Return of Michael Owen: Newcastle Turning a Corner

Newcastle United were outstanding on Sunday as they demolished Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at White Hart Lane.

In what was a breath of fresh air, Newcastle dominated from start to finish, even despite the customary defensive slip up, of going 1-0 down.

This was not the Newcastle of previous weeks and months who would roll over—they refused to be rattled by Spurs' opening goal.

What followed was Newcastle United (and a Kevin Keegan side) at their very best. The Magpies fired four unanswered goals past the home side, to record an unbelievable 4-1 win in the capital.

Nicky Butt, Geremi, Michael Owen, and Obafemi Martins got the goals that cancelled out Darren Bent’s (who also impressed) opener.

I must say I’m delighted for manager Kevin Keegan who has worked his socks off since returning to the Geordie club with little success. The Toon are now safe in the knowledge they shall remain an EPL side and can build towards next season.

Owen’s third goal in three games coincides with seven points from nine for the revitalized Newcastle United. The England star has responded to his critics and with some encouragement from Keegan, is leading a spirited Magpie revival.

The return of Mark Viduka and the Nigerian Martins in a three-pronged attack is doing the business for Keegan, who has finally worked out that his strengths lie in attack.

Keegan has recently called for a return of Owen to the England starting 11. On this form, and after watching him on the weekend, I’d have to agree!

It was actually a great weekend for England’s striking hopefuls. Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney got doubles with Darren Bent, and of course Owen also got on the score sheet.

Fabio Capello will have plenty of thinking to do before his next England squad is announced, and a start for Owen is definitely not assured.

But England’s attack has hit form!