Despite the fact we LOST to Arsenal and Oba Martins missed a penalty that Michael Owen probably would have scored ... Fat Boy backs the Titanic Kid in his team selection.
Mick Quinn says Chris Hughton got his selection spot on by dropping Michael Owen.
Mick Quinn Points The Finger!
By Nu Mad
Updated Wednesday, 25th March 2009
Quinn: "If Michael's off in the summer, it would be a fitting send-off if he's scored the goals by then that have kept Newcastle in the Premier League, where they belong.
"But it has to be a team effort - don't put it all on Michael Owen's shoulders, don't put all the pressure on one player.
"It's the defence, midfield and forwards who haven't performed - they all have to improve.
"Yes, when he's fully fit he's the man to get the goals but he's not had a run of games, yet his record for Newcastle is still pretty good. Give him service and he will score goals, but everyone has to pitch in.
"The defence has to keep clean sheets, the midfielders have to battle and provide openings and then the forwards have to get the goals.
"I had no problem with Michael being benched, I thought that was spot on by Chris Hughton. There was no point risking him for the full 90.
"Are you going to beat Arsenal? You've got to be canny and clever with this. If he's not 100% fit, why risk him? Why risk him going off after five minutes and losing him for games you fancy yourself to win?
"Yes he needs minutes to get fully fit and start scoring, but target the games you believe you're capable of winning, play him when he's fully fit against those teams.
"Give him half an hour here and there to get into the swing of the Premier League again, then 90 minutes when it's really going to count.
"The turning point against Arsenal wasn't anything to do with Hughton or Owen, it was Obafemi Martins missing the penalty. You just can't afford not to take chances like that in Newcastle's position.
"Mark Viduka, when he's back and fit, has to contribute as well - he can be very important.
"When Kevin Keegan played the three (Owen, Viduka and Martins) of them together at the end of last season, it worked, they scored goals and won games and got Newcastle out of trouble.
"Shola Ameobi has all the attributes - big, physical and a good touch for a big man - but he doesn't score enough goals and Andy Carroll's one for the future.
"So a lot depends on the other three."
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