ROBSON'S RESILIENT TOON ARMY by Tim Wheal

BOBBY ROBSON has transformed the fortunes of Newcastle United this season. The 68-year-old boss has confirmed his staying power by leading the Geordies back to the top of the league - a quality that, as Opta reveal, is shared by his team. Newcastle's rip-roaring comeback against fellow high-fliers Leeds was the Magpies' fourth of the current campaign, which is more than any of their Premiership rivals have managed this term. It was also the third match on the trot where Robson's men have come from behind to snatch victory as their sheer tenacity and never-say-die commitment has swept opponents aside.

It is their ability to keep plugging away this season that has been most impressive. The Magpies have netted 17 times in the last half-hour of their matches, which is not only unbeaten by any of their Premiership counterparts, but also two more strikes than they managed in the corresponding period of games for the whole of last season.

Saturday's opponents Leeds, on the other hand, seem to be headed in the opposite direction and are having trouble keeping their opponents at bay for the full 90 minutes.

David O'Leary's side boasted the league's best defensive record just a couple of weeks back, but have conceded eight goals in their last three matches - all at Elland Road come to that. More alarmingly though, seven of those eight have come in the second half of the game and Leeds have now leaked 76% of all goals in the second period, which is the highest percentage in the league. And when you compare that to last term, when the Yorkshire side shipped less than 40% of all strikes after the break - the lowest ratio in the league - this is a trend O'Leary will be pressing to buck as soon as possible.

For all Newcastle's recent problems when travelling to the capital (with Arsenal the obvious exception), Robson's men have been in irresistible form away from London. The travelling Toon Army have seen their heroes pick up wins at all five away fixtures outside of London this term, with the side scoring 16 goals and conceding just five in the process. As a result they have picked up 20 points on their travels this term which is more than they mustered in 2000-01.

Many are surprised to see the side from the north east in their current lofty position after their run of indifferent form in recent seasons. But the signs are that Robson has now stamped his mark on the squad that he came in to rescue at the start of the 1999-2000 campaign. With one season of consolidation under their belt and a couple of outstanding signings in Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert providing new verve in attack, United cannot be overlooked as contenders. And if they can show the same kind of resilience and longevity in the title race that they have in individual matches this term, there is no reason they can't be crowned Premiership champions come next May - despite what Robson himself says.

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2001

Answers

Ah'mstill Pissed!!

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2001

Delightful! Let the press heap praise on the Toon - while St Bobby continues to keep perspiration (sic) going in the dressing room.

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2001