Toon Goin’ Up
8 October 2007
Newcastle United 3 Everton 2
When I looked at the team sheets and saw the two central midfielders for Newcastle were Butt and Geremi and for Everton, Carsley and Neville, defensive-minded one and all, straight away I thought it was all going to be so negative. To my pleasant surprise it turned into a fairly open game with chances either end and five goals into the bargain. Nobody could put the finishing touches to the aforementioned chances with Martins missing the best of all when he was put through on Howard but scuffed his shot wide. With only three minutes to go till the break, it was left to Nicky Butt to show some real class in controlling an awkwardly bouncing ball and swerve it neatly round the helpless Howard.
Everton brought on Andy Johnson and, although he is not having the best of seasons so far, he certainly livened things up and made the Toon defence think.
It was he who equalised when Baines--looks a good buy-- made a great run to the line before crossing to the inrushing Johnson who got there first to net.
The game died a bit then with both teams huffing and puffing but not causing any real danger; a definite 1-1 looming. Shows you how much I know!
Because Emre came off the sub's bench and immediately got involved, wanting the ball and having the talent to use it. He picked up the ball some 20 yards out and rifled it home. Match over? No, not quite.
Michael Owen had also been introduced and made a few good runs before Emre slung in a beautiful cross and it was the natural instincts of Owen which got him n the end of it and, even though it appeared to come off his shoulder, it crashed in off the bar. Definitely match over? Again, not quite!
The talented Arteta crossed from the left and a Smith deflection took it high in the air over Given's head and, in his attempts to clear, the ball sneaked in off his hand; the verdict--own goal.
The final whistle thankfully blew and another three home points keep us within touching distance of the big boys.
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