Magpies Set for Litmus Test
By Premiership Talk | September 18 2009
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!
