KEVIN Keegan has been expected to launch a Newcastle United revolution – but the Magpies are struggling to man the first barricade, let alone offer any sort of threat to the established order. This was King Kevin’s third game back in the throne he abdicated 11 years ago, but not only has he failed to toast a single victory, but also he has yet to even celebrate a Newcastle goal. Given they had already been comfortably beaten twice at the Emirates Stadium this season, Newcastle were not expected to get anything out of their third trip and the pre-match predictions were depressingly accurate. There was plenty of endeavour, not least from the United defenders who helped keep Arsenal at bay for a while, despite almost constant pressure, but there was still no sign of the bold attacking football Keegan once made his trademark. After the thrill and excitement of his return, reality has kicked in like a grim Monday morning back at work after a two-week cruise around the Caribbean. At least things can only get better. The fixture list has not been kind to Keegan, with back-to-back trips to Arsenal to contend with, but it has been a lacklustre and uninspiring start to a supposedly new era. The only real excitement has been behind the scenes where the appointment of Dennis Wise, Tony Jimenez and Jeff Vetere as a new boardroom management team has led to plenty of speculation and intrigue. If only Newcastle had been able to make as many signings on the pitch. Keegan has given his backing to the decision to appoint Wise, although it remains to be seen how their relationship develops, with some critics already openly suggesting the presence of an executive director – that was the title given to the former England international by his new employers yesterday – will lead to friction and, ultimately, Keegan’s departure. Keegan has history when it comes to leaving clubs when he does not like the way things are being run, but it is far too early to start predicting such a scenario. Indeed, such a pessimistic view of the situation is unfair given the manager’s public declaration of contentment, but it is an issue which threatens to distract him as he tries to rebuild the club he once established as one of the dominant forces in English football. For now, let’s not pass judgement on the decision to restructure the club until we have at least given it time to see if it works. Such matters are part of an uncertain future and Keegan has more pressing concerns to occupy his mind than the dynamics of his relationship with Wise. The only surprise in this match was that it took Arsenal until five minutes before half-time to take the lead as they were totally dominant, without ever having to over-exert themselves. With Newcastle struggling to get out of their own half, let alone keep hold of the ball for long enough to construct a meaningful attack, it was left to the defenders to keep the Magpies in the game. Steven Taylor made a wonderful sliding tackle on the edge of the area to halt Gael Clichy’s run and Stephen Carr was also needed to make a vital clearance at the far post as Eduardo da Silva lurked to turn in Mathieu Flamini’s cross. Arsenal’s grip continued to tighten and they might have had a penalty when Emmanuel Adebayor’s cross hit the hand of Charles N’Zogbia. The Arsenal appeals were half-hearted, probably because they knew it was only a matter of time before they made the breakthrough. Adebayor scored twice in the 3-0 FA Cup victory over United last weekend and he completed a hat-trick of sorts last night. The gangly striker should have found the net with a close-range volley after Flamini had picked him out, but lifted it over the bar. Moments later, in the 40th minute, Flamini was once again able to scamper clear down the right wing after Alan Smith, whose inability to hold the ball up in the first half offered his side no respite from Arsenal pressure, had lost the ball and David Rozehnal had missed a tackle. Nevertheless, Flamini’s cross, on the run, was a delightful one and Adebayor had the simple task of nodding it home from six yards. Newcastle showed plenty of spirit in the second half, but were not good enough to break down the home side’s defence. When they did get a clear sight of goal, Smith, who has not scored in the Premier League since 2005, failed to get the ball out from under his feet. At 1-0, United were, in theory, still in the game but that changed after 73 minutes when Flamini thumped the ball into the top corner from 25 yards. Seven minutes later, Cesc Fabregas made it three as United appealed for offside. Newcastle’s only response was a free-kick from Nicky Butt which hit the bar while Shola Amoebi shot straight at Manuel Almunia in stoppage time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The game at a glance EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING NEWCASTLE have played Arsenal three times away from home this season and have been comfortably beaten each time. The only good news for the Magpies is that they will not have to visit the Emirates Stadium for at least another six months. RELEGATION WORRIES NEWCASTLE have not won in the league since December 15 and have taken two points from a possible 21. It is relegation form and the Magpies will be starting to look a little nervously over their shoulders when Middlesbrough arrive on Sunday. TALKING POINT KEVIN Keegan knew he had a big job on his hands when he returned a fortnight ago, but with no players likely to arrive during the January transfer window to replenish a squad drained of confidence it looks even tougher this morning. JOEY BARTON WATCH WHEN Barton emerged from the substitutes’ bench early in the second half the midfielder was greeted with boos and chants of ‘You’re supposed to be in jail’. He may as well get used to it because he will get similar treatment from opposition fans all season. | 
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