Indefensible

An emphatic 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Liverpool gave notice that the brief revival which followed the dismissal of Graeme Souness has ground to a halt. Newcastle are back in losing mode, Freddy Shepherd’s face has turned to thunder again and caretaker manager Glenn Roeder, already touted by the knee-jerk brigade as the ‘right man for the job’, has the pained expression of a man battling grimly for the world lemon sucking record.

Newcastle’s deficiencies were painfully exposed by Liverpool’s professionalism. The visitors pressed hard defensively and moved both the ball and themselves quickly when they gained possession – qualities that seemed beyond the home side, to the obvious frustration of a loyal and longsuffering crowd.

So it was no surprise when the lanky Peter Crouch, who is not noted for explosive pace, was allowed to drift between Ramage and Boumsong to head home Kromkamp’s cross. No surprise when Cisse’s cross was cushioned delicately by Gerrard, who took Crouch’s return and carefully slotted a crisp drive into the corner of the net. And above all, no surprise when Boumsong’s flailing attempt at a clearance was no more than a comic prelude to an unsubtle and inelegant parody of a rugby tackle on Crouch – an event which gave Mike Riley, referees’ ultimate Mr Fussy, the excitement of awarding a penalty and dispensing another in his unrivalled series of red cards.

It has to be acknowledged that Newcastle United remain a side who can shoot themselves in the foot far better than they can defend, and the element of farce in their football makes coming to St James Park a job for a masochist.

Unless of course you’re there to support the opposition.