A Little Bit Of History Changing

Kevin Nolan and Danny Simpson scored their first Newcastle goals as they got a late victory over relegation strugglers Blackburn.

A tight match looked set to be heading for a draw, after Nolan's opener was cancelled out by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

But with eight minutes to go, Simpson - who was on loan at Ewood Park last season - scored the goal that secured his team a first win in seven league matches and keeps Blackburn firmly in the mire at the bottom of the table.

It was tough to take for the visitors, who had held their own in a fairly even contest.

Sam Allardyce certainly knew that this was a great chance to end his team's own winless run, with their last win seeing them beat Burnley in January some ten games ago.

With both teams arriving on the back of poor runs, neither side was particularly close to troubling the scoresheet in the opening exchanges. A wayward strike from distance by Keith Andrews was the only real opportunity created in the opening 39 minutes of a dreadful contest.

It was very much defences on top, with a superb sliding tackle from Brett Emerton denying Shola Ameobi shooting space, and a similar tackle from former Rover Damien Duff denying El-Hadji Diouf shooting space.

With half-time approaching, it was Blackburn who begun creating some opportunities. Nicola Kalinic saw an effort deflected to Diouf, whose effort was carried out for a corner by Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini.

Moments later, Kalinic was even closer, with an impressive solo run sadly lacking in a finish the run deserved.

Newcastle's first real chance came four minutes after half-time, when Duff picked out Simpson, only for the full back to see his effort just touch the top of the bar on its way over.

But it was the home side who took the lead two minutes later. David Edgar hit the ball out wide for Jose Enrique, who ran before laying it off for Duff. The Irish winger's teasing delivery cued up Nolan, who struck the half-volley beyond Paul Robinson and into the goal.

It was a first Newcastle goal for the midfielder since joining from Bolton last January, and it was a moment to savour for the man after his difficult start to life in the North East.

Blackburn were not out of the contest but should have done better when Andrews sent his free-header wide of the mark.

Despite this, it was Rovers with the game's second goal. Andrews picked out substitute David Hoilett, who hit a firm ball out for Gamst Pedersen. The Norweigan broke away of the visiting defence before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Newcastle responded by making substitutions, but it was Duff who should have scored when he was played through by Edgar only to find the side netting.

Substitute Andy Carroll was also close to the second goal for his team when he met Danny Guthrie's teasing delivery but couldn't do anything with it.

Blackburn were almost in for a second goal eleven minutes from time but Hoilett's weak shot was an easy one for Harper.

Newcastle were close to a winner when Carroll cued up Duff, who forced a save from Robinson.

Then, with eight minutes to go, it was the home side who forced the breakthrough. A free-kick after a foul by Hoilett on Jose Enrique saw Duff find Jonas Gutierrez, and the Argentine winger was able to cue up Simpson. The full-back opted to hit a powerful strike that flew from his right foot into the top corner, giving him a first Newcastle goal and his team the lead for the second time.

Blackburn offered little but almost snatched a point with 92 minutes on the clock when a corner picked out Hoilett, who could only see his header go out via the top of the bar.

Newcastle could have had a third on 93 minutes when Nolan was teed up only to see an effort deflected wide, while Benni McCarthy's knockdown at the other end could only find Steven Taylor, who was able to head the ball to the safe arms of Harper.

This helped the Magpies hold on for an important three points, as they secure a first victory since winning at Fulham in mid-February and keeps the team's top half place.

But it was another bad afternoon for Blackburn, not helped by Birmingham winning the vital six-pointer with Portsmouth, and they will feel increasingly uncertain of retaining their Premier League status.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique - Wilshere (Jonas 62), Edgar, Guthrie (Smith 83), Duff - Nolan - Ameobi (Carroll 62)
Subs not used: Krul, Bassong, Ryan Taylor, Mandzukic
Booked: Coloccini

Scorer: Nolan (51), Simpson (82)

Blackburn: Robinson - Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Givet - Andrews, N'Zonzi, Reid (Khizanishvilli 78) - Diouf (McCarthy 66), Kalinic (Hoilett 45), Gamst Pedersen
Subs not used: Bunn, Jacobsen, Stefanovic, Tchato
Booked: Andrews

Scorer: Gamst Pedersen (61)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 44,665

Two Didier Drogba goals gave Chelsea a win over Newcastle to help their Champions League crusade.

The Ivorian forward grabbed one goal midway through the first half and then another ten minutes into second, which helped ease some of the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti. It also helps close the gap on Manchester United after Everton won at Old Trafford at lunchtime, and increases the anticipation for tomorrow's clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

It was an important result for the Blues, who have not missed a Champions League season since 2002-03.

Although they secured a famous win in Madrid in midweek to make the semi-final stage, the Blues know failure to win the trophy or finish in the top four will mean they miss out.

They immediately set about a Newcastle team that has only one once sine February, but their early efforts lacked accuracy, with Branislav Ivanovic and Michael Essien both missing efforts they should have done better with.

Newcastle almost made them pay with the game's first effort on target. Kevin Nolan's fine cross picked out Jonas Gutierrez, who sent a firm header that Petr Cech made a good save to keep out.

Juliano Belletti hit an effort into the stands, but Newcastle were still creating the better opportunities, with Cech make a good save and catch to deny Danny Simpson.

But despite this plan of events, Chelsea's first shot on target yielded the opening goal. A quick Juan throw-in was collected by Landon Donovan, and the American's swinging delivery was received by Drogba, who struck a firm effort into the corner.

This was the breakthrough the home fans craved, but they almost squandered it immediately and would have done but for a superb defensive challenge from Ricardo Carvalho to deny the unmarked Mario Mandzukic shooting space.

Having survived that, it was Chelsea with a go when Frank Lampard's firm effort from range was denied by Steve Harper.

