I don’t agree with Nicky Butt’s post-match comments about Newcastle being in control of Saturday’s game against Stoke at all.
I think, particularly first half, Stoke had all the chances. Newcastle started well enough but then Stoke grew into it and they bombarded Newcastle.
With all those crosses, throw-ins and corners going into the box, Stoke definitely looked like they had the greater possession - the greater threat.
OK they got a controversial goal from the corner...it should never have been a corner. Habib Beye gets the tackle in, the ball bounces up off the guy’s knee, it’s not a corner. BUT, the referee didn’t see it and in these situations the one thing you do is pick up your man and make sure your man does not score.
Shola [Ameobi] gets attracted to the ball and the ball’s in the back of the net. That’s disappointing, if your opponent scores a good goal...you can accept it. But to give Stoke a free header – Alan Shearer will be doing his nut.
After that goal, it was total domination from Stoke for a large period. Newcastle may have had plenty of ball at the back, but they never even looked like hurting Stoke until Andy Carroll’s late introduction.
What a header by Carroll though. He shows great fight because he actually gets impeded in the initial challenge, but the ball goes wide and he’s straight up on his toes again.
For me, that was one of the headers of the season. He has to put all the power on that, and the timing of that goal was so crucial for Newcastle because they were losing hope.
For large chunks Newcastle had no quality. It was long hopeful balls forward, Michael Owen couldn’t get a kick, no quality whatsoever. But then Duff came into it late on, Gutierrez provided some width and energy, and when you’ve got somebody like Andy Carroll in the box there are goals to be scored.
You can tell that Shearer is frustrated that he can’t do more, that he can’t get out there himself. But this point could do wonders for confidence today.
Now Newcastle play Tottenham in their next game. I was always a Spurs fan as a boy but obviously I had great times at St James’ Park. I’ve always said if there’s one team that has to beat Spurs then I want it to be Newcastle – but circumstances are slightly different now that I’m coaching at White Hart Lane!