YankeeToon

Good first half. Who'd have thought, back in Jan/Feb, that we'd be holding our own and, indeed, looking the more dangerous side against Chelsea. That said, we're still far too wasteful in possession. Giving it away too cheaply in midfield, and we're a bit fortunate that we haven't been punished for it. Looking very good at the back, though, and good positioning by Terry is the only reason we're not ahead right now. On a side note, is that Setanta puppet-show thing always that painfully unfunny?

Stop that.

Actually, when I was doing up the 2nd one, I thought to myself "This looks almost exactly like our shirt right now." Different logo placement, a little different on the sides, and that's about it. It's the back where I really don't like our current one, I'm fine with the front.

And the reverse... http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5025/nufcblkmg4.jpg

can someone photoshop this to black and white with the newcastle logo on? I think the newcastle kit would look superb in that design. Quick and dirty... http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3431/nufc1np2.jpg

There's still hope for top half... If we can beat the Hammers, then they may not get any more points this season - I wouldn't want to be playing against Villa right now. Spurs have an easier end run than West Ham or us, though. I think they may beat us to 10th. Too close to call, though, in truth.

Victory over Sunderland... check! Another clean sheet... check! Mathematical safety obtained... check! Undefeated end-run continues... check! Top-ten finish still a possibility... check! :celb: :celb:

Well, now the mackems have a penalty decision they can complain about... that should make 'em happy. Could have gone either way for me - don't think there was too much deliberate intent, but he'd raised his arm up as he slid in, so... We've been a bit wasteful in possession so far, giving it away cheaply too often. Thankfully Sunderland have been absolutely awful and haven't looked remotely able to capitalize on it. Still, 2 up at halftime!

On Setanta at 5pm, but if you have Setanta through DirecTV it's live on Setanta Xtra (Ch 670, I think)

No, sadly. Same day delay on Setanta at 5:00 eastern. Live on Setanta Xtra, if you have DirecTV...

but in years to come that will be the final question on who wants to be a billionaire (years to come...inflation and all that) and i'll smile slyly at the camera, a knowing wink to all NUFC fans and say "listen chris, don't even read me my options, i'm well aware of the answer and it was all down to that cunt allardyce. the answer is newcastle united and for your information they should have won at SJP aswell" Well, it's nice to know it'll all come to some good, then.

Irks me to no end that we look likely to be Derby's ONLY win this season. Fucking disgraceful. Still, what's done is done, and at least we got a few decent players to remember Big Sam's time here by...

Still on track for an undefeated run to the end, and still within reach of 10th... We just didn't have that special spark in the final 3rd today, but it was still a good performance. Decent pressure up front, and not that many defensive errors. Clean sheets are always welcome, given our track record on conceded goals this season. Our first test of the new formation against a top-half side, and I think we held our own fairly well. James made a couple very good saves, and on another day, we may have squeezed one past him. Overall, I'd call a draw a fair result for the day.

Well, decent first half. To my mind, we've been a slight bit more threatening, but it's been pretty evenly-matched. Neither side's been able to get a whole lot going in the final 3rd. Taylor's had a few lucky calls (not the handball, though - clear ball-to-hand situation) and Beye's been unusually quiet. Butt and Geremi have both been poorer today than of late. Going to be a harder 2nd half, they're going to try to hit us hard. I think whoever scores first will take this one.

Rather we win all our remaining games. Dislike ManU and Chelsea about evenly, so it really doesn't matter either way. Though, that being said, if losing to Everton would knock Liverpool out of the top 4 and not cost us a place in the table, I'd have to give that some serious consideration...

Never been an "Owen-hater" but I'll admit I wasn't sure he'd be able to come back from injury this time. Glad he's proven me wrong. More of the same, please!

3 pages in the official match thread didn't settle this question?

Started shaky but he's recovered nicely.

Beye with another great assist

VIDUKAAAA!!!

Great ball from Beye as well...

OWEN!!!!!

Owen comes close... good save by Hahnemann

MARTINNNNNNNNNS!

Given hasn't been the same since the Harewood incident, sadly. Right now, Harper, mainly because we don't have to worry about his groin injury every time he goes to kick the ball. Stick Given in and he'll be on the treatment table again with the same recurring injury problem 2 or 3 games later. Might as well let Harper have the consistency of playing game in, game out.