It takes more than a punch to fracture a season. Newcastle United got back into the habit of breaking records last night, which represents a positive alternative to breaking jaws.
Inevitably, incredibly, Andy Carroll, the source of such consternation over the previous 24 hours, led his side away from a precipice that many had predicted they would tumble over.
In scoring his sixteenth goal of the season, Carroll who, in celebration, pressed his fingers to his lips provided a partial answer to those who have questioned his character.
In engulfing him, his team-mates gave their own response to doubts over Newcastles unity. And in recording their nineteenth clean sheet, they set a standard for a club who have seldom been associated with defensive solidity.
Related LinksBust-up blows Newcastle"s cover wide openMorgan reminds former teacher of his talentsTaylor suffers "broken" jaw in Carroll incidentA narrow victory over Doncaster Rovers, who proved worthy opponents, stretched Newcastles unbeaten sequence to nine matches, the best in the division, and maintained their ten-point lead over third-placed Nottingham Forest. If nothing else, they demonstrated that their hard-earned tilt at promotion will not be squandered readily.
They still have issues to contend with. While it is understood that Steven Taylor will not press charges against Carroll after their altercation at the clubs training ground on Sunday, he is believed to be seeking an apology from his team-mate and some form of disciplinary action. The former England Under-21 captain was released yesterday from hospital.
Northumbria Police have not interviewed the pair, nor have they received any official complaint.
With a club investigation in progress, Carrolls inclusion in Chris Hughtons side was evidence that there is no mood within St James Park to tear up his contract.
This is a team that has been focused all season, Hughton, the Newcastle manager, said. Weve carried the pressure of being on top of this division and the pressures that go with it.
Conflict between Carroll and Taylor is thought to have begun over wages in spite of his improvement in recent months, Carroll is not among Newcastles high earners and spread to a mutual female acquaintance.
It is an old story (and one that Fabio Capello will be familiar with), and the question for Hughton and his squad was whether their spirit could endure it.
Just as a single physical disagreement, no matter how serious and unsavoury, does not define Newcastles campaign, so the club must appreciate they cannot escape their history. What they still have in their power is an ability to shape their future, something they achieved at the Keepmoat Stadium, so much so that Joey Bartons return from long-term injury was barely noticed.
Clad in thick black gloves (not of the boxing variety), to protect his damaged hand, Carroll appeared unperturbed by his latest misadventure. He applauded a healthy contingent of Newcastle supporters when he strode out to warm up (after the final whistle he tossed his shirt into the crowd) and, in an enterprising performance, he proved the difference for his side. He had chances too.
The first was miscued, the second was a testing header that was deflected for a corner and the third was a blistering shot across goal that prompted a fine reactive save from Neil Sullivan. If self-awareness and embarrassment are elements of Carrolls make-up, the 21-year-old disguised both with a thick layer of bluster.
Doncaster were not idle bystanders. Neat and intelligent, they posed questions and twice Steve Harper repelled shots from Billy Sharp.
Carrolls role as the dramas leading man could not be denied, however. In the 59th minute, Wayne Routledge snapped up a misplaced pass in midfield and diverted it forward, inviting Carroll to chase. He did so adroitly, angling into the penalty area, holding off James OConnor and beating Sullivan with an excellent finish.
Andy took his goal very well, Hughton said. Weve always said he has to add goals to his game and hes done that. Hes a vital player for us. The kid has some scriptwriter, too.
Doncaster Rovers (4-4-2): N Sullivan J Chambers, S Martis, J OConnor, G Roberts (sub: J Mutch, 87min) D Shiels (sub: J Spicer, 87), M Wilson (sub: J Emmanuel-Thomas, 74), J Oster, M Woods B Sharp, J Hayter. Substitutes not used: S Hird, S McDaid, B Smith, A Lockwood.
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): S Harper R Taylor, F Coloccini, T Kadar, D Simpson W Routledge (sub: F Pancrate, 88), N Butt, D Guthrie (sub: J Barton, 75), J Gutirrez K Nolan A Carroll. Substitutes not used: J Enrique, L Best, T Krul, N Ranger, B Tozer. Booked: Taylor, Simpson, Nolan.
Referee: K Hill.
No comments:
Post a Comment