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THE NORTH-EAST SUMMIT - POINTS DROPPED BY BORO 26-9-07
Stuart Young

On Saturday it was two points dropped for Boro as a heated game ended all square at the Riverside. The more worrying and notable aspect of the game though was the injuries sustained by Boro players.

Newcastle had an easier weekend as they beat West Ham 3-1 at home but Owen was taken off again and there are fears that the England International will require surgery.

Middlesbrough

Boro were looking to erase the memory of last week's defeat at West Ham and Southgate was confident his boys could get three points against local rivals Sunderland. Both teams started the game on seven points with Boro's better goal difference splitting the two sides in the league table.

Despite Southgate's pre-match confidence, it was Sunderland who got off to a flyer with Leadbitter beating Skippy with a strike from the left which found its way into the bottom right corner.

Boro were not going down easily and soon got themselves back into the game through former Sunderland hero Julio Arca. Home debutant Gary O'Neil had an impressive first showing in front of his new fans and produced a pin point cross for Arca to head past Gordon.

Boro were dealt a huge blow in the first half as both Tuncay and Arca went off injured. Julio's injury looked very serious and he was carried off on a stretcher.

After the forced changes made by Southgate it was Boro who took control of the game and they looked solid all over the park. The notable quality on show was the two wide players. Downing and O'Neil were both providing outlets and their movement was getting them into dangerous positions in the last third.

After the break it was more of the same as Boro dominated possession and looked for a lead. Downing produced a moment of magic as his powerful swerved shot beat Gordon from twenty-five yards.

I was impressed with the way the Reds knocked the ball around and kept the ball away from the battling Sunderland players. As the clock was running down Sunderland never looked like scoring but with a minute to go Miller latched onto a volley just outside the box and it rifled into the top corner.

A stunned 30,000 could not believe what they had just seen as Boro dropped two points and the game ended all square. To add to that, Boro fans were gutted to hear that Arca will be out until December because he had damaged his medial ligaments. Get well soon Julio!

To sum up the last few weeks for Boro, I would say it's a case of missed chances and dropped points. If you go back to the Birmingham game, there should of been five or six scored. West Ham last week was the same, the lads could have easily had six.

The game on Saturday should have been wrapped up with twenty minutes to go. I make that five dropped points in seven days. It would have been nice seeing Boro sitting in third or fourth place in the League.

Let's see if there is any improvement on the finishing this weekend when Boro travel to Everton for a live televised clash. Some good news ahead of that game is that Mido and Tuncay could be available after picking up knocks against Sunderland.

Sunderland

What a contrast of reactions to the game on Saturday: Gareth Southgate was frustrated by his side's inability to finish chances whilst Roy Keane was pleased his team turned up and gained a valuable point.

Although Keane was displeased with the performance of his players he believes that a point away from home at this early stage of the season is good enough and he is happy with the progress of his team.

The goal that claimed a point for Sunderland on Saturday came from Miller in the last minute. It was another salvage point for them as they followed the late equaliser at Birmingham with one at the Riverside to the delight of their travelling away supporters.

We cannot argue that Keane's charisma and belief has rubbed off on his players as they sit mid-table with Boro. This season his side have shown the same determination and drive that he would have applied himself to football matches.

Looking at the first handful of games this season, I think Keane and his troops have made steady progress and he would be pleased to see his side mid-table. He has sorted out his defence as much as he really could and so far they are not shaming themselves.

The big notable difference between them being relegation material and having a steady season is the goalkeeper. Gordon cost a lot of money and so far has repaid the manager with some fine performances. He will certainly give the whole team confidence throughout the season.

Let's see what the outcome will be this weekend as Blackburn visit the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle

The Magpies have accumulated eleven points from six games and are steadily flowing through games and picking up points. The crowd that witnessed Sunday's game had a treat as they saw three home goals scored. The fans must of thought Christmas had come early as Newcastle won 3-1 against the Hammers.

I'm going to give Big Sam some credit this week. His side took their chances when they needed to and ran out comfortable winners. Viduka provided some good finishing and it is this that often wins football matches. Some Boro fans must be thinking, what if Viduka had signed another year's contract at Boro?

Once again everyone was talking about Owen after the game as the England International limped off again. It's his groin this time and he will be needing an operation to correct it.

Allardyce wants the best for his players so that's why he's getting the best surgeon in the world to perform the operation on Owen. Okay I know he wants the best for his players and has the best interests for his team, hence why he is the manager, but why come out and say he is not thinking of England's best interests regarding Owen's operation. Has the F.A. done something to upset you Sam? Might it be because MaClaren got the England job and not you? Are we perhaps a little bit bitter?

Newcastle travel to Man City on Saturday as they look to beat one of the surprise packages of the season so far. Martins should come into the team after the injury to Owen.

Let's see if Sunderland and Boro can catch the Magpies this week.

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