Michael Owen, the Newcastle United striker, is hoping his goal against Middlesbrough on Sunday will help to rekindle the club’s season. It was his first Barclays Premier League goal since October 7, and the first under new manager Kevin Keegan’s regime.
Indeed, Owen could have been the hero had Mike Dean, the referee, not disallowed an earlier effort for a foul on goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer despite minimal contact being made.
Robert Huth ensured that Newcastle were frustrated after he headed home a late equaliser, but Owen believes his return to goalscoring form can provide the platform for a new start.
“It gave us a lift to score against Middlesbrough because we had not scored under the new manager,” Owen said. “People say we didn’t score for three games, but let’s not get carried away - we did play Arsenal twice. They are a fine team who we are not as good as, basically, and it was always going to be difficult in those two games.
“We needed a goal to ignite everyone. But unfortunately, we could not hang on. This, though, gives us something to work on. It would be a boost to get that win.
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“There is no doubt once everyone gets their confidence back, we can go far. If anybody is going to give us that confidence, it is this manager. I am sure that will happen and we will pick up.”
That may prove easier said than done in the short term with home games against Manchester United and Blackburn to follow next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
However, with Owen back fit and among the goals, he is hoping to spearhead a revival to drag the club away from the developing fight for survival below them.
A combination of groin and thigh injuries have limited him to just 20 appearances for his club to date this season, although yesterday’s strike was his second in five games following his goal in the 4-1 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Stoke.
Owen said: “It is part of my life and my career, I suppose. I have gone three games without a goal and have been criticised. Two of those games were away at Arsenal when we lost 3-0 twice, so it is not like we had a lot of chances.
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“Three games is not a long time - four games is probably a crisis - but it is always nice to score. It was just frustrating not to win the game.”