By Mark Deeks
December 24 2002

Newcastle go into Christmas with a game in hand, in 6th place. If we win our game in hand against Bolton so we should :P then we go 3rd (I think) level on points with Man U. Robson says the league title isn't an option? That depends how well we do aginst Arsenal. FULHAM HOME, DECEMBER 21ST.

This time last year, as Christmas arrived, we were top of the Premiership. This season, the best we could hope for was fourth. This got me to thinking whether we had taken a few steps back this year. And you know what?

Nah! No way. We've got a lot going for us this season. We have already been to Highbury, Old Trafford, Anfield and Stamford Bridge, and all of these hosts are due an appearance at SJP. We have a game in hand (Bolton at home), AND WE HAVEN'T EVEN PLAYED WELL YET!!

No, I'm sorry. Three points behind Man United with a game in hand at xmas, as well as taking into account everything above, is fine by me. Last year we were regularly scoring three and four goals a game. Not this time around though. Apart from our opener at SJP against West Ham (4-0), we haven't really taken anyone apart yet. Incidentally, I noticed one particular Premiership statistic today. That win over West Ham is still the biggest home victory ANYONE has had in the season 2002-3. The Premiership really does seem to be getting tighter in terms of competition. Like I say, it really does only seem a matter of time, with our attacking flair, before some hammerings are dished out.

To be honest, I had the home game with Fulham down as the next time we would give someone a real pasting. But it wasn't to be. Although to be fair we really should have got at least 2 or 3 more than the two we got, it was very much a case of job done at the end. In particular, apart from Shearer's penalty howler (which surely must be one of THE worst of all time, by anyone, never mind Super Al), Bellamy, Robert and Dyer were all guilty of spurning good opportunities.

However, I have to say that in the first 20 minutes of the game I thought we were excellent. Special praise must go to WKD who on three or four occasions early on, demonstrated moments of world class brilliance. Solano and Bellamy were also causing the Fulham rear guard all kinds of problems, with Van der Saar looking particularly jittery.

Things cooled off a bit after the opening, but it was still overall a good performance. Stevie Caldwell and Andy O Brien looked assured at the back, but to be fair were never really worried. For all the sometimes pretty passes that Fulham put together they never really got anywhere or had Shay worried in goal.

Even Gary Speed seemed to have one of his better 2002-3 afternoons. And sure enough the plaudits were lavished in his direction after the game. But I still seem to be the only one who has noticed he is having a horror season. Don't get me wrong, I still like the guy and think he is a worthy member of the squad, but the quality of his displays this year have left a lot to be desired in my eyes. The number of times he has given the ball away when not under any pressure really does seem to have passed everyone by.....

One special mention must go to Andy Griffin. I think everyone knows that wor Andy is not the most cultured of full backs. His skill levels are obviously not in the same league as those of Dyer or Solano, say. In fact, I cannot be the only person who would love to see the toon splash out on, not a centre half, but a top quality full back first, allowing Hughes to return to his natural position. But anyway, when Andy Griffin tackles someone, they stay tackled don't they?!? Me and Dougie in the NW corner often plead for the opposing winger to get the ball so that Andy can dish out his good, old fashioned, clattering!

On the subject of Dougie, for those who were wondering whether he was one of the hordes who managed to stay over in Barcelona the other week, I have to sadly report he was not. However, he IS getting his money back, considers it to have been a very cheap day out in Barca, and is going to use the money to go to the San Siro in March! Fair play Dougie and Janice!!

May I take this opportunity to wish all our site visitors a happy (black n) white christmas, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Reebok, Bolton on Boxing day, and at the mighty SJP on the 29th and New Year's Day. 9 points for the taking lads n lasses, mark my words!!

As ever, keep the faith.