Newcastle suffer painful loss to Man City

By: j | January 28th, 2009

Newcastle’s visit to Eastlands ended with not only a difficult 2-1 loss to Manchester City that casts the Magpies closer to the drop zone but doubly complicated with injuries to Michael Owen and Joey Barton. Heading into the twenty-four match of the campaign, Newcastle sits in sixteenth position only two points above Middlesbrough, Stoke City and West Brom all tied in the relegation zone.

With Man City desperate to earn three points in front of their home supporters, the challenge ahead for Joe Kinnear was going to be a hearty one. Couple in the complex injury situation, the handwriting was on the wall that to come out with points, the Magpies would need a strong effort with granite solid defending. Troubled Man City star, Robinho came out with a attacking flourish and seventeen minutes in he provided Shaun Wright-Phillips the opportunity for the go ahead goal and the Three Lions neatly tucked the ball past Steve Harper. From their the wheels fell off Newcastle’s chance as Michael Owen left with an injury two minutes later. Attacking chances waned in the cold evening air as the match evolved into a box to box encounter and the second mark on a miserable evening occurred past the hour mark when Joey Barton was injured, forcing Peter Lövenkrands into the match. Craig Hughes newest addition, Craig Bellamy added the second goal of the match with thirteen minutes remaining as Pablo Zabaleta provided the Welshman the ball for a perfect turn and finish. Newcastle’s young guns fought back and with pride brought the match to within one as David Edgar dispossessed Wayne Bridge and provided Andy Carroll for a close range goal. However Newcastle couldn’t muster another challenge and fell 2-1.

The true loss to the match was revealed after as Michael Owen and Joey Barton broke bones in the ankle and foot respectively. Unfortunately Newcastle’s relegation fight will be without them for considerable time as Michael Owen will be lost for six to eight weeks with Joey Barton gone for upwards of ten. Given Shay Given sat out with a knee injury, his heavily rumoured transfer to Man City is a likely a necessity now to fund necessary purchases.