Against Stoke, Newcastle were cruising at half time with 2 goals from Michael Owen.  In the second half, they sat back and invited pressure. The Toon kept a clean sheet for the past two games against Cheslsea and Middlesbrough, and must have thought they would be capable of containing Stoke on this occasion.  However poor defending returned to Newcastle.  Their lead was reduced to one goal half way through the second half, and the equaliser for Stoke came within the questionable 5 minutes injury period, from a free kick awarded for a questinable foul just outside the penalty area.  To top it all off, Joe Kinear was then duly dismissed to the stands for remonstrating with the fourth official.

Newcastle need to start winning, if they are to avoid facing relegation battles, which could condemn the Toon to the same fate as those other big teams, who are no longer in the Premier league.  Leeds, Coventry and Nottingham Forest to name a few. 

Final Score:  Newcastle United 2 - 2 Stoke  City