Wow. That's definitely what Newcastle needed. Coming into their heated rivalry game against Sunderland on the heels of a 0-4 Carling Cup loss at the hands of Arsenal (double body parts reference), the Magpies needed something big to help turn things around. They certainly got it. Captain Kevin Nolan earned the first hat trick in the derby since 1985, Shola Ameobi added two of his own, and Manager Chris Hughton solidified his case for getting a long term deal as our humble and successful leader.
Sunderland came into the game riding a 7 game unbeaten streak in EPL play, and hadn't lost to Newcastle at the SJP in four tests. The Black Cats had also only allowed 7 goals in their 9 EPL contests so far this season. Boy, was that all about to change. The Mags controlled the match early on, and were rewarded about 24 minutes in. After Carroll and Barton sent in solid chances that were stopped, and 'Castle earned a corner. Joey B sent the corner into the box, it was headed down by Mike Williamson, and Nolan was able to pull off a thrilling acrobatic kick to send us ahead by a goal. The crowd went crazy, but they had no idea what else was to come. Eight minutes later, we were on fire again. Andy Carroll kind of botched a volley, but somehow the ball fell to a completely unmarked Nolan. Our Captain pulled off a little dribble before slipping the ball into the net. Sunderland subbed in their superstar transfer Ahmed Elmohamady and changed to a 4-4-2 formation, but Newcastle would show before the break that the change would be of no avail. In first half injury time, Jonas Gutierrez was challenged stupidly in the box, and 'Castle was awarded a penalty. My boy Shola Ameobi stepped up and buried the ball to make it 3-0 heading into the break. Beautiful.
In the 53rd, it would get even better. Andy Carroll raced in on goal only to be brought down by overmatched former Magpie defender Titus Bramble, who didn't know what else to do. The reckless challenge forced the ref to bring out the red, and the long day got even longer for our hated rivals. Tim Krül finally got in on the action in the 65th, having to turn away a scoring chance, but that didn't mean it was tilting for the bad guys. With 20 minutes on the clock, Andy Carroll sent a solid ball in that banged off the crossbar, came right to the feet of Ameobi, and got smashed into the net for #4. When things are going well, they are going really well. 5 minutes later, Shola would set up a nifty goal for Kevin Nolan to complete the hat trick and get the lead to 5 goals. Sunderland scored a goal late to make it the 5-1 final, but most of their fans had already left by that point, and no one was cheering the worthless netter.
The win not only bolts Newcastle to a little more EPL respect, but should do well to help Chris Hughton stick around. While oddsmakers have had him as the most likely EPL coach to be let go first this season, the players and fans are standing behind him, and I couldn't agree more. He brought this team from the depths of the ECL to bring us back up to the top flight and he has continued with an above average season (for us) up here this year. Do the right thing, 'Castle. Re-sign Hughton.
Without scoring a goal, Andy Carroll may not get any love for his performance in the derby game. However, #9 was all over the pitch, causing problems for Sunderland and setting up tons of chances for his Toon teammates. He, at least, deserves some mention as the most underrated player out there after the 90 against the Black Cats. He's done well to bounce back from all his off the pitch problems.
The big win has vaulted Newcastle all the way to 7th in the EPL with their 4-4-2 record (14 points, +5 GD). The possibility exists that a win this weekend could jump the Toon all the way up to 4th in a tie with Manchester City (which, even though I know it's early, would be a Champions League Qualifying spot...I can dream, right?). Sadly, a win this weekend may be very hard to come by. On Sunday, we're playing away to the Gunners. After getting kind of embarrassed last week against Arsenal, Newcastle will be looking for revenge, but it won't be easy. #2 Arsenal are 6-2-2 this season with a +12 goal differential, and they aren't really messing around. While a win would probably equal our shocking Carling Cup win over Chelsea earlier this year, it would be even more important because it's league play. Arsenal fans call themselves "The Gooners," and hopefully "The Tooners" can best them in their support and cheer the Magpies onto victory.
Let's repeal the Gunners' second amendment rights! I don't know, it was funny to me because they aren't Americans.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
0 comments:
Post a Comment