3. Sharing The Scoring Load Gives Dividends For Newcastle
Loic Remy looks a steal for Newcastle, but he didn't take his chances on Saturday and such profligacy left his manager exasperated. In Alan Pardew's defence, he had every reason to be, as both opportunities were gilt-edged and to borrow a cliché seemingly had goal written all over them. His first miss might have been understandable despite being faced with an open goal, Saints defenders were camped all over the goal-line. Yet his second miss was more frustrating, not taking advantage of Paulo Gazzaniga's mis-hit clearance with the keeper frantically backpedalling and where other strikers may pounce, Remy could only balloon the ball over the bar. In truth, it's something a trifling concern when confronted with Remy's overall form. The Frenchman's eight goals since arriving from QPR have gone some way to making sure Newcastle remain in their lofty position, and when combined with Yoan Gouffran's sudden up-turn in form Saturday was his fourth home goal on the trot means that even when his compatriot does have a rare off day, the Magpies now seem able to pick up the slack. If they can only get Papiss Cisse to look a shadow of the player who arrived from Freiburg two years ago, more defences will be facing nightmares at St. James' Park.
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
