NUFC: Crisis Club turn to Fenham Eusebio...

The most cynical of Toon fans (myself most likely included, like) had taken to saying that Shola Ameobi has finally found his level in Division Two even before tonight's Shola match-winner against Sheffield Wednesday extended his hot streak from Saturday's treble versus Reading.
A sardonic edge has always attended fans' assessments of Ameobi, hence the lovely Geordie irony of the nickname 'The Fenham Eusebio', which Ameobi himself, not surprisingly, would like to see taken more seriously. Still, those such as me who were hoping to see Andy Carroll and Nile Ranger shoot the Toon to a good start in the Second Division must instead give all due thanks and praise to Foluwashola. His annoying languor and relative lack of strength (for a big lad) have surely ensured that he won't ever be an absolute top-rank striker; but if he keeps this rich form up then he could be a full-blown black-and-white legend yet.
And speaking of legends... over at Turf Moor tonight they saw the Man Utd debut of the man who was just Too Big for Newcastle United. And yet, as BBC Sport's Phil McNulty reported, "Not Michael Owen's night so far. Two presentable chances have both passed him by..."; and then, "Dimitar Berbatov is on for United, replacing Michael Owen, who had a frustrating night..." A stunning win for Burnley, and a stunning blow to Man U, duly ensued.
As Alan Shearer has often said of his mate - Michael Owen will always score goals. He will probably need to start scoring them quick, mind, if he's to satisfy all those loyal life-long Reds in Tokyo, Paris, Florida, Kabul, Hackney Wick, etc etc. Meanwhile I and umpteen other Toon fans won't be cheering England's Little Michael on.