Super Viduka still the wizard of Oz
May 12 2009 By Mark Douglas, The Journal
Newcastle’s line-up was testament to their recent philosophy of trying to import expensive, ready made stars – with Michael Owen, Kevin Nolan, Nicky Butt and Viduka leading their charge.
Their experience hasn’t counted for much in recent weeks but there was no denying that it did tip the balance in their favour on a frenetic, blockbusting night for North East football.
Boro earned an early break thanks to Habib Beye’s error, but the wise heads of Tyneside were immune to panic, steadied the ship and began to dominate. Nicky Butt was brave, Habib Beye immense and Damien Duff snuffed out Stewart Downing, who looked worryingly lost on the big stage.
Similarly Kevin Nolan, in his best game in black-and-white, summoned up the conviction and drive to dictate matters in midfield.
For Boro the painfully raw Mohamed Shawky, the Egyptian who not too long ago registered his discontent at not getting a game under Southgate, posted a less than convincing case for further inclusion in the team. It was a similar story all over the pitch: Boro’s fearlessness getting them into good positions but their players then failing to pull the trigger.
While Boro supporters might not appreciate the sentiment, a bigger victory was won by North East football last night. Because while they may have spent the best part of the year in apparently terminal decline, the two sick men of the region produced a brilliant night of passionate, determined football. Perhaps if Newcastle had shown an ounce of the determination, endeavour and passion that pushed them over the line last night, it might never have come to this nervy ending.
Similarly Middlesbrough, broken- hearted and Championship-bound after their first defeat against their Tyneside rivals for four years, would have been in a far more secure position had they consistently replicated the bravery and invention that was on show last night.
And maybe, United fans will reflect this morning, they would never have been in this position if Alan Shearer and Mike Ashley hadn’t taken so long to broker a peace.
Now Shearer’s next job is to ensure the energy and brilliance of this evening is not allowed to drop for the visit of Fulham. On the evidence so far, we can assume he won’t.
