Owen - Appreciation Thread

[merlin]

countless owen haters are sitting tight lipped of late and hopefully they'll stay that way.

 

Owen answering his critics with good leadership, all-round play and quality finishing

 

This is spot-on.

[Baggio]

Its the change of position/role that very few would or could have anticipated to have worked. Its rejuvinated him and removed that huge problem of him spending an entire game up front doing little to nothing for the team and providing no outlet or pace for the team to work with, waiting for the odd scrap to land his way, then missing it, whereas now that sitter being missed no longer matters because firstly hes involved heavily in build up play throughout the game, and secondly hes getting more chances because of the way he's ghosting into the box from deep.

 

Hence, the earlier criticisms of him as an out-n-out striker are still perfectly valid - as Keegan would no doubt agree, seeing as hes responsible for the role change. Turning a blind eye to the problem he was presenting, which is what most of his fans/backers were doing, may well have seen us close to relegation for all we know, a thought which seems laughable now but considering the woeful attacking display of the team overall prior to this positional/formation change, and the inability of Owen to actually partner anyone effectively, it could well have been a reality.

 

As for writing him off, its something easily done for players who have been plain and simple crocks. Maybe he's past these problems, but half a season isnt enough to warrant writing off that lengthy past injury list. I would err on the side of caution when it comes to this, Dyer last season for example stayed injury free for over 6 months iirc, but broke his leg as soon as the season started in the summer. On the other side of the coin, Woodgate was another someone who was written off by most on here during his lengthy injury spell, whereas he seems past that, whilst right now Emre is being written off because of him constantly being in the treatment room. Point being, its impossible to tell who will be another talented player who unfortunately happens to be a sicknote, or who will come out of that bracket and reaffirm their status as a good footballer.

 

That aside though, hes starting to look a real find in a completely different way than anticipated, so kudos to him and above all Keegan for the improvement. Like many a top player hindered by severe injuries, its taken a change of role and playing style for the quality he does have to become evident again.

 

I think that just about hits the nail on the head.

[Robster]

I think Kevin needs immense credit for Owen's current upsurge in form. I am in awe of his ability to be able to spot things like this and to adapt a player's role/position like he appears to have done with Michael.

It was KK that changed Steve Howey from a striker to a Centre Half wasnt it?

[Dave]

It's brilliant to see him enjoying his football again, as it obviously means good things for the club. As .com pointed out on their previous match reports, note his increasing joy in goal celebrations from mooted at Brum, happy against Fulham, to utter delight against Spurs and Reading.

[Robster]

It's brilliant to see him enjoying his football again, as it obviously means good things for the club. As .com pointed out on their previous match reports, note his increasing joy in goal celebrations from mooted at Brum, happy against Fulham, to utter delight against Spurs and Reading.

Thought yesterday and Spurs were particularly telling as usually his celebrations seem to be just about himself yet with the last 2 goals, he seems to have immediately pointed to and celebrated with, the makers of the goals (Viduka/Beye)

[Kasper]

Couldnt stop grinning when Beye picked him up after the goal

[Guest rebel_yell12]

It's brilliant to see him enjoying his football again, as it obviously means good things for the club. As .com pointed out on their previous match reports, note his increasing joy in goal celebrations from mooted at Brum, happy against Fulham, to utter delight against Spurs and Reading.

 

I think the whole club is more excited now.  Not much to be delighted about v. Brum -- he'd secured a draw when no doubt what everyone wanted was a win.  The whole team seemed concentrated on not losing at Brum.  Against Fulham, it was expected -- a relegation team -- though it did put the game to rest.  The team was playing so well against Spurs that another goal seemed just dues for not just Owen but the whole team, and everyone celebrated it.  The celebration v. Reading was really about Beye (Owen turned directly to him right away) because that chip was mint (as was Owen's finish, good amends for that little problem 6 min. earlier).  I think the difference in goal celebrations is that the whole team is celebrating everyone's goals, really showing a great team spirit. 

 

Massive credit to Keegan, for taking a group of players and finally doing what Allardyce hadn't -- making a TEAM.  It seems to have made a massive difference.

 

Also, no small credit to Owen, who seems a much better fit as captain than anyone predicted and better than the previous captains this year.  Off the ball, he's doing a lot of work -- both in terms of work-rate and talking to the team, really leading.  His teammates seem genuinely fond of him (Beye's celebration & his mugging at Spurs, pictures from training...loads of recent evidence) and so does Keegan, so I'm guessing he's doing more right "behind-the-scenes" so to speak.  That said -- how f***ing small & light is Owen that he can be carried around like that?  Beye didn't even look like there was effort required to pick Owen up and carry him. 

[pedro111]

As someone who never doubted Owen (well maybe a little ) I take geat joy in this thread and his performances!

 

Keep it up Mickey