There is something which I cannot comprehend.
And it is the fact that Big Sam cannot stomach playing Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen upfront together.
With Mark Viduka injured, Allardyce chose instead to go with Ameobi and Owen upfront, rather than attempt an adventurous pacey strike partnership. And he appears to have paid the price.
For all his passion and potential, Ameobi will just never cut it at the highest level. His personal battle with Davis tonight appears to have been a mismatch, despite the latter being part of a defence beaten six times by Liverpool. Not only did he fail to get the better of Davis, he managed to 'thwart' several promising moves by either being in an offside position or fouling his man in the buildup.
- B/R Ticket Guide
But let's not heap all the blame on Ameobi. After all, the midfield was sorely lacking in creativity and ingenuity. Without Barton and Emre, Newcastle seem to be a side which fails to create adequate chances. Owen had been on the back of a scoring streak recently - but by the end of his time on the pitch, was reduced to a forlorn figure.
Geremi and Butt, being natural defensive midfielders, could only punt hopeful balls into the box - praying that Ameobi would at last emerge victorious from his losing battle. With the lack of a cutting edge in the middle, Derby were able to focus their efforts on cutting the supply from the flanks - and they were duly helped by Alan Smith's dismal attempt to pose as a winger. The former Manchester United man tried his best, but will never be a right winger. On the other side, James Milner's attempts to get past his man were average at best.
The defence looked solid once again and were unlucky to be caught out by Miller's sweetly struck shot. Cacapa, in particular, looked calm and composed - something Newcastle have been lacking at the back in recent years. But even that will not draw the sting out of this ignominious defeat.
Credit to Derby for their committed and tenacious tackling, but somehow you get the feeling that they were there for the slaughter. Newcastle need to learn to be ruthless and to claim 3 points from matches like these - or face the prospect of being an average mid-table side.
For now though, they need to re-write this nightmare next week against West Ham.
Newcastle verdict: It was a 3 points for the taking, and they've let themselves and the fans down. Let's hope for a better performance next week.
Derby verdict: Passionate and committed, Miller's goal gave them the self-belief to see the game out. You do, however, feel that they are sorely lacking in quality to survive in the Premiership.
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