The Hindu : Sport / Football : Newcastle struggles to draw with Man City

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Sunday, Nov 12, 2006
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Newcastle struggles to draw with Man City

LONDON: Newcastle continued to struggle on Saturday in the English Premier League with a 0-0 draw at Manchester City, hurting Glenn Roeder's future as Magpies manager.

The draw left Newcastle winless in eight straight league games, lodging the high-profile club firmly in the relegation zones.

The result may put more pressure on Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, who has denied reports he wants to fire Roeder and hire former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

City midfielder Joey Barton had the best chance to score in the first half, shooting a powerful volley that Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper tipped over the crossbar.

Man City had two chances to score in the second half — both by Georgios Samaras. Early in the half, the Greek headed a ball into the net but the goal was overruled by referee Graham Poll, who called Bernardo Corradi for a foul on Stephen Carr.

In the 82nd, Samaras headed the ball wide.

Unbeaten

City remained unbeaten in six league home games this season, improving to 13 points from 12 games. Newcastle has nine points from 12 games.

Rovers beat Man United 4-3 in the same fixture last season, with David Bentley scoring a hat-trick. In addition, Blackburn is unbeaten against United at Ewood Park in the last four league matches.

United is coming off a stunning 1-0 loss to Southend in the League Cup, and the Reds Devils might be a tonic for Blackburn, which has lost its last three league matches.

Beckham issue

The prospect of signing David Beckham also might provide a lift for Rovers.

Manager Mark Hughes, a former Man United star, said he would pursue Beckham if the former England captain leaves Real Madrid in January on a free transfer.

Watford, threatened with relegation, has some reason to be optimistic going to Chelsea. In their previous four Premier League games, the Hornets have played Chelsea close in three — one win, one loss and one draw.

Watford is also hoping to build on its first victory of the season, which came last weekend against Middlesbrough.

Chelsea will have defender John Terry back after a one-match suspension, and the Blues should be confident following a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday in the League Cup.

The results (Premier League): Manchester City 0, Newcastle 0. — AP

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