Hatem Ben Arfa KO
October 3rd 2010 17:18
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Today's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City was disappointing of course to Newcastle United fans, but no where near is distressing as the injury picked up by Hatem Ben Arfa. Just six minutes into the game, in a challenge with City midfielder Nigel De Jong, the Frenchman suffered a suspected broken leg. The injury was so horrific, that TV channels refused to play any replays of the incident.
While as a Newcastle fan I'm inclined to slate De Jong for the challenge, it wasn't the worst challenge in the world. Yes, it was reckless, but not malicious, and was just very unfortunate the injury occurred. It is a devastating blow for NUFC, as I feel our best player's career at the club is now pretty much done. Having only signed Ben Arfa on loan from Marseille for a season, and a broken leg likely to end his participation this campaign, we may only ever see these four appearances from the talented winger.
There was also an injury to Fabricio Coloccini, and while up until a week ago I wasn't too worried by the threat of relegation, my worries have not been exasperated. I still feel we are good enough to survive, but Ben Arfa was our biggest weapon, he gave us the X factor which would have kept us up. Our team has plenty of steel, but he possessed that extra bit of quality every side craves. This injury, along with other relegation candidates like Blackpool and West Brom's fantastic form, has seen Newcastle's position seem more perilous. I have faith, that with a few winable games coming up, we have the spirit to push on, and away from the drop zone. But the next three league games will be crucial, today we performed brilliantly once again against a top team, but have to beat the teams at our level.
Wigan at home, West Ham away and Blackburn at home follow, and this run could be crucial come the end of the season, in whether or not Newcastle United, stay in the Premier League.
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Comment by Matt Saltmer
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