#9's fourth goal in two games was a big one, as it cancelled out the Wolve's opening tally, and Newcastle finished an intense battle with a 1-1 draw on the road. It was pretty exciting to see the traveling Toon Army going nuts just off center behind the goal when Carroll scored, and even better to see him hop the fence to celebrate with them. All in all, it was a solid effort, a solid point earned, and a continued solid campaign since the season opening Man U loss.
The Magpies jogged onto the pitch in their all white kits, looking fresh, clean, and ready to battle the Goldies. Wayne Routledge was a force to be reckoned with as the test got off, crossing a ball for Carroll in the 5th that just failed to work out, and then trying to set up another one to the middle in the 6th. 6 minutes later, it looked as though Andy Carroll was ready to throw down after a high challenge. The ref stepped in to break it up, which is alright, I guess, but AC would have effed that Wolfie up! At this point, the game started to heat up. Steve Harper seemed to collide with his own post, knocking him down, but he would man up and stay strong. Soon, it was the bad guys going at us, not just the wood work. Gutierrez got horribly challenged in the 36th by Jelle Van Damme (insert Jean Claude joke here), and after the booking, Newcastle was off and running again. However, a chance for Carroll in the 40th would lead to a counter attack, and the game's opening goal for the Wolves. The long goal kick was picked up down the field, and the ball was crossed in. The Wolves player and 'Castle defender went up for the header, and neither won. The Wolves player pushed Newcastle's man away while in the air, though, leaving him all alone with the unclaimed ball, and he bashed it home for the lead. Perch was the Magpie pushed away, and while I would have said "play on" if we did it, I kind of wanted a whistle when they did it. But, what are you going to do? We were down 0-1 after 45.
The first 20 or so minutes of the second half featured hard ill-timed challenges for both squads, and finally, Newcastle got a free kick they could do something with. Joey Barton (sans mustache, by the way) sent in a perfect free kick that Andy Carroll got up for easily, being he's a giant compared to the defenders. #9's header bounced off the post and into the net, putting us even with the home side. It was so awesome to see the visiting fans right there near the goal going insane. That is what this squad is all about. Big ups, Carroll, my boy! The rain started coming down in the 70th, Ameobi subbed in for Carroll in the 85th (quickly getting a chance on goal), and in all 11 players were booked in a battle of a match, but when the final whistle blew after 90+ it was a 1-1 draw.
It was a hard fought battle, and one we should be okay with drawing. The lineup may not have exploded for 6 goals again, but they were still pretty darn good:
GK: Harper- Stevie was solid in goal, even after almost having to go off for injury. The only goal he allowed was one he couldn't have stopped, because of the delay after the header attempt. Good effort.
D: Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, and Enrique- Perch gets some crap from me for letting that Wolfie fecker push him away from the challenge on the first half goal. Other than that, I think is worth noting that Williamson continues to impress.
M: Routledge, Smith, Barton, and Gutierrez- I'll give my most amazing love to Wayne's World. Routs was all over the pitch, especially early. Barton was perfect on the free kick to Carroll for the Newcastle goal, and Jonas continues to surprise me with his speed. I must again say, however, that I hate having Alan Smith starting. I'd much rather have Løvie or Vuckic playing back at middie.
F: Nolan and Carroll- Just when you think you've seen the best that Andy Carroll can offer, he continues to pour it on. #9 is legit, and the national team had better recognize. Nolan was up in the mess enough to avoid getting his second "ghost award" of the year.
Subs used: Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, and Shola Shola Shola: Of course I love me some Ameobi, but I was also pumped that the young Ranger was out there. Good stuff.
Are we showing that we belong with the big boys yet? At 1-1-1 (4 points, +3 GD), the Magpies are quietly an early success at the #8 spot in the table. Don't look now, but we're better than the likes of Man City, Everton, Liverpool, Fulham, and more! I know it's a long season, but I'm excited. We get a little break from European soccer this weekend to give way to some International action (Ireland should beat Armenia and Andorra, right?). Our beloved Magpies aren't back in action until Saturday 9/11 against Blackpool. 'Pool are also 1-1-1 after three games, but have a -2 goal differential. Most recently, the drew at deuces with Fulham over last weekend. Blackpool is a team that goes by the motto, "It's not orange, it's tangerine," and hopefully are ready to chant, "It's not 3 points, it's zero," when they play 'Castle in a couple of weeks.
Who knows? Maybe we'll even get to see new acquisition Hatem Ben Afra finally take the pitch for the Mags (as a sub, I gather). I just hope he's not as much of a bitch as he seems to be.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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