Yet Newcastle were refusing to lie down. Jack Wilshere teed up Jonas, who saw a bold strike superbly denied by Cech.

Wary of the visitors getting back into the contest, Chelsea were now looking for the killer second. They should have got it when Deco superbly picked out Drogba, who could only swing a poor effort away from goal.

Much closer was Belletti, who hit a powerful long range kick that Harper did equally well to keep out of the net.

Newcastle were still close to finding their own way through, with Kevin Nolan denied by Cech and Damien Duff only being able to find the side netting with the rebound.

Chelsea came even closer to another goal, when Drogba received Essien's through ball and hit a powerful effort that crashed into the crossbar.

Lampard provoked a fairly routine stop out of Harper moments before Nolan should have done better at the other end of the field when he ran free only to fire into the crowd.

Chelsea's attempts to find the net again before half-time saw John Terry come close when he met Deco's corner but the skipper could only head straight at Harper.

But with virtually the first attempt of the second half some ten minutes into the period, it was Chelsea who grabbed the game's second. A poor clearance was intercepted by Lampard, who hit the ball out wide to Juan. The full-back's cross duly found Drogba, who rose above Sebastien Bassong.

Newcastle almost got themselves within a goal of the hosts immediately, when Jonas was picked out by Nolan's cross only for Cech to hold his header with ease.

Drogba was close to a hat-trick when his strike was well turned off target by Harper.

Although Chelsea were in control of the scoresheet, they still had to be wary of a comeback, with substitute Andy Carroll seeing a good header skim the bar on its way over.

However, the hosts still retained a degree of control, with Florent Malouda seeing a powerful effort well blocked by Harper.

Harper also did well to deny Michael Essien, while Lampard saw a swerving effort rattle the bar and Juan fired wide as Chelsea hunted down that elusive third goal.

Newcastle still had a chance to get into the game, with Jonas seeing a flying header denied by Cech, but they were definitely second best.

The Magpies didn't do too badly, but were second best against a Chelsea team still on a high from Wednesday night and hopeful that they can still get a top four finish out of this campaign.

Chelsea: Cech - Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Juan (Anelka 83) - Belletti - Essien, Lampard - Deco (Ballack 45) - Drogba, Donovan (Malouda 67)
Subs not used: Lambo, Alex, Zhirkov, Buonanotte

Scorer: Drogba (21, 55)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Edgar (Guthrie 76), Wilshere, Duff (Thygesen 69) - Nolan (Carroll 69) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Forster, Kadar, Smith, Ameobi

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 39,036

Ben Watson scored an 89th minute winger to keep Wigan's faint survival hopes alive with a draw at Newcastle.

Roberto Martinez's side had been moments away from having their demotion confirmed, with Damien Duff's goal having given Newcastle a one goal lead with their only shot on target in the whole game.

But just as the final whistle was closing in, Wigan were handed a controversial late penalty when Steven Taylor bought down Hugo Rodallega, and Watson slotted the ball home to ensure the Latics live to fight another week.

It was a reprieve for the Latics, with results having not gone their way over the weekend and the side on a dreadful run of just 2 wins in 11 matches.

The team were stung by loss in a vital six pointer with Birmingham City last weekend, and almost conceded inside the opening minute at St. James' Park when Damien Duff received the ball and hit a powerful effort that beat Chris Kirkland but not his post.

Despite this bad start and their poor recent form, Wigan did begin to create opportunities. Former Newcastle winger Charles N'Zogbia picked out Jason Scotland, who was denied by Steve Harper, while Scotland saw a similar effort go hopelessly over the top.

Inaccuracy was also the scourge of Steven Taylor, with the Newcastle centre back seeing his effort land hopelessly over the top of the net.

Neither team was particularly adept at creating problems for the goalkeepers, with Mario Mandzukic the next to provide a glaring miss when he rose high above Erik Edman to a Duff cross only to miss the target.

Very close to the target was Jason Koumas, who struck a fine free-kick that was a fraction past the wrong side of the post.

Newcastle did manage to get a chance just before the break, with Jonas Gutierrez picked out by a cross only to be denied by a routine Kirkland stop.

However, Wigan were close in the final seconds of the first half, with Koumas' free-kick landing straight into the arms of Harper.

Newcastle had the chances at the start of the second half, with Duff narrowly wide with a flying free-kick and Mandzukic picked out by Jose Enrique's cross only to be denied by the crossbar.

Andy Carroll and Mandzukic were both off target with bold strikes, but Wigan were much closer, with Scotland meeting N'Zogbia's delivery only for Harper to deny him.

But the home side were still having the majority of opportunities, with Jonas putting a free-kick narrowly wide, and with 19 minutes to go they had their reward.

A quick throw-in was returned by Alan Smith to original taker Jonas, and the Argentine winger's first time cross fell for Duff, who got in a free header to open the scoring.

Wigan's Maynor Figueroa led protests, as they felt the Irishman was offside, but the goal stood and meant the Latics were staring down the barrel of the relegation gun.

Newcastle then blew a chance to rubber-stamp the result when Mikkel Thygesen received Carroll's knockdown but blew the resulting opportunity.

The game was cruising towards its conclusion, but then with 89 minutes on the clock, the Latics had a golden chance to take a point home from the North East.

A first time ball from Edman picked out N'Zogbia, who ran free of his marker before sliding a ball across the box for substitute Rodallega, who was pulled back by Steven Taylor.

Referee Andre Marriner showed no hesitation in awarding a penalty kick, to howls of derision from the terraces and angry protests from players. But Marriner was unmoved, and Watson was allowed to strike the finish beyond Harper to equalise.

The Magpies threw on Shola Ameobi, and applied late pressure but it was unable to force a second goal for the home side.

