Even in victory, Newcastle have their Owen problems

RARELY has a mood of deep pessimism and trepidation followed such a comfortable victory.

But then, if you’re English, the familiar sight of Michael Owen limping off with a potentially serious injury demands nothing less than bitter disappointment.

So vitally important is the injury-prone forward to club and country that it was his premature exit from an engaging affair, rather than the outstanding performance of his strike partner, Mark Viduka, which dominated the post-match debate. Owen is already out of Newcastle’s Carling Cup tie at Arsenal tomorrow night and a scan later today will determine whether another lengthy lay-off beckons.

“Michael still has a groin problem and we will have to look at it a little deeper,” said Sam Allardyce, the Newcastle manager. “Obviously it’s a persistent problem so we’ll have to take another look. We will get it scanned and take another specialist opinion. I am worried about him because he has asked to come off and he’s in pain.

“If Michael needs an operation then he will have it straight away and we will find him the best surgeon in the world. If he needs surgery then we mustn’t leave it any longer than we need to. England doesn’t come into it.

“I have Michael’s best interests at heart because he is the club’s most valuable asset,” he added.

Viduka may have cost nothing following his free transfer from Middlesbrough but he is fast becoming a similarly valuable asset to Allardyce. Two goals before half-time, on his return from injury, ensured Newcastle were always in control but it was the Magpies’ French full back, Charles N’Zogbia, who stole the show.

Not content with delivering the crosses for Viduka’s well-taken brace, the France U-21 international added the home team’s third 14 minutes from time. N’Zogbia almost quit Newcastle under the club’s former manager, Glenn Roeder, but has emerged as a key figure in Allardyce’s vision of the future.

Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, correctly pointed to errant marking as he lamented a listless loss and admitted: “Poor defending is what has cost us. You cannot get yourselves into the position we did after two minutes — especially away from home. Viduka got ahead of three defenders for the second and N’Zogbia has tapped in the third unchallenged. We’re disappointed because I cannot remember Robert Green making a save.”

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper 8; Beye 7, Rozenhal 8, Cacapa 6 (Taylor, 78, 6), N’Zogbia 9; Smith 5, Geremi 7, Butt 7, Milner 8; Owen 5 (Martins, 51, 7), Viduka 8 (Enrique, 73, 6).

Subs not used: Given, Faye.

WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 6; Neill 5, Ferdinand 4, Upson 5, McCartney 4; Bowyer 5, Noble 6, Mullins 4 (Ljungberg, 62, 4), Etherington 6 (Spector, 80, 5); Cole 4 (Camara, 68, 5), Ashton 7.

Subs not used: Wright, Collins.

Referee: Mike Riley 4.

Match Rating: ***