The game started with the ball going from one end right no the other and so on and so forth. Both teams had no control and possession swung wildly from side to side.  But eventually, The Magpies gained some composure and took control a little by a little until they were dominating Reading. Obafemi Martins scored the first goal by capitalising off a mistake by the Reading defence and eventually slotting the ball past a charging Marcus Hahnemann. Two minutes before the half, Habib Beye Passed the ball into the Reading Penalty box, and Michael Owen converted, making it 2-0 for Newcastle. The second half didn’t bring much change, Newcastle continued to dominate and Mark Viduka sealed the deal in the 58th minute, finishing a play that saw Beye once again assist on a goal. The score could have been much higher though. Michael Owen was denied an obvious Penalty shot after being wrestled down in the box and Joey Barton’s rocket of a shot just missed the net in the closing moments of the game.

Newcastle will carry the momentum from their two game win streak and pull off another win over Reading and secure their position in the Premier League.  

Daren Bent opened up the scoring for Tottenham in the 26th minute, heading the ball past Steve Harper. This was preceded by some very strong play by Newcastle, something that has been missing as of late. Nicky Butt equalised for Newcastle right before the half and Geremi put them up 2-1 after scoring from a free kick, off a foul by Jonathan Woodgate. Michael Owen scored his third goal in as many games in the 65th minute, off a nice flick by Viduka and Obafemi Martins scored Newcastle’s fourth goal late in the match.

This leaves Newcastle in 12th place with 35 points and Tottenham in 11th place with 39 points.

Newcastle looks to make it two in a row tommorow as they travel to London to play Tottenham.  Tottenham have won their last eight matches at home while Newcastle have had a horrible away record as of late. But, Newcastle has won the last four meetings between the sides and have gotten back on track after their 2-0 win against Fulham last week. It’ll be interesting to see how this match plays out. Personally, I think Newcastle will ride the momentum from last weeks win and play a strong game against Tottenham.

Newcastle will be without  Claudio Cacapa (groin), James Milner (ankle) Emre (calf) and ’keeper Shay Given (hamstring) but could possibly have the services of defender Stephen Carr once again as he looks to shake off  an injury.

My prediction: Newcastle will squeeze out a win in a tough fought match with Michael Owen scoring once again.                                                  

 

Apparently Obafemi Martins is considering Leaving Newcastle in the summer. He has stated his displeasure in the amount of playing time he has been receiving under Kevin Keegan and would like to move on, in hopes of playing regularly.

Personally, I say let him go, but only if you get something good in return. A lot of cash or a good player and some cash would be a good deal. I really don’t see why Obafemi is complaining, he’s getting enough playing time. In fact, he’s getting more time then he deserves. A manager is only going to constantly play you if you’re actually contributing and performing well. Martins isn’t contributing and performing well and this is why Keegan is playing him less. As a professional used to playing for big teams I’d think he should know that your only going to get a ton of minutes if your contributing reguraily and if you’re not then don’t complain. Prove to the manager that you should be getting more time. When your out there, score some goals, create some plays. Do something otherwise your just a waste of a spot on the field.

Also, I didn’t expect Martins to be voicing any displeasure. He has previously stated that he’s happy under Keegan and that he is going to try to use the new manager coming in as a fresh start. Who knows, maybe what he said was taken out of context and twisted into this. All I know is that maybe we should be getting rid of him this summer.

Martins hasn’t been very consistent at Newcastle with his only scoring frenzy coming late last season. This season, he hasn’t proven much either and I say that maybe we should let him go. Preferably, he gets his act together and we keep him. That’s the more desired option. But, if he doesn’t then maybe we should sell him. I’m pretty sure Keegan’s thought of this too. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

EDIT: Aprrently he’s now commited to Newcastle  http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_3355022,00.html

During Newcastle’s last game, Michael Owen scored. This has not been a common occurrence as of late, with Michael finally doing what he’s supposed to do - score goals. Its not his fault that he hasn’t really been living up to the expectations that we have all set upon him as he has been injured often since he came to Newcastle. But, if you look at his stats when he’s been healthy, you would see that they are pretty good.

It takes a good two years or so to recover from a knee injury like the one that he had and only now has it been close to two years. so, for all those who said that Michael Owen will never be the player he once was, I’m sorry to say but your wrong. By next season, you’ll see the Michael Owen of the past, scoring goals like there is no tomorrow and carving up opposing team’s defences. you can even see this now. His predatory instincts are returning and he’s scoring goals again. This is especially good news for him because once again, it shows that he’s back, mentally and physically. Its also good for Newcastle United, as they fight to avoid relegation.

Also, his leadership on and off the field has been impeccable and he has shown that Kevin Keegan didn’t make a mistake when he gave him the captain’s armband. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks this way. After Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Fulham, Keegan had some special praise for Owen, saying “I think the players now realise what it takes to get out of the bottom and they have been led by Michael Owen who has been absolutely superb not just for his goals, but also his leadership on the field.”, “He has worked, foraged, played in a couple of different positions against different teams, but he has never questioned anything - he is a great team player.”

Also, Michael has been included in the England squad for their upcoming game. He is the only Newcastle player that Fabio Capello has chosen for this friendly against France

 

Kevin Keegan got his first win since joining the magpies again and Newcastle got its first win since December. Mark Viduka opened up the scoring in the sixth minute and Michael Owen added the insurance marker with seven minutes left in the game. This win is great for Newcastle because it furthers them from the relegation zone and they beat one of the teams that are challenging Newcastle for one of the last safe spots in the premier league standings. This win leaves Newcastle with 32 points and Fulham with 23 points.

here are some links, just in case you’d like to know more about the Magpies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcastle_United_F.C.

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Home/0,,10278,00.html