The Latics were able to hold out, and keep their Premier League status alive. They could well be alive for a last day showdown with Lancashire neighbours Blackburn Rovers, but they know they have to avoid defeat against Everton on Saturday or else the game will be up for the Latics.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Ameobi 90) - Jonas, Smith, Wilshere (Thygesen 66), Duff - Mandzukic (Barton 73), Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Kadar, Nolan
Booked: Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jonas, Smith, Wilshere

Scorer: Duff (71)

Wigan: Kirkland - Melchiot, Tunchev, Figueroa (Cho Won-Hee 72), Edman - Koumas, Watson, Scharner, Thomas, N'Zogbia - Scotland (Rodallega 83)
Subs not used: Pollitt, Routledge, Amaya, Diame, Jordi Gomez
Booked: Scharner

Scorer: Watson (pen 89)

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 44,471

A man of the match display from debutant goalkeeper Tim Krul helped ten man Newcastle win at Aston Villa.

The Dutch goalkeeper was given a surprise league debut but made a number of saves to frustrate the West Midlands hosts.

Mario Mandzukic and Jonas Gutierrez scored the goals for the Magpies in their victory, and the visitors held out for a two goal win despite seeing Alan Smith sent off for third time this season against the Villains.

With both teams in midtable, neither manager theoretically had much to play for - a far cry from when the two teams met on the last day of the previous campaign, with Villa in a top six spot and Newcastle needing a last minute Damien Duff goal to preserve their Premier League status.

But both teams went about finding an early breakthrough, with Andy Carroll and Stephen Warnock both creating good opportunities only to find their efforts significantly lacking in accuracy.

James Milner and John Carew were both close with efforts that were deflected off target, but Newcastle were significantly closer when Carroll saw an effort narrowly touch the bar on its way over.

Carew should have done much better when he somehow missed the target with a free header, but Villa got much closer when Gabby Agbonlahor made a flying diving header that was denied by Krul.

It took 34 minutes for Newcastle to get Brad Friedel to make a save, but it was a good stop from the veteran American goalkeeper, who got a good pair of hands to Mandzukic's swerving effort.

Carew also got close when he narrowly saw an effort clip the top of the bar, while Mandzukic should have done much better when he met Tamas Kadar's cross but couldn't keep the effort below the bar.

Newcastle were beginning to restrict Villa to long shots but they came very close with one such attempt, when Fabian Delph's long range hit was superbly stopped by Krul.

A very good stop from Friedel was also needed to stop Carroll, which deflected his effort onto the post and clear. From the same corner, the Newcastle striker then saw another attempt superbly stopped by the big goalkeeper.

Close as well was Carew at the other end, who saw a firm strike denied by Friedel.

Eight minutes into the half and Newcastle took the advantage in the contest. A free-kick was picked up by Alan Smith, who laid the ball off for Mikkel Thygesen. The Danish midfielder's firm ball forward picked out Mandzukic, who ran free of the defence before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Villa had a chance for instant equalising but were unable to manage it when Krul made a reasonable stop to deny Delph.

Carew headed wide as Villa began probing, and the big Norwegian got much closer when his effort was tipped away superbly by Krul.

Then, with 19 minutes to go, Newcastle broke free to shut the door on the Villains' comeback affair. Jack Wilshere cued up Danny Simpson, whose firm drive was only beaten away to Jonas, and the Argentine tucked the ball home.

However, Villa still smelt the possibility of a way back into the game, with Smith tripping up Warnock, and duly dismissed from the action for his second booking.

Despite their man advantage, Villa struggled to create efforts. A firm Sidwell drive way wide and an Ashley Young effort well stopped by Krul was all they manged in the final quarter hour against the ten men.

This was a poor end to a fairly dreary afternoon for Villa. It also means Newcastle still have a chance of lapping the Villains, even if it is increasingly likely this will just be a battle for 9th place in the final table - a sign of the opportunity Villa have missed this year.

Aston Villa: Friedel - Cuellar, Dunne, Davies, Bouma - Milner (Sidwell 72), Delph, Warnock, Young - Carew, Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Mannone, Beye, Collins, Downing, Harewood, Delfouneso
Booked: Bouma, Dunne, Davies

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Edgar, Bassong, Kadar - Jonas, Smith, Thygesen, Duff (Barton 75) - Mandzukic, Carroll (Wilshere 70)
Subs not used: Harper, Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Nolan, Ameobi
Booked: Smith, Mandzukic
Sent Off: Smith (75)

Scorer: Mandzukic (52), Jonas (71)

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 40,247

Mario Mandzukic scored a sublime hat-trick as Newcastle secured a fine victory over local rivals Sunderland.

The Croatian striker scored twice in the first half to set the home side on their way to victory, and hometown hero Andy Carroll then netted his first Tyne-Wear Derby goal to increase the delight for the home crowd.

Two goals in two minutes at the start of the second from Mikkel Thygesen and Mandzukic gave the Magpies a seemingly unassailable five goal advantage.

Although Kenwyne Jones scored twice in the second half and Steven Taylor did earn a late sending off - Newcastle's 9th in the league this season - the home side's supremacy was clear for all to see.

It belied a form book that has seen Sunderland win 12 games since December - top four form, if only let down by the fact it took them until December to actually win a Premier League game this season.

But while this form has restored pride to the Wearsiders, their opening could not have been more disastrous.

A poor John Mensah clearance saw him intercepted by Thygesen, who laid the ball off for Mandzukic. A one-two with Carroll set the Croatian through on goal and he could not miss.

A flying start for Newcastle, which set them up to try and win a first derby match in two years.

Sunderland however were not out of the contest, and after Juan Carlos Menseguez wasted a glorious opportunity, Darren Bent did finish past Tim Krul only to be denied by an offside flag.

