Habib Beye Watch v Wigan

Post match drinks confirmed that there are no mixed moods amongst Newcastle fans. Titus Bramble, once public enemy number one at St James' Park, returned to rub salt in the open wounds of a worsening defence.

A comment placed on our pre-match build up suggests that Habib's decision to head the ball out for a corner lead directly to Bramble's goal. This is the sort of nonsense which undermines player's confidence and ironically the sort of attention which Bramble used to receive even after having a decent game. Beye snuffed out the immediate danger at the near post and perhaps should have listened to his goal keeper. It isn't clear how commanding Given was but one thing is sure... This decision didn't cost us the game.

The previous 80 odd minutes did little to inspire confidence in a team which failed to live with Wigan's passing and time-wasting efforts. Two good goals from Owen and Martins could have secured and undeserved 3 points but ultimately Wigan got something from the game, no less than they deserved.

JFK's powers to motivate a team at half time appear to be without question. If only Joe could motivate the team before the kick-off then perhaps we wouldn't need the hairdrier on at full blast with tea cups being thrown. The first half saw Barton withdrawn with an injury and our team failing to live with an athletic passing side. Again our midfield lacked penetration but this game saw us also lacking physically.

The fix? Buggered if we know, but oh how we need leadership, top to bottom. January will reveal the extent of the damage.