The rest is history ... and some are getting a bit sick of, what seems like, priority for the England cause.
However, Big Sam sees it all in a different light, and he is encouraging Steve McClaren to play the ex-Real Madrid striker on Wednesday. Even though he claims Owen is possibly six games away from being the Michael Owen we saw during his time at Anfield.
McClaren is desperate for Owen to lead the line in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers, even more so now Wayne Rooney is missing. But why risk him on Wednesday? He knows how important the player is so why take a chance?
Allardyce: "It could be four, five or possibly six games until we see a sharp Michael Owen.
Sam Says Playing For England Will Help Owen's Fitness
"If Steve gives him some part in the Germany match, it will be a great help, but he's not ready to start that game.
"Today was frustrating. Continuing from where we left off at Bolton was what we wanted, but we found it difficult from an attacking point of view to break down a solid defence.
"But the clean sheet makes me very, very happy. Giving goals away when we were in a position to win the game was a particular problem here last year.
"Four points from two games is a good start. We've quite a way to go, because we saw Villa match us today, but we've got a lot of players with good experience to come back.
"Michael Owen was back today, but isn't really there and Joey Barton and Damien Duff are to come back.
"Had we drawn at Bolton and won today, all you boys would be happy.
"Injuries to Martins and Geremi are a bit of a worry to us ahead of the Middlesbrough game next Sunday."