The visiting players remonstrated with the officials but were given nothing.

From then on, Newcastle began to move into a higher gear. Mandzukic saw an effort clip the top of the bar on its way out, while another fierce effort from the Croat was met by a flying stop from Craig Gordon.

Steven Taylor then headed over as Newcastle intensified the search for a second, and it paid off on 28 minutes in sublime style. A pass out wide from David Edgar found Danny Simpson, who picked out Mandzukic.

From there on, everything was the Croatian's doing. A belter of a hit from the highly rated striker saw the ball fly from 25 yards into the back of the net.

The home side kept their two goal lead thanks to a sublime Krul stop to deny Jones, before they then got themselves their third goal.

Mandzukic picked up a cross-field pass and opted to lay the ball off for the onrushing Simpson. His delivery was an inviting one that perfectly found Carroll, who sent a powerful header into the goal.

A three goal advantage before the break sent the home supporters into dreamland, and it could have been more had Carroll not blown a chance when well placed.

The second half began in the same way the first had ended, with a double substitution not stemming the Tyneside tide as Gordon had to make a flying stop to deny Carroll.

But barely three minutes into the half, Newcastle were four up. Their fourth was similar to the third, with Mandzukic again receiving the ball and again opting to play in Simpson, who again sent in a perfect delivery. This time, Thygesen met it and buried his opportunity.

Still reeling from that, the visitors soon found themselves 5-0 down. A terrible pass from substitute Nyron Nosworthy was picked off by Jose Enrique, who fed the ball down the flank for Damien Duff. The Irishman's pass picked out Carroll, who laid it off for Mandzukic to bury his strike home.

It was an effortless hat-trick for the Croat, who is proving an exceptional buy in his first season in the Premier League.

Some Sunderland fans decided now was the time to call it a day, but those that stayed did have one goal to cheer when Jones was picked out by Lee Cattermole and tapped the ball home.

Despite the game being effectively over, Sunderland began to show promise with the ball and had a second goal with 25 minutes to go. Lorik Cana played a first time ball to Bent, who was allowed to advance straight through the Newcastle backline. He cued up Jones, who broke free before finishing his second of the day.

Only the most devotional visiting supporters will have felt a comeback was likely, and the door was almost shut on that theory when Gordon had to deny Carroll from a teasing corner.

The misery wasn't helped when Kieran Richardson received a needless yellow card for diving, and it was almost increased when Jonas Gutierrez broke free only to be unable to calibrate a shot on target.

The game was long over, with Carroll and Mandzukic both given standing ovations when they were withdrawn by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

But it wasn't a perfect afternoon for Newcastle, whose discipline problems reared its head yet again with their ninth Premier League red card of the season. This time captain Taylor, already on a yellow, committed a silly challenge on Jones and was duly dismissed.

However, this was in no way a reprieve for Sunderland, who were consistently dreadful and only came to life when five goals down - a display that will be inexcusable in the eyes of their fans.

The emotion was in stark contrast to those felt by home supporters, who toasted an impressive victory over their local rivals and ensures a top-half finish for the first time in three seasons.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Barton 68) - Jonas, Edgar, Thygesen, Duff - Mandzukic (Nolan 76), Carroll (Ameobi 76)
Subs not used: Harper, Coloccini, Kadar, Wilshere
Booked: Steven Taylor
Sent Off: Steven Taylor (90)

Scorer: Nolan (51), Simpson (82)

Sunderland: Gordon - Semebras (Nosworthy 45), Mensah (Ferdinand 48), da Silva (Turner 45), Armero - Menseguez, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson - Bent, Jones
Subs not used: Fulop, McCartney, Geovanni, Campbell
Booked: Cana, Richardson

Scorer: Jones (54, 65)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 52,387

Andriy Voronin scored a seven minute hat trick as Liverpool secured second place with an easy win over Newcastle.

A superb first half cameo from the Ukrainian ultimately proved the difference, although Liverpool fans will feel the stats show they had the better of the game by miles as they secured a 26th win of a productive league campaign.

The win, coupled with a surprise defeat for Manchester United at home to West Ham, ensured that Rafael Benitez's men will finish second for the second year in a row, although they do finish a whole eight points behind league champions Spurs.

That result at Old Trafford would have meant Liverpool would have finished second even if they lost, but a Newcastle side that had started brightly ultimately offered very little in resistance and they sunk to a third consecutive 3-0 league defeat at Anfield.

It was a rather unsatisfying end to Sven-Goran Eriksson's first season as Newcastle manager, although they have at least improved to a 10th place finish - much better than last season's 17th place that was only secured on the final minute of the final day.

Things may have gone differently had they take a third minute opportunity, when Jose Enrique perfectly found lone striker Shola Ameobi, only for the striker to get nowhere near the target.

Steven Gerrard almost got the ball rolling for the Reds when his free-kick drifted wide, but Newcastle almost stung the hosts when Sebastien Bassong perfectly rose to meet a corner only to head over.

The Magpies changed to a 4-5-1 one for this game and were having a decent half, with Bassong again coming close when he met Damien Duff's cross only to fluff his lines.

Liverpool were struggling to get into gear, with Gerrard again lashing one off target, although they felt they should have had a penalty when David Edgar challenged Fernando Torres.

Nothing was given and Newcastle duly missed another chance to take the lead at Anfield, with Kevin Nolan playing in Jonas Gutierrez only for the Argentine to lash an effort into the Kop.

But with six minutes to go until half-time, the home crowd were celebrating the opener. Daniel Agger intercepted Danny Simpson's rushed clearance, and played in Fernando Torres, who showed good work to evade Bassong. His cross was perfect for Voronin, who powered his header home.

