Newcastle v Middlesbrough; the game to rescue one of the north-east strugglers or relegate both of us. Truthfully I thought it would be a 0-0 draw - which would have been no good to anyone - and now I rather wish it had been.
Mark Viduka did not score but he imposed himself on the game. Alves, Tuncay, Emnes, Aliadiere and King imposed themselves on no-one.
As against Manchester United, Boro started well and we even managed to get a goal, although it was a Beye own goal and once Tuncay got the credit taken from him he seemed to sag a little.
Emnes looked energetic and at times dangerous but missed the best chance Boro had to save themselves.
As against Arsenal, we actually got into the box quite easily. We have far more pace in our side than Newcastle do and had we had anyone left willing to shoot, would have been dangerous from the counter-attack.
But we don't and if you shoot you might miss (if you are a Boro striker it is highly likely) and none of them want it to be their miss which condemns us. What they all seemed to forget is it could have been their goal which saved us.
Southgate started with Emnes and Alves up front. Digard and Wheater pulled out late through injury meaning Bates finally got a chance as centre back and Shawky partnered Tuncay in the centre. Stewart Downing - for God only knows what reason - was on the right wing, with Gary O'Neil on the left.
A good start and a goal in Newcastle's net gave the Boro faithful hope but a few minutes later it was the Toon army celebrating as some interesting defending left Steven Taylor to head home.
Alves went down clutching his chest but was stretchered off for an ankle injury.
Apparently the Brazilian is out for the rest of the season, all two pointless (probably) games of it. Pardon me if that is not my biggest concern right now.
The Ian Dowie, sorry - Alan Shearer, substitutions were inspired. Owen had done very little (again) and was replaced by Martins, who scored and Gutierrez made way for Lovenkrands, who also scored.
Not to be outdone, Southgate brought on Aliadiere, who ran at the defence immediately, but he tried to head the ball by running onto it and his effort went wide.
King had earlier replaced Alves and Southgate pulled off defender Andrew Taylor for winger Adam Johnson in a clear 'all or nothing' move. Sadly it was once again nothing for the Boro.
Monday night was actually one of Boro's better performances this season in that we had some shape, some attack and a smidgen of confidence about our play, but we still couldn't do it.
So, our final home match is against Aston Villa on Saturday and will, in all likelihood, see us relegated to the Championship.
Former Boro boy Luke Young and friends will be coming to the Riverside assuming an easy win. Gareth and co keep telling us we need to win our remaining games and hope that other teams do us a favour.
Then West Ham away. I am wondering whether anyone will dare do a lap of honour. There is no honour in losing without a fight.
First published on www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/fanzone - May 09
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