I Might Need A Swear Box

Ultimately, although Newcastle's defence should have dealt with the free-kick and it was shocking they didn't, the fact remains that incorrect decision to award it ended up costing United a vital win which would have finally put a bit of breathing space between themselves and the bottom three.

It was the second home game in a row that Newcastle had conceded an injury-time equaliser to a former defender - Titus Bramble's for Wigan and now Abdoulaye Faye's for Stoke - and that's four dropped points - points that, had they been secured, would mean Newcastle were up to eleventh in the table, just three points off seventh place and possible Uefa Cup qualification! Depressing huh? Anyone swear yet? I did again.

Not only that, but Kinnear's liking for the odd obscenity means he will probably be forced to serve a three or four game touchline ban as well as pay a hefty fine for improper conduct. Let's not forget, the authorities are already upset he called another referee, Martin Atkinson, Mickey Mouse, after the Fulham defeat last month.

It was actually Chris Hughton who did most of the swearing last Saturday - I was watching the incident closely - but by the time the linesman turned round to see who was shouting at him, Kinnear had appeared from the dugout and was joining in.

It was interesting to note on Saturday night that Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer argued long and hard about whether Hull City's winning penalty against Midddlesbrough should have been given, whether the contact was deliberate or not, whether Giovanni had gone down too easily etc etc. For me, the decision which went against Newcastle was far harsher.

However, while poor decisions are infuriating and costly, Newcastle only had themselves to blame for the loss of points. They were dreadful in the second half and Kinnear failed spectacularly to cope with the loss of Danny Guthrie. Tactically the team were shoddy after the break and were unable to retain possession long enough to disrupt Stoke's momentum as they looked to force their way back into the game.

Kinnear didn't have many options available to him, but he could have put Mark Viduka on earlier, either pushed Michael Owen back into midfield or played Obafemi Martins wide on the right. He could have switched to a 4-3-3 formation. As it was, Habib Beye went on to the right side of midfield and barely touched the ball and Newcastle were left to cling on grimly to the two goal advantage Owen had given them in the first half.

If the loss of one player can cause so much disruption to the side, I dread to think what is going to happen over the next few weeks. I've said it before but I will say it again and again and again and again until it happens. Newcastle must invest in players in January, I repeat MUST invest in new players in January if they are going to stay up. I don't care if nobody likes him or can even tolerate him on Tyneside, Mike Ashley has to protect his investment.

The failure to win home games against the likes of Wigan and Stoke is a massive setback when you look at the wider context of the campaign. Newcastle still have to play Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool at St James's this season and they could, it's reasonable to suggest, fail to take a single point from those matches.

Of the Big Four, they only have to visit Liverpool, but when you haven't won an away game in the league all season it is unlikely you're suddenly going to start collecting loads of precious points on the road. The home form will be vital and it hasn't been anywhere near good enough so far.

Since the excellent 2-0 win against Aston Villa at the start of November, Newcastle have taken four points from a possible 15. They are out of the bottom three and have gone four games unbeaten, but look as if they could be dragged back into the mire at any point over a Festive period which threatens to be anything but for United fans.

Newcastle travel to Portsmouth and Wigan, and entertain Tottenham and Liverpool before the New Year. By my reckoning they need to take at least six points from these four game if they are going to start 2009 outside of the bottom three.

Oh and don't get me started on Owen's contract situation. Player says he hasn't been offered anything, manager says he's been told by agent he has no intention of meeting before January when they can also talk to rival clubs.

A chaotic, confused, joyless, muddled, depressing mess. That just about sums it up really. Yep, just swore again...