review of Carling Cup match v Coventry City

By: j | August 26th, 2008

The Magpie’s crept out of Ricoh Arena with a 3-2 victory in extra-time over an inspired Coventry City. The home squad played brilliantly and if it wasn’t for a highly questionable goal by Michael Owen, this match could have easily went to penalties.

Newcastle took the lead off a own goal at the twenty-first minute created by a great run down the left channel by James Milner, when his pass to Charles N’Zogbia was mis-directed into the net. The U-21 England International doubled the margin seven minutes before the half and it looked as if the match was going to end unceremoniously. Chris Coleman’s squad had a different idea in mind and fought back with Clinton Morrison’s goal before the break.

The second half was solid match-up with action on either end, however none finding the net. Deep into added time, some might argue a bit too far, Aron Gunnarsson’s stunning throw-in was headed into the back of the net by Scott Dann to level the score once again. The nineteen year-old Icelandic internationals ability to launch throw-in to the far post on a straight-line is simply remarkable as he demonstrated pinpoint accuracy with velocity.

Coventry came out in extra-time and looked like they were ready to scalp Newcastle. The at the ninety-seventh minute José Enrique, after clearly mugging a Coventry attacker at the midfield (lets be honest, it was a mugging and Coventry players were standing waiting for the obvious call), launched a brilliant pass to Michael Owen, who had entered the match fifteen minutes before the end of regular time and dispatched it to the back of the net.

It was a good match to get through and shouldn’t be over-analyzed as most will. Keven Keegan used the match to incorporate players who don’t get enough playing time, such as Sébastien Bassong, Geremi and José Enrique as well as using Jonás Gutiérrez out of position, as a striker.

With that behind Newcastle, Arsenal looms on the horizon and its time to get ready.