The North-East Summit || Middlesbrough F.C. news, reviews and comment

THE NORTH-EAST SUMMIT - POINTS DROPPED ALL ROUND 20-3-08
Stuart Young

All three North-East sides dropped points this week but for different reasons.

Sunderland could not convert their chances against Chelsea, Newcastle could not find a winner for Kev and Middlesbrough had to play against the referee as well as one of the strongest teams in English football.

Sunderland

Roy Keane and his team will be feeling hard done by as Chelsea beat them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light last Saturday. John Terry scored the only goal of the game.

The Sunderland boss has got his players working hard for each other as they look to avoid the drop.

Although they lost against a strong Chelsea side, they will take positives from the game and will be looking to apply the same work ethic in their next match against Aston Villa.

One player that Keane will be wanting to hit some form is Kenwyne Jones. The Sunderland striker has not scored since the end of December. Jones was guilty of not taking two glorious chances against Chelsea that could have secured his side vital points. I still believe he is a quality player and will get better and better every season if Sunderland keep him and, of course, if they avoid relegation.

Talking of avoiding relegation, it seems that Roy Keane is following on from his chairman by speculating about potential transfers for next season.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is being linked with the club. Forlan, who plays in Spain with Madrid's second team Atletico, has been a major hit there since his transfer from United four seasons ago. He is a high class player and I'm wondering why he would ever go to Sunderland.

This is nothing against Sunderland as a club, it's just he is playing for a club that is sitting fourth in the Primera Liga with a chance of playing Champions League football next year. Sunderland, however, are lying fourth from bottom and could be playing Championship football next season.

Roy, I think you're dreaming a bit too much. You're not at United anymore.

Newcastle

Kevin Keegan is still waiting for that first win with his new club as the tally has now notched up to nine games without victory.

The Geordies had to wait until Monday night for their league game against Birmingham at St Andrews.

Michael Owen was on hand to rescue the Newcastle team and secure a much needed point. It will be games like these though that will determine whether a team stays up or goes down. Newcastle had plenty of possession against Birmingham in the second half and should have gone on to win the game and get three vital points.

I always have a problem with players coming out in the press, asking for the fans to get behind the team.

Earlier this week, Steven Taylor highlighted the importance of the home crowd and called for the fans to produce an intimidating atmosphere for their next home game against Fulham.

Firstly Steven, your fans pay a lot of money to see your team win, lose or draw. It is up to the players to get a reaction from the fans, whether it be a positive or a negative one, not the other way.

And secondly, it is hard for fans to cheer on players that blatantly do not want to play for the club. Call on your team-mates to produce the goods on the pitch, the fans will then react to your performances.

Keegan knows the importance of Saturday's game against Fulham and will be hoping for three crucial points which would lift them away from the drop zone. It's going to be a tense affair against the London boys who themselves are on a small run of form after their win last Sunday.

Middlesbrough

I've heard Arsenal fans winging and moaning all week about the referee's performance against Boro on Saturday evening. I say give it a rest. It should be the other way around surely? Boro were on course for another memorable victory against the mighty Arsenal at the Emirates but were undone by a headed goal from Kolo Toure after a couple of contentious decisions.

The decision to award a corner instead of a free-kick against George Boateng was outrageous. To make matters worse, it was under the supposedly watchful eye of the referee's assistant but nothing was given. Moments like these determine titles and also determine relegation battles.

I was so pleased to watch a Boro side produce a fine performance last Saturday. We have finally got our act together and are not afraid when we visit Arsenal any more. The days of conceding seven against Arsenal have finally disappeared.

Having encountered a very strong side on Saturday evening, attentions turn to another game which will be equally as difficult. The same attitude against Derby at home will be needed to get three points here. I'm sure the payers will be up for this one as they know it could mean they are on the road to safety if they win.

Gareth Southgate will have told the Boro players that Derby will not just lay down for them. The same work-rate which we all saw against Arsenal is needed if they are to get anything from the game. The worrying thing is that the players might be a little nervous because this should be a home banker.

The Boro boys are still out in front and could extend their lead with a win against strugglers Derby. Newcastle will be hoping to beat Fulham and will be hot on their heels. Sunderland fans will be happy with a point but their team will be lagging in the race for the Summit.

See You At The Top

RETURN TO NORTH-EAST SUMMIT INDEX PAGE HERE