Habib Beye Watch - Blackburn

It's taken so long to get round to writing this. The pain of this performance and defeat have been too much to give a balanced view but here goes....

Another shuffle of the pack saw Damien Duff and Xisco back in the side and whilst one prospered, Xisco again failed to show any of the attributes we are looking for. A listless first half at least saw defenders play in defence and a better balance to the side over recent games. That balance was not enough to avoid leaking two identikit headed goals which despite Blackburn's aerial power, should have been avoided.

Taylor looked shakey at right back for 20 mins and Chris Hughton must have been wishing that he had Beye in the 11. Despite the shakey start, honours were even in a dull first half that apart from the goals, did little to seperate the sides. The second half started brightly, presumably as a result of JFK's rocket at half time. At least he got a response! But despite an improved performance and much bluster, there was nothing of real substance to frighten Blackburn. Owen aside the team looked tired and drained of confidence. The new interim caretaker manager might think that Duff is the key, but if the Irish international keeps bottling out of every challenge we might continue to lose possession in the midfield resulting in our patchwork defence getting over exposed.

All in all, chilling stuff. Six televised games to come will show the nation what is going on at St James' Park. We only hope the returning Enrique and Guthrie can help steady the ship.