Within two minutes, the same goal-assist combination was providing Liverpool more returns. A through ball from Javier Mascherano was collected by Gerrard, who laid it off for Torres. The Spanish striker's run took him away from his markers, before he laid the ball on a plate for Voronin, who could not miss from six yards out.

Just as Newcastle thought the half could not end any worse, they conceded again in the dying stages of the first half. Agger's down the flank picked out Albert Riera, who ran free and crossed in. Voronin was first to the ball again, and was on the scoresheet again to seal his hat trick.

This was to be his last action as he was subbed off at half-time, although he did earn a standing ovation from the home supporters.

Less deserving of one was Jose Enrique, who was subbed off after a dreadful first half. But one of the Newcastle defenders that stayed on missed a chance for his first goal in England, as Tamas Kadar met Duff's corner but headed over.

Fabricio Coloccini was Enrique's replacement, and his foul on Riera gave Liverpool a chance to make it four. Gerrard's free-kick was a fantastic strike, but equally impressive was Tim Krul's save.

The Reds were looking to grab a final day rout, with Torres' cross picking out Lucas only for the Brazilian midfielder to send his strike off target.

Krul was then on hand again to deny his fellow Dutchman Dirk Kuyt, while another Lucas effort landed in the stands.

Good defending was then needed for the Magpies, with a superb intervention from Coloccini denying Torres when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Liverpool had two chances in the last five minutes but didn't take either, with Gerrard seeing an effort narrowly go wide and Torres denied by Krul.

But in the end, it didn't matter - the Reds had second and a final day victory that secured their second place, and they will be hopeful that next year is finally the year that secures their 19th English title and their first Premier League one.

Liverpool: Reina - Johnson, Kyrigakos, Agger, Dossena - Aquilani (Lucas 45), Mascherano - Voronin (Kuyt 45), Gerrard, Riera (Benayoun 70) - Torres
Subs not used: Martin, Skrtel, Degen, Ahumada

Scorer: Voronin (39, 41, 45+1)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Bassong (Barton 83), Kadar, Jose Enrique (Coloccini 45) - Nolan, Edgar, Wilshere (Carroll 74) - Jonas, Ameobi, Duff
Subs not used: Harper, Ryan Taylor, Thygesen, Mandzukic
Booked: Simpson, Edgar

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 45,331

With the Premier League now over for another year, The Daily Telegraph looks back on how each team did in another frantic season. This review concerns Newcastle United, who finished 10th in the Premier League.

The Season In A Sentence:
Wild ride in midtable that was mercifully free of relegation worries but sadly lacking in any concept of discipline.

Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson
The return of the one-time England manager to the Premier League was met with raised eyebrows but despite boardroom takeovers and his players having disciplinary problems, he kept the team together, made them a tough proposition, and yielded a vast improvement on last year.

Best Player: Jonas Gutierrez
Many will pick Mario Mandzukic, who certainly caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits. But the Argentine's second season was very impressive, with the winger a constant outlet on either flank and always a valuable option for the team.

Worst Player: Ryan Taylor
The centre back pairing of Sebastien Bassong and Fabricio Coloccini was often shaky ground for Magpies fans, with both having underwhelming campaigns. But Ryan Taylor offered very little in the way of anything resembling performance, and its little wonder he played less and less as the campaign wore on.

Moment Of The Season:
For the fans, that comprehensive victory over Sunderland will undoubtedly a highlight, but the post-Christmas win over Spurs was a particular highlight considering Spurs did not lose a single league game after Andy Carroll's winner.

Big Issue:
A host of European suitors are beginning to show an interest in Mandzukic, so keep him is a must. Also vital is tightening up a still-leaky defence and making sure the club don't get so many cards. With 83 yellows and 9 reds, the club comfortably topped both leagues of indiscipline, and they must be better behaved next year.

Season Rating: 8/10
After the nightmare of 2008/09, the only way for Newcastle was up. They more than managed it, and certainly had some fun moments to savour along the way including wins over Spurs, Manchester City and Arsenal. Sven certainly has a platform to build on for greater things next season.

Best Eleven:
Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Smith, Duff - Mandzukic, Carroll

Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has said the club will look to progress up the league next season.

Eriksson's first campaign as manager of Newcastle saw him lead the side to a 10th place finish - an improvement of seven places on the year before and the first top-half finish since 2005-06.

Having secured their position, Eriksson says the club will spend the summer looking at how to take the club further next year.

He said: "We can certainly be pleased with our season. The players owed it to the fans after a number of poor performances over the last two seasons, and there have been moments when they showed potential of a team much better than the placing we find ourselves in.

"Having grabbed a foothold, its now time that we pushed on. We have a new owner and we have funding available if we need it, although we have the bones of a squad that can get us pushing towards the next level.

"A few quality additions and tweaks, and we should be ready. Next year is a big test but we want to see how we can build up a squad for improvement and then implement these plans."

Former England coach Eriksson was also asked what he felt the England national team can do at the 2010 World Cup.

England will be in Group G at the tournament, with the USA, Chile and host nation South Africa drawn into their group.

He said: "Obviously, a World Cup is a tough environment. It certainly won't help that one of the teams is the host nation, and they will have the majority of the stadium cheering them on.

"It'll be tricky to win the thing but its not impossible. Fabio Capello is a good manager and there are still many good players in the team, and if not winning the thing, they should at least go far."

Newcastle have confirmed the permanent signing of full back Danny Simpson and the departure of midfielder Nicky Butt.

Simpson, 23, will join the club for six hundred thousand pounds after impressing on loan at St. James' Park during the 2009-10 season. He will sign a five year contract at the club.

The defender made 33 appearances for the first team last season, scoring once. He was generally seen as one of the club's best defenders last season, and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson had been said to have wanted to confirm his signing.

Meanwhile, Butt will leave Newcastle after six years at the club.

