Nothing like leaving it too late
So Newcastle United's first Premiership defeat of 2007 comes at the hands of plucky Fulham and let's be honest you cannot deny the Cottagers didn't deserve it.
Newcastle just never got started against Fulham but the feeling before the game was that United were more than capable of taking at least a point.
Glenn Roeder has put his faith in youngsters during the crippling injury crisis at St James' Park this season and it can be argued that, Birmingham City aside, the kids have shown a bit more fight than some senior players.
To win at Fulham the senior players need to turn on a bit of style and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
That didn't happen at Craven Cottage.
Nicky Butt's back pass was bad enough but the no shows from Damien Duff, Scott Parker and surprisingly James Milner meant that the front two of Oba Martins and Kieron Dyer were denied any service.
That service did eventually come when Nobby Solano came off the bench with four minutes left to clip a simple ball over the top for Martins to fire home - but that arrived in the 93rd minute.
Shortly after the ref blew the whistle just seconds after the re-start.
And if United don't start getting a grip of games early away from home, the whistle will also sound on their chances of a European place.
At least with 12 games left it's a possibility but they need to get on top of the problem before it becomes a distant dream.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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i agree with you lee, we need to get on top of the problem before it is too late. however im not sure glenn roeder is even aware of the problem nevermind how to go about fixing it. i just hope he does'nt start carr again.. if he does then it shows either a lack of ambition or the fact he has'nt got a clue!
wish there was a way we could contribute to running the club or even giving glenn tactical advice... because i think sometimes he needs it!
having said, i really hope he gets it right.
Interesting to hear from those at the game, but in Sky TV it looks like Duff is well past his sell-by date.
I totally agree with your comments. I was not surprised by the result as I thought that the Aston Villa result flattered to decieve.
We've had a number of "no shows" recently, yet arguably our best player over the revival, Solano, sat on the bench.
Carr, who must be the worst right back in the premiership conspired with Duff to allow Fulham free access down our left wing.
Some habitually blame the defense but lack of chances to the strikers and a defense under constant pressure is a true indicator of a none functioning midfield which strangely coincides with the return of Duff.
Didnt watch Saturdays game, Id seen enough against Villa. You cant blame the lads too much, its not as if there on good money !
Liverpool this Saturday, hope we turn up or the Mousers will murder us in Jersey.
Struggling for players for ages, one in, when the transfer window was open, well done NUFC.