The 28th and final home contest of 2002, and in many ways symptomatic of the year's performances on our own patch. Happily for us, the outcome was also typical.

We took the lead for once, and then after getting a second goal looked like breaking our two-goal scoring run. However, an uncharacteristic miss from Shearer plus more predictably unsuccessful forays from LuaLua and Robert meant that we were always prey to conceding one and then enduring that almost inevitable nervy conclusion.

If there was one surprise about the bullet header from Dabizas that halved our advantage ("hapless Dabizas" to quote the Times) it's that it didn't come from either Poyet or Sir Les Ferdinand.

We ranted and raged last season when United rearranged their side to try and cope with Poyet on Tyneside, only to fail miserably. On this occasion we don't think that we made quite same tactical adjustments, but the frequency with which Newcastle players left the pitch means we can't quite be sure.

Our midfield bore the brunt of the casualties with what Sir Bobby called "half a regiment" missing by the end, more reshuffles than the Italian cabinet and Hughes anchoring the side in the middle of the park.

That we never really allowed Spurs to damage us is testament to the guts shown by the side, even the unfortunate Dabizas and under-fire Robert. The former was in the wars almost as soon as he got on the park but made a couple of timely interceptions, while the latter presumably felt sufficiently vindicated by a more effort-laden performance than of late to seek out his critics in the press straight after the game. Shame he got the wrong bloke. 

But there were admirable efforts all across the field, with Bellamy his usual feisty self but keeping his gob shut and managing to avoid unnecessary tussling with opponents. Robbie Keane laid claim to the enfant terrible tag today, with his constant moaning to the referee, opponents and seemingly himself. He was also rather less than pleased to be withdrawn from the fray - just what is it about that surname? Is it Gaelic for arsehole? 

Bernard returned to the left back slot with the air of a man conscious that a performance of substance was required, while the latter stages saw Shearer back in defence one minute and indulging in his patent clock-running down procedure at the opposite end of the field the next.

Much justifiable criticism was directed at the team in the aftermath of the Bolton defeat, but from the fans at least, much of this was down to pure frustration at our inconsistency. 

There will always be those who believe that the answer lies between the pages of a cheque book, especially with this new-fangled transfer aperture thing, but at least at home we go on proving that those currently at the club have the right stuff and in measurable quantities. It's just that we seem to be leaving it on the Moordale team bus too often for my liking away from home.

Only time will tell how much the loss of Dyer, Solano and Speed in this match (along with Viana) affects us in 2003. However, if the replacements can come in and make the same impression as Stevie Caldwell has then we'll still be in contention for a European return. It's worth recalling that our win at White Hart Lane a little under twelve months ago was achieved with McClen and Acuna, not Speed and Dyer.

The arms-aloft salute that Sir Bobby gave at the end of this match once again marked a colossal effort from his men and yet another incident-packed game.

Some minutes earlier he had seen LuaLua pick up a ball next to the dugout and waved the stand-in right winger forward, accompanying him down the touchline for a few steps in a manner vaguely reminiscent of "Chariots of Fire." Show me any other manager who'd do that. Enjoy him now, you'll miss him when he's gone.