Habib Beye Watch at Stoke

Habib Beye was deployed in a back three role with Edgar and Bassong designed, to stifle Stokes two big men in attack. Given a lack of cover in the full back positions, it was about all Shearer could do to a) stem the threat of Stoke and b) maintain a bit of balance to the side. Duff and R.Taylor did ok in their wing-back roles but it didn't stop Stoke having most of the game.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was widely quoted after the match saying that this was one of Stoke's best performances of the season. If that is the case then I don't feel so bad as a NUFC season ticket holder as watching Stoke week in week out must be hard. Even if they do stay in the league at our expense, I'd rather go down in a pantomime farce than watch their brand of football.

Newcastle were again below par, the Shearer factor failing to produce the performance that tells fans we have a chance of staying up. A defeat or a draw was unthinkable before the game but most Magpies will have been satisfied with a draw at the final whistle. It keeps us just in touch with the 5 clubs above us.

Shearer showed the first tangible signs that could make a good manager. Firstly by dropping Colo who has shown worrying inconsistency and that clanger against Chelsea. Secondly, by attempting to keep a shape without putting square pegs in round wholes and finally with the introduction of Big Andy and Jonas, just as we needed some inspiration in attack.

Habib Beye played the whole game in his usual solid style. We can't remember a bad game from the Sengalese defender who surely would have helped us avoid the relegation dog fight had he been fit all season. We have similar thoughts about Michael Owen but we need him to fire sooner rather than later to ensure we don't have twitchy bum squeaks away at Villa on the last day of the season. 3 home wins would take us to the last day scenario, adding an away win at Spurs could take us away from all this and let us enjoy the summer rumour mill with Totti et al surely bound for the San James' Stadium.

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