The 35-year-old had been a key player since returning from a loan spell at Birmingham City but had failed to make a single league appearance in the whole 2009-10 season, with the player struggling with injuries and the preference for other players.

He made 117 league appearances during his time at St. James' Park. It is unknown yet if the player will now retire or seek another club.

Newcastle have also said they are considering which players will be let go upon expiry of contract. No decision has yet been made on who will leave.

Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has said he wants his team to improve their poor discipline record.

Although Newcastle secured a convincing 10th place finish last season, their position was not helped by their lack of discipline, which saw the team collected 84 yellows and 9 reds during the course of the Premier League campaign.

This was by far and away one of the worst disciplines ever posted in a Premier League season, and Eriksson has said he is not happy with this record.

He said: "I know that we had a bit of attention last season for our bookings and sending offs record.

"Obviously, some of them were quite silly cards that the referee could have not given. But there's a point when we have to stop blaming the ref and look at ourselves, and realise that we really do need to improve.

"We cannot keep getting players sent off so frequently, because it will only hinder our squad's ability to compete during a season when half the team is unable to play.

"We have combative players so obviously we run the risk of referees singling us out, but we cannot keep giving them reason to do this or else we will struggle to make the progress we crave."

It is thought Eriksson was particularly talking about Alan Smith and Joey Barton, after the midfielders each earned three red cards during the course of the 2009-10 season.

Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor both received two red cards, but while four players were responsible for all of Newcastle's cards, their huge number of bookings from various players throughout the campaign will also cause concern.

Steven Taylor will be banned for Newcastle's first match of next season, after he earned a two game ban for his sending off during the Tyne Wear Derby.

It is unlikely the players will leave the club in the summer, but Eriksson is understood to think a continued lack of discipline in the 2010-11 campaign will be reason enough to transfer list the players.

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was "astounded" by England's penalty shootout exit to Ukraine in the World Cup.

Fabio Capello's team were beaten on penalties by ten man Ukraine in Port Elizabeth to end their interest in the World Cup in South Africa, despite the team missing 35 shots during the 120 minutes of football beforehand.

Eriksson, who manged England at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, said he could not believe the game he was watching.

Speaking to Gary Lineker on BBC One's coverage of the game, the Newcastle manager said: "I could not believe what I was watching.

"After a fantastic group stage with three wins from three, it looked as though Fabio was on hand to potentially deliver something special for the England fans.

"It was never going to be easy. After all, Ukraine and Ivory Coast beat two very good teams in Spain and Japan to reach the knockout round so whoever England were due to face had the potential to win.

"But both before and after the dismissal, it looked like being England's game. They could consider themselves unlucky but also told a lack of cutting edge. Nevertheless, I was astounded at what happened. They should have won and it will be a long hard look in the mirror for those players."

Ukraine were reduced to men after 43 minutes when Olexandr Kucher was sent off for two yellow cards. But despite having 35 shots - 12 of which were on target - England couldn't find a way past Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov in normal time.

In the shoot out, Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick proved to be the villains as Ukraine - who missed their first penalty - were able to progress 4-2 after the shootout.

Eriksson has experience of a penalty shootout failure, with his teams' interest in Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup ended in shootout defeats - both by Portgual.

He said: "Me and some of these players have had previous, with both games against Portugal in '04 and '06.

"It is never a nice feeling to lose anyway, but it somehow feels even crueler here because you have come so close yet so far to victory. It certainly felt painful both to me and to the players at the time, and it is still annoying.

"But by the same token, you eventually have to get back from this mess and return to the attempt of trying to deliver the success your nation craves. I'm sure Fabio and the players know it, and that they will be ready to try again when qualification for Euro 2012 begins."

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of midfielder William Kvist from Copenhagen for five million pounds.

The Dane, 25, moves from Denmark to Tyneside on a four year contract, and will wear the number 15 shirt for the Premier League club. He is their second signing of the summer, after Danny Simpson officially joined the club the day before.

Kvist made 148 league appearances for Copenhagen, who he was been with for his entire career so far, and has won four Danish league titles with the capital city side.

He is the third Danish player in the squad at St. James' Park, joining his countrymen Peter Lovenkrands and Mikkel Thygesen.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I am delighted to sign William. He is a quality individual with the talents we need to progress, and I am confident he will prove to be a successful player in the squad for us."

He is not expected to be the last signing, with the club reportedly in talks to sign Billy Jones, Adel Taarabt and Luis Suarez, although Eriksson would not be drawn on speculation linking the club with either player.

The morning papers said Newcastle had a new £12M bid rejected by Ajax for Uruguayan international Suarez.

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of midfielder Adel Taarabt on a free transfer.

The Moroccan, 21, has moved to St. James' Park after he was released by Tottenham following the end of his contract at White Hart Lane.

The midfielder spent two seasons on loan at Queens Park Rangers but only made seven appearances at Loftus Road, and did not do enough to warrant either a contract with the Championship side, or a contract extension with the Premier League champions.

Taarabt signed a three year contract at St. James' Park, and will wear the number 20 shirt.

The midfielder is hoping to rebuild his career in England, which hasn't really taken off since he joined Spurs for two million pounds from Lens in 2007.

He has only made 14 appearances in four seasons with the Lilywhites and Hoops, and had been linked with a return to France before the North East side stepped in to bring him to the club.

The midfielder is likely to be in the squad for Newcastle's opening pre-season friendly against Darlington on Saturday.

Everton have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Fraser Forster from Newcastle for two million pounds.

The goalkeeper, 22, arrives at Goodison Park as competition for Tim Howard, and will be hoping to make his mark after frustrating loan spells with Stockport County and Norwich City.

He only made 9 appearances at the two clubs during loan spells in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, having further made no first team appearances at St. James' Park.

