0] Carr burst through and was brought down by James for a penalty; Shearer scored. [2-0] Wright-Phillips skinned Elliott and shot under Given. [2-1] Butt brought down Fowler; Fowler scored from the penalty. [2-2] Robert put a free kick into the goalmouth. The ball seemed to hit everyone, then was prodded over the line by Elliott. [3-2] Distin put a long throw into our goalmouth. Our defenders got to it first but just laid the ball off to Wright-Phillips, who belted the ball low past Given. [3-3] Finally, Bernard played in a left-wing cross and Bellamy hit an angled volley home. [4-3] Phew! It was certainly exciting, but there was very little good football played.
The match wasn't on tv over here, so I can't comment on the quality of it. I can, however, say that I am quite pleased with getting another win, and continuing our current unbeaten run.
I've now seen the goals on TV and the third was even messier than I thought. (My seat is closer to the Leazes end, which Newcastle attacked in the first half.) Elliott flicked Robert's free kick on; it hit the post, then several other players before trickling over the line. I am surprised Shearer hasn't claimed it, as he was in the thick of things in the goalmouth. And yes, a win is a win, but we will have to play much better than this in future.
I agree totally. 3 points are 3 points, and I'm very pleased by our new fighting spirit. However, the thought of playing any of the top 3 teams still terrifies me-- if we can't get past Man City without giving up 3 goals, what's going to happen when we face Arsenal?
If we get Mike Riley, the same ref for the ManU-Arse match, we'll win! Agreed with your concern, but then again, maybe it was one of those crazy days in football against ManCity. Still from Wide Boy's report, it sounds like we need to play more convincingly.
That was the best Atmosphere at St James Park i have witnessed in a long time. If we can play like that every week, that would be class. I like attacking, exciting football, none of this playing for a Draw. Under Keegan it was a joy to watch NUFC. Lets hope Souness can get the lads back on track.
It doesent make a difference if Riley's the Ref, there all biased at Old Trafford. And he has give some dodgy desicions aginst us. Wide Boy's report is crap, i was there at St James and it was class. Taxi for Wide Boy. Tim Lovejoy. Back of the net. 1 - 0.
I cant wait to come up against Man Utd on Sunday. There not the same team that dominated the 90's. We always raise our game against top opposition. Take Inter Milan in the San Siro. Me and a mate travelled over to Italy, and we were unlucky not to have won that match. Inter Milan are Excellent. Haway the lads.