Next Step Up For Brave Keegan!

Last Updated : 02-Mar-2008 by
But, looking on the bright side, KK admitted creating chances is a step in the right direction, something he said "we haven't been doing lately".

It was certainly a step up from the horror shows against Aston Villa (1-4) and Manchester United (1-5).

All we need now is someone to put the ball in the back of the net.

Newcastle fans probably expected more from striker Michael Owen, and some were very surprised with Keegan's choice of Alan Smith as his striker partner.

Oba Martins was ready and willing, but the Toon boss went for Smith, who has only scored two goals in three seasons for Man Utd and the Magpies.

But Owen took all pressure off Smith and apologised to his team-mates after passing up a series of opportunities, blaming himself for the defeat.

Owen squandered a glorious first-half chance to open the scoring after rounding Brad Friedel, and then saw the American goalkeeper pull off two fine second-half saves to pave the way for substitute Matt Derbyshire to steal all the points in the last minute of normal time.

Kevin Keegan: "Michael came straight into the dressing room, put his hands up and said, 'sorry guys, I should have scored'.

"But he won't go hiding, that's for sure. He puts himself up there, gets himself into positions and on another day he could have had a hat-trick.

"But today, it wasn't to be. He is a top-quality player and a great finisher, but today, he put his hands up and said he should have scored a few goals.

"At least today, we created chances for him, and that's something we haven't done.

"He scored his two goals while I have been here through half-chances.

"Today, we created a bit more and you know on another day, it will end up in goals in the back of the net."