Nottingham Forest put a dent in our title ambitions as what appeared to be a very unmotivated Newcastle side struggled early on.

Forest had the best of the first half and were unfortunate to only go in to the half-time break with a one goal lead. Newcastle were guilty of:

• Giving away possession (Are you listening Marlon Harewood?)
• Not making the best of our chances
• Woeful passing

I listened to the game on Radio Newcastle where John Carver was doing the commentary. I wish he was in the dugout instead – what a waste of a footballing brain. How he’s not employed I have no idea. His comments were spot on.

Unlike the Scousers who played at the Mackems, we don’t have the misfortune of blaming a big red balloon. Instead, the Newcastle United players have to take a long hard look at themselves and realise teams aren’t just going to roll over for us. They’re going to fight and scrap for every ball. I sometimes wonder if our midfield want to do the same.

Forest are a decent side, but there’s no doubt that we should at least have managed a point here. Coming away with nothing just adds salt in the wound – especially with West Brom winning. We have to get back to winning ways midweek against Scunthorpe – otherwise there’ll be fingers pointed at Chris Hughton (perhaps rightfully so).

One thing this game did suggest, is that we’re still woefully lacking in investment – from the coaching side all the way down to the players. When our first choice central defenders aren’t available and we struggle this badly, it doesn’t bode well.