Wigan Athletic 0 Newcastle Utd 1:IT was not merely the move into the top half of the Premier League that suggested Newcastle United are aiming high. Alan Pardew's post-match rhetoric was a bullish statement of intent, reports Richard Jolly at the DW Stadium.
The transfer window provides an opportunity for the ambitious, and it was apparent Pardew belongs in that category. Although he is behind Tottenham in the queue, a loan move for David Beckham is being pondered. “I think he is a player that could play in this team and add something to this squad but if he is available, I don’t know,” said the Newcastle manager.
Likelier targets are the Spurs pair of Robbie Keane and David Bentley and discussions have taken place.
His wish to strengthen his forward line is understandable as, while Shola Ameobi’s goal earned him his second win in charge, the margin of victory would have been rather greater but for a display of profligacy.
With Andy Carroll sidelined, a glimpse of life without the top scorer provided cause for concern. A display of dominance should have yielded more goals and attention is already turning to the Tyne-Wear derby on January 16th, with Carroll’s participation in doubt.
Steve Harper’s recall in goal at the expense of the inexperienced Tim Krul was vindicated as the goalkeeper repelled Tom Cleverley’s curling effort. Pardew’s decision to buck the trend and select two out-and-out strikers away from home reaped a reward, too, with Ameobi tapping in a goal that was partially the product of Peter Lovenkrands’s persistence.
From Wigan’s perspective, it was the consequence of a litany of errors.
Guardian Service
