Owen Non-Existent Against Spurs
By Tyne-Talk
April 19 2009
Michael Owen, mentioned very few times by the Sky Sports commentary team today, featured on the screen even less and seemed to be as close to the centre of the field as he could be. But is playing Owen so deep working when he is failing to have any impact on the game.
It's common knowledge that Owen's most suited to having the ball delivered to him and historically that has provided enough for him to score goals. However without supply he fails to score. Opting to sit further back on the field has meant that he seems to disappear into the game or "go missing".
His impact isn't noticeable on many occasions and with just 8 Premier League goals to his name this season combined with just 6 Newcastle United win's it's hardly something sit back and relax about.
As several points today Owen was at the halfway line trying to take control of the ball, this is all very well but for a player who needs service he is in the wrong place. Owen is no longer the same player who can take the ball from the middle of the pitch, run with it and place it in the back of the net.
His performance today was similar to that against Chelsea two weeks ago, he was playing more in midfield than as a striker and wasn't easily accessible or able to provide effectively for the players he was supporting.
Today he should have been substituted off; hopefully he wasn't kept on through misguided loyalty. Once Carroll and Nolan left the field and Martin's and Viduka came on, Owen disappeared.
There is no doubt about it that Owen is an excellent player - but that excellence isn't shining through right now and it's questionable as to whether he should be playing the full 90minutes of these games.
HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Quote:Jaryd
It's pathetic he's a striker and like anyother he needs service to score!!
Correct,
However Owen was rarely in a position to receive such service.
Several times Jonas had the ball and just stood there shrugging because no-one was in the box to cross the ball to (owen should have been there not behind him somewhere trying to catch up).
Owen is playing to far back at the moment and isnt have an impact.
I didnt suggest dropping him but I am suggesting that he does not play 90minutes if he cannot have an affect on the game.