The Return of Owen

England finally came together as EPL fans know they should, winning 3-0 today over a strong Russian team. With Emile Heskey acting as a decoy, Michael Owen was able to work around him, flitting off on the edges and attacking the middle of the pitch, keeping the Russian defence guessing. The first goal came in the 4th minute, as Owen controlled a cross from Gareth Barry from the right flank and quickly dispatched the ball into the right side-netting. England looked the side to beat today, herding the Russian strikers into the center of the field and dispossessing them, with Ferdinand and Terry both living up to their reputations. Sean Wright-Phillips looked good on the right flank while Joe Cole was unfortunately denied by the Russian keeper on a good strike from just outside the box. England's long passing game looked great, as their timely counterattacks kept the Russians from sending more than one or two men forward at a time. In the 30th minute, Michael Owen scored again, this time striking a volley across the goal, just beyond the reach of Malafeev. The half ended just as England could have wished, up 2-0 and looking the strong favorites to take the points.
The second half began with more of the same, as long balls were played into Heskey, who did well to direct them into the paths of oncoming attackers like Owen, Cole and Wright-Phillips. Russia looked anemic and ineffective throughout the game, but showed a bit more panache at the beginning of the second half; England's mastery of the pitch proved too much though, as they continued to attack. Finally, in the 84th minute, England took a corner short, playing the ball into Owen at the edge of the 18, who froze the two defenders in front of him and threaded a short pass in to Rio Ferdinand (A short aside: Rio Ferdinand is one of the best defenders in the world, whose pace can match that of nearly any striker, who has one of the coolest heads in soccer and communicates superbly with his goalie. Additionally, he's good in the air and has a strong scoring record for a defender.) who pulled the ball back then burst past his defender before smashing the ball under the diving Malafeev. Owen had to be the man of the match and looked as good as he has in years. Here's to a successful campaign for Newcastle United and England. Good to have you back, Michael.