Newcastle 2, West Brom 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict and player ratings
Jan 19 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
THE third Monday in January is traditionally deemed the most depressing day – thank God Albion and Newcastle lifted our spirits with a tremendous St James’ Park clash.
In a game played with ferocious pace and energy, Albion – backing the Haiti relief charity – reminded us that, while there are more important things than sport, a game of football can at least provide 90 minutes of respite.
The Championship heavyweights produced an enthralling game, which would have graced the division both sides are striving to reach.
Roberto Di Matteo’s men twice took the lead, through Jonas Olsson’s first-half shot and then Roman Bednar’s close-range header.
Albion’s was an excellent counter-attacking display. It was aided by Graham Dorrans’ inventiveness, Jerome Thomas’ movement, Chris Brunt’s energy and the work-rate of Robert Koren and Youssouf Mulumbu pushing the visitors forward.
Newcastle’s two goals were fortunate – the first was an outstanding free-kick from Danny Guthrie, which left Scott Carson reaching for air, the second a Peter Lovenkrands’ header, which Albion’s keeper should have saved.
The first half was set at a pulsating pace. The Baggies were quick on the break and incisive, with the experienced yet ponderous Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan unable to cope with the visitors’ five-man midfield, their intensity and movement. It continued after the break.
An early chance arrived for Albion within the opening minute. Gonzalo Jara made a run from deep and sent in a cross, which just eluded Bednar and was headed away by Steven Taylor.
The Baggies were picked apart way too easy in the fifth minute when Nolan powered through the middle and sent Shola Ameobi clear. The Newcastle striker got away from Gabriel Tamas and sent in a low cross, which Lovenkrands failed to reach.
At the other end Koren sent in a low cross and Dorrans raced in but the home side did just enough to unsettle the midfielder as he prepared to shoot.
Ameobi, meanwhile, rattled by an early tussle with Tamas, was perhaps lucky to escape a caution after twice diving in recklessly from behind.
The striker’s mood won’t have improved in the 13th minute when he allowed Olsson to nip past him and turn in Dorrans’ excellent inswinging cross. Dorrans’ persistance in winning the ball back was commendable, while Olsson’s finish was exquisite.
Albion’s response to their goal was to go in search of a second. Brunt’s crossfield ball found Thomas but his shot lacked conviction and struck a Newcastle defender before looping just over the bar.
