Magpies Set for Litmus Test

By Zain Alvi | 18th September 2009

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danny-guthrie The first defeat of the season is always the most tricky one to deal with. Perhaps that explains why some feel that the earlier it comes, the better. At the beginning of the 2007-08 season, a determined young Arsenal squad made a typically flying start to the campaign. Being close to all the action in North London at that time, I was thrilled to see this initial dominance extend all the way till the beginning of December. Every time Arsene Wenger’s side prevailed to keep its unbeaten run alive, the detractors remained calm, believing firmly in Arsenal’s failure to respond to the first defeat when it would eventually arrive.

On December 9, 2007, Middlesbrough convincingly defeated the Gunners 2-1 – a loss that carried challenging repurcussions for the North London outfit. The invaluable streak was lost, and the youngsters started believing too seriously in the mantra that a team is only as good as its last game. While many would argue that Arsenal’s downfall that season began in the infamous 2-2 draw away to Birmingham City, I believe the jinx had already kicked in when the Gunners could only manage a mediocre display at The Riverside.

This article is not about Arsenal, though. In fact, the jinx that this article addresses is much worse; it could very well be a worrisome curse rather than merely a jinx. As the title of this article suggests, I am referring to the fortunes of the crestfallen Newcastle United. The Magpies, propelled by their loyal Toon army, cruised to a fine start in The Championship this season despite the frustrating uncertainty surrounding the club’s administrative affairs.

Until Wednesday evening, Newcastle had picked up 5 wins and a draw from its first six games in a desperate search for a high profile return to the English top flight. However, Chris Hughton’s side was finally conquered at Blackpool on Wednesday. The Magpies were undone in a similar fashion – with the exact same scoreline - to Arsenal when the latter was tamed away from home against the unfancied Middlesbrough back in 2007. Unsurprisingly, plenty of questions are now being asked of Newcastle as they prepare to host Plymouth tomorrow.

Although St. James’ Park has been a fortress so far this season, nothing - absolutely nothing – will erase the painful memories of last season for the Geordies who only remember shedding tears at Tyneside last season. On Saturday, despite the visitors being far from Premier League quality, a lot of the wounds will be reopened for Newcastle’s loud supporters, who are expected to sing their hearts out to keep their team live and kicking. Will the Magpies be able to walk out of this litmus test with flying colors? Only time – which is merely a day at this point - will tell that.

Newcastle to bounce straight back up? Have your say below!

Zain Alvi says:

September 19, 2009 at 9:01 pm

Good 3-1 for Newcastle tonight. Just so everyone here knows, I’ve always held admiration and respect for Newcastle myself, which means I can’t wait to see them bounce back up right away. While I agree with the detractors that Newcastle shouldn’t be immune to the criticism for all the chaos caused by Ashley’s administration in recent months, you’ve got to understand that the club’s amazing culture is something that the Premier League is missing at the moment.

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Thomas O'Loughlin says:

September 19, 2009 at 11:53 am

While Newcastle fans are dedicated, fans think they have some automatic right to success despite not having won anything in 50 years. Managers have been forced out of the club and have not been given the chance to prove themselves. Alan Shearer was worshipped by fans as manager with no experience and achieved very few good results. Dedication is one thing but delusion is another. Just look at what Graeme Souness says about his time managing the club.

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stever767 says:

September 19, 2009 at 9:25 am

well said tony ! brian sanddancer and thomas have a chat with yourselves ! we may be in the championship but we thave the third biggest gates in the country and we will be back next year, hopefullyu with a new owner !

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Sanddancer says:

September 19, 2009 at 4:26 am

Why is a second rate Championship club a topic for discussion on Premiershiptalk? They are where they deserve to be. Let’s talk about them if they ever get back to the Premiership.

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Brian Lofrumento says:

September 19, 2009 at 12:45 am

I’m with Tony on this one – I respect the Newcastle fans for their dedication and intensity.

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tony says:

September 18, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Cartoon army are you for real! a passionate support who support the club no matter what because they love there city and heritage, and you base your pathetic reply to this article on the crap the media have been spouting for months about NUFC. Look in to the facts muppet still one of the best average crowds in the country despite where we are, and all the negative crap ref the away strip has had the opposite affect as it is selling well. So do us a favour and go and worship the almighty top 4 i mean god help any one trying to break in to the monopoly they might even be called deluded and we wouldn’t want that would we!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thomas O'Loughlin says:

September 18, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Newcastle probably have the quality to go straight back up but you can’t rule out the cartoon army demanding a manager be sacked after 1 poor performance.

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