The announcement of Newcastle United's lineup was greeted with much consternation in important places such as Twitter. Although his options were truly limited by injury, Alan Pardew's lineup that featured 3 defensive midfielders in a 4-4-2 formation looked like it would ultimately prove void of attacking ideas if relatively solid on the defensive end. In fairness, it did play out that way somewhat, if slightly on the positive end of that spectrum.
Newcastle were fortunate to get to halftime at 0-0 with Mike Williamson requiring the help of the goalpost to prevent his making the score sheet with an own goal, but otherwise had looked solid if not spectacular. Early in the second half, it looked as if Newcastle were on the way to breaking the absolutely wretched run of form that they had been on with their three consecutive defeats as Papiss Cisse got on the board for the Toon thanks to a howler from Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The work rate for the next 30 minutes or so had looked like Newcastle may have been good value to take the three points as their graft was reminiscent of some of last year's form.
Then, Mike Williamson happened. Kenwyne Jones, who somehow never fails to make an impact against NUFC sent in a cross late in the match that Jonathan Walters turned comfortably in to tie the match. Just as frequently has happened in the last year +, Newcastle were on the defensive straight from the goal and conceded again in quick order through Cameron Jerome. 4 losses on the trot.