With only 4 games left in the season, Newcastle United are feeling the pressure of the relegation zone and a season in the Championship. Alan Shearer took the reigns on Tyneside less than 3 weeks ago, with the task of saving the Toon army from relegation. But thins have not got any better since his arrival, with a record of 2 draws and a loss, 2 points from a possible 9. One of those draws occured last night in a pretty boring 0-0 home draw with Portsmouth. Shearer had started with a very attacking team that included Owen, Viduka, Martins, Smith and Duff. But even with so many attacking players on the field, Newcastle really struggled to create any chances. The miss of the match went to Michael Owen in the 63rd minute. Chances were at a premium for the Magpies striker, but when the time came the former Liverpool marksman fluffed his lines. It was Viduka who managed to squeeze the ball through the Portsmouth defence, despite having been wrestled to the ground, to leave Owen with just the keeper to beat, but James blocked with his legs to leave Shearer with his head in his hands.
It does not get any easier for Newcastle in the remaining 4 games. They will need at least 7 points to have any chance of survival. First up is a trip to title contendors Liverpool, followed by home games with fellow strugglers and Neighbors Middlesborough, and a home game with Fulham. They then finish the season away to Aston Villa. My verdict: loss to Liverpool, win over Middlesborough, draw with Fulham, draw with Villa. What does that mean? Championship status for Newcastle next season.
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