Everton manager David Moyes said: "We are delighted Fraser is here. We know he was high in demand and we are delighted we got in ahead of the competition to secure such a quality individual."

It is unknown how this might affect a reported move by Sheffield United for his former teammate Tim Krul. The Dutchman, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was the subject of a £4M bid from the Yorkshire club but the deal could fall through following this transfer.

Newcastle have confirmed goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Steven Taylor have signed contract extensions.

The duo had contracts that were due to expire at the end of the upcoming 2010-11 season, but in the wake of interest in transfers, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has opted to hand contract extensions to the two players.

Speaking from Dalian ahead of the club's first game of their pre-season tour in China, Eriksson said: "We want to keep our quality players for as long as we can, and Tim and Steven are certainly quality players.

"With their deals expiring and interest in them, we knew we had to move fast if we wanted to retain these players here with us. I am happy that we have been successful in this attempt, and hope that Tim and Steven will reward my faith and perseverance with them by helping us move to bigger and brighter things."

Taylor has signed a four year contract. The centre back made 26 appearances at the club lat season in the Premier League, despite collecting two red cards and being in and out of the team due to form.

The highly rated goalkeeper Krul has signed a new five year deal to ward off interest from Sheffield United and Aston Villa, who had made bids to sign the player.

The Dutch goalkeeper, 22, made his Premier League debut towards the end of last season and made three appearances. Eriksson is reportedly uncertain as to which one of Steve Harper and Krul will be his first choice goalkeeper for the new league campaign.

The club are said to be considering new deals for Sebastien Bassong and Damien Duff, whose deals also expire at the end of the coming campaign.

Newcastle are in China for a three-game pre-season tour, with games against Dalian Shide, Tianjin TEDA and Beijing Guoan booked over the next week. They will also play games against Glasgow Rangers and Juventus before the start of the season against Aston Villa on August 14th.

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has denied Preston North End full back Billy Jones is about to join, but have confirmed attacker Ryan Donaldson is leaving on loan.

The club had been linked with signing the highly rated full back from the Lancashire club, who has been interesting Premier League clubs, amid rumours the Tynesiders want to offload Ryan Taylor.

But Eriksson has denied rumours he is about to sign the full back.

He said: "Billy is certainly an intriguing player that may well be one for the future. But saying that, the first I heard of interest in him from our club was that the media was reporting we were going to sign him. So I think it is fairly safe to say that, no, we don't want to sign him at present."

Eriksson did confirm the highly-rated Donaldson will again be leaving on loan.

The midfielder-cum-striker will be out on loan at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday until January. It will be a second season out on loan for the 19-year-old, who scored 22 in 42 while at League Two side Chesterfield last season.

Eriksson was not drawn on speculation linking the club with Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, but it is reported a move for the Bosnian keeper could be completed this week.

Newcastle have signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Portsmouth for four hundred and seventy-five thousand pounds.

The 23-year-old completes the transfer from Fratton Park to St. James' Park after playing for Portsmouth in the opening game of their season, which saw the South Coast club side host QPR yesterday.

Begovic signed a four year deal with the Premier League side, in a move that is expected to help ease the financial pressure on Portsmouth.

It follows transfers that has seen Younes Kaboul join Sunderland, Tal Ben-Haim join Portsmouth and Tommy Smith, Marlon Pack, Joel Ward, Angelos Basinas, Kanu and Dave Nugent all leave on free transfers.

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said of the deal: "We were looking for a new keeper for the future given that Fraser has left the club, and we are looking for a quality option. Asmir certainly fits the bill and we look forward to having him as a player at this club."

Begovic is the fourth signing this summer at St. James' Park.

There are still rumour Newcastle are looking to sign a further player, although they wouldn't comment on rumours Luis Suarez is their target.

Newcastle had a £12M bid for Suarez rejected earlier in the summer.

With the season about to start, we look back at the pre-season results for Newcastle United.

10th July 2010
Darlington 1-4 Newcastle
Newcastle's began pre-season with a short trip down the A1 to take on Darlington. They got off to the worst possible start when Steven Taylor tripped up Curtis Main and Jeff Smith scored the penalty kick. Newcastle missed several opportunities but eventually equalised five minutes before half-time when William Kvist turned home Adel Taarabt's cross. The Toon scored a second before the break when Peter Lovenkrands sent home a stormer from 35 yards, before Kazenga LuaLua and Mario Mandzukic wrapped up victory.

18th July 2010
Dalian 0-0 Newcastle
Newcastle began a three game tour of China with a game against their affiliate club Dalian Shide in the north-east port city. The Magpies sent a strong team but struggled to take their first half chances, with Shola Ameobi, Andy Carroll and William Kvist all missing opportunities. Lei Xu only had two saves to make during the game, with Danny Guthrie and Peter Lovenkrands unable to beat the Chinese keeper, and the game finished goalless.

22nd July 2010
Tianjin 0-4 Newcastle
The second game of the club's Chinese tour took them across the country to take on Tianjin TEDA. Like in Dalian, Newcastle had the vast majority of chances but struggled to score them. But on 27 minutes, it was the English club with the opener, with Mario Mandzukic scoring a delightful solo finish to open the scoring. Mandzukic was involved in Newcastle's second, when his shot was parried, and William Kvist converted the rebound. Tianjin held firm for 25 minutes but then inadvertently scored Newcastle's third, when Ben Sun turned home Kazenga LuaLua's delivery, before Peter Lovenkrands wrapped up the scoreline moments later.

25th July 2010
Beijing 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle concluded their Chinese tour with a trip to the capital to take on Beijing Guoan, with the game taking place at the historic Worker's Stadium despite initial claims it would be held at the 2008 Olympic Stadium. Newcastle were the team with the best of the early pressure, and they forced a breakthrough when Andy Carroll was played through by Kevin Nolan and flung a strike home. But Beijing had a number of opportunities and took one when Qi Zhao broke free and scored. An intriguing game saw both sides unable to take opportunities and the game was ultimately drawn.

1st August 2010
Rangers 0-0 Newcastle
A week's break while the team travelled back to Britain from the Far East was followed up by an away clash with the Scottish giants. The first half saw the Scottish side have the best chances, with Tim Krul making a handful of decent stops. But in the second half it was Newcastle with the better of the opportunities, with the visitors wasting some decent opportunities. Ultimately however, both sides lacked the killer touch and the clash ended goalless.

7th August 2009
Newcastle 0-0 Juventus
Italian giants Juventus came to the North East for a pre-season clash at St. James' Park in one the first game at the newly expanded St. James' Park. The Serie A outfit had a number of chances throughout but couldn't get past Tim Krul or get strikes on target, which frustrated the teams. However, Newcastle struggled to create opportunities full stop against their strong opponents. It ultimately resulted in a third goalless draw in Newcastle's pre-season list, although they will hope to see improvement when competitive games resume soon.

With the Premier League about to return this weekend, The Daily Telegraph is running the rule over your team ahead of the new campaign. Here, we take a look at Newcastle United

Last Season In A Sentence:
A decent sojourn in midtable despite a seemingly unstoppable tide of sendings off, as the Sven revolution on Tyneside got off to a good start.

This Season Will Be...
An aim for improvement. Newcastle have looked like a decent side in fits and starts and need to iron out their impressive disciplinary irresponsibility. The Mags certainly have the potential to build on a good 10th place finish last season, with the key ingredients for a possible improvement up the league.

Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson
Second season for the Swede, having survived a board takeover and a poor run of form towards the end of the season. He has said he wants to bring European football back to the North East, and this season could see sufficient improvement towards then.

Key Player: Mario Mandzukic
The Croatian striker was a revelation in black and white, becoming the club's first player to score 20 in one season since Alan Shearer in 2003-04. With Valencia and Sampdoria interest not manifesting a concrete bid, it looks like once again he will lead the line and fans will be hopeful his form was not a one-off.

New Boys:
The biggest signing is William Kvist, who is a right midfielder that joins from Copenhagen. At five million, he is by far and away Newcastle's most expensive new signing, with the permanent addition of Danny Simpson the next most expensive at six hundred thousand. The club have opted to bring in a new future goalkeeper in the form of Bosnian prospect Asmir Begovic from Portsmouth, and the free signing of Adel Taarabt is the only other piece of business.

What They Still Need:
With question marks over Ryan Taylor, it is believed Newcastle want a new full-back, with Preston's Billy Jones the reported target. Sven-Goran Eriksson reportedly still wants an additional striker to form a European-class strikeforce with Mandzukic, and is also reportedly keeping tabs on additional options in case players continue to be ill-disciplined.

Big Season For: Joey Barton
There is no denying Joey Barton remains a quality player and he proved it so many times last season. But while a number of players had terrible discipline problems, Barton was by far and away the worst with 14 bookings and 3 sendings off. With Sven reportedly prepared to offload frequent offenders, Barton is one of many that has to improve his record if he wants to remain on Tyneside.

Prediction:
Having looked impressive in the top half last season, it is up to Sven to find some improvement. But nobody stands out as repeating the success of Mandzukic from last season, so although they should certainly be able to improve, it looks likely to be gradual rather than an instant jump towards the top 4. 8th

New Signings:
William Kvist (Copenhagen, £5M), Danny Simpson (Manchester United, £600K), Asmir Begovic (Portsmouth, £475K), Adel Taarabt (free)

Outgoing:
Fraser Forster (Everton, £2M), Ryan Donaldson (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Nicky Butt (free), Sammy Ameobi (free), James Tavernier (free), Paul Dummett (free)

Predicted Eleven:
Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Thygesen, Barton, Duff - Nolan - Mandzukic

Any comments?

Good luck in the new season mate, I've followed this since I've been back on the site, just failed to comment, think your updates are fantastic and your will power to continue writing!

Thanks very much

The first few of the new season should be up today/tomorrow. Depends how much of my sodding essay gets done.

Two debut goals from Adel Taarabt, including a late winner, helped Newcastle gain an opening day victory at Aston Villa.

The Moroccan was one of the best players on the field and scored a first half-opener for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.

Villa equalised through Gabby Agbonlahor 21 minutes from time, and missed chances to take an opening day three points, but a second goal from Taarabt after 89 minutes ultimately secured victory for the men from the North East.

It was disappointment on the opening day for the Villains, on a day that saw few debutants appear. Villa have only made two signings, with Roque Santa Cruz the only one appearing, while Taarabt was the only one of Newcastle's three potential debutants to appear.

Santa Cruz is seeking to prove himself after a disappointing season with Manchester City, and he had the first chance in this game only to head over when well placed to meet Stiliyan Petrov's delivery.

But Villa's veteran keeper Brad Friedel was the first of either one to be test, with the American making a routine stop to deny Jonas Gutierrez.

Another poor attempt from Santa Cruz went off the target, while Newcastle were similarly inaccurate when Mario Mandzukic fired a strike into the stands.

A good stop from Tim Krul was required to deny Petrov as Villa were next to search for the opener, but Newcastle then tried when Jose Enrique fired a wild strike into the crowd.

The Spanish full back was much closer with his next effort when he lashed a powerful effort that rattled the crossbar, and closer still when Friedel made a flying still to stop Taarabt.

But when Newcastle were next on target, they found the opening goal. Danny Simpson shifted the ball up to Jonas, who laid the ball inside for Mikkel Thygesen, and the Dane cued up Taarabt. The Moroccