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THE NORTH-EAST SUMMIT - OWEN OFF THE MARK 4-9-07
Stuart Young
Michael Owen scored his first league goal of the season as they saw off Wigan at home. Boro had an easy ninety minutes against a poor Birmingham side, whilst Sunderland fought hard at Old Trafford but came away with nothing.
The transfer window is now firmly shut and all three teams were busy right up to the final hour preparing their warriors for the battle ahead.
Sunderland
It has been a tough week for Keane and his side. Beaten comfortably by Liverpool last Saturday and beaten even more comfortably midweek against Luton in the Carling Cup. With those recent results in mind it was probably not the best time to be facing Manchester Utd but give credit where it's due, they put themselves about and matched them at the back.
The best result possible was only going to be a nil all draw. Keane would have loved to have got one over on his old manager but after a well fought game it was fit-again Saha that spoiled the day for the Black Cats.
Sunderland will be glad about the international break as they look to re-group and get things going again when they return to the league a week on Saturday.
Sunderland Transfer News
Sunderland have signed 22-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international Kenwyne Jones after the attacker went on strike last week at his former club Southampton. Keane has paid £6m for his services and is delighted that Jones is a Sunderland player.
Keane was also busy signing Danny Higginbotham and Ian Harte last week in a bid to strengthen his squad. Higginbotham comes in from Stoke for a fee of £3m and Harte joins on a free.
I think Higginbotham is a good acquisition and will add cover at the back for the Black Cats' relegation battle. Jones is an unknown quantity and will have to prove his worth.
Sunderland have now spent £11m on their front two. We will have to wait and see how these two get on and how much return Keane gets from his new boys.
Newcastle
The Magpies are still unbeaten this season and are picking up points even with injuries to the squad.
Owen opened his account for the season on Saturday to the delight of the Newcastle fans as they saw a home goal scored. Owen scored late on against Wigan to snatch all three points.
Newcastle see themselves up to sixth place in the Premiership and are ahead of rivals Boro by a point.
Big Sam will be hoping his injury list does not grow as they look to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
With all of Newcastle's internationals away this week, lets hope they don't get anymore injuries!
Newcastle Transfer News
The Magpies have signed 29-year-old Senegal international Habib Beye from Marseille. Allardyce has brought in the experienced defender as cover after the recent injuries to his back line.
Boro
It's been a good week for Middlesbrough as they stretched their unbeaten run to three games and also clinched a midweek Carling Cup win over Northampton to line-up a tie against Spurs at the Lane in the thirrd round.
On Saturday Boro strolled past Birmingham City at the Riverside and looked impressive all over the park. Wheater is growing in stature after another solid performance at the heart of the Boro defence. His headed goal capped another great game for the youngster.
Another academy player that impressed was Taylor who assisted both Wheater's and Downing's goals. The left-back has looked liked he has been playing in the Premiership for years.
Mido again was in a bullish mood and is proving his worth to the Boro faithful. The Egyptian forward is already becoming a cult hero on Teesside. We'll see if his mate will be as impressive when he has his first chance.
Unlike Newcastle, Boro have been lucky on the injury front since the season began and are gaining momentum on the Geordies. The international break will not be welcomed by Southgate as he sees his side getting more confident as the season progresses.
Middlesbrough Transfer News
Southgate was busy in the final hours of transfer deadline day on Friday and was very pleased at capturing O'Neil from Portsmouth.
Boro have reportedly paid £5m for the midfielder and he will fit in on the right side as Southgate looks for a more balanced team selection.
Another signing this week saw Mido's friend Mohamed Shawky signing after an impressive trial. The Egyptian international has joined for £650,000.
With the new arrivals on Teesside the Boro midfield might have a new look to it for the next game.
It is a welcome boost for the lads as the competition for places will now hot up.
The Magpies are still on top but Boro are knocking on the door. Where are Sunderland going!?!
See You at the Top
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