My fault we lost, says skipper Owen

Mar 3 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

MICHAEL Owen shouldered the blame after seeing Newcastle United move three points closer to the relegation zone, but claimed he was more optimistic about his club’s chances of avoiding relegation after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

The Magpies captain missed the target one-on-one with Brad Friedel in the first half and directed a more difficult volley at the goalkeeper, who also made two good saves from him. But despite telling team-mates afterwards he should have scored, he took encouragement from the number of chances created.

“I was probably more worried about the situation after the Manchester United match (when Newcastle lost 5-1 the previous Saturday),” said Owen. “That might sound stupid because we are three points nearer the relegation zone. I am honest when I say that because we had not looked like scoring for a while. On Saturday we looked strong at the back and were creating chances, so there is optimism.”

With Reading winning at Middlesbrough, the defeat for Kevin Keegan’s side narrowed the gap to the relegation zone to an uncomfortable three points. “I have probably been the reason why we did not pick up three points,” Owen said. “In the last couple of games, I’ve probably had one chance. I scored against Boro and Aston Villa, but I had five chances in this game yet didn’t score any.

“The first thing I did when I went in the changing rooms is say that, and hold my hands up. The lads played well. The defence have come in for criticism but they held out for almost 90 minutes. There was one lapse at the end, but I should have put it far beyond Blackburn before that.”

He vowed not to let his disappointment affect him, though.

“I am used to handling pressure I suppose, having played at the top level for quite a while,” said the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward.

“The missed chances were nothing to do with any pressure. Some of the chances I had, I would do the same again, but Brad Friedel did make a couple of very good saves.

“The one thing you get from me is I will never bottle it or shy away. I will get my scoring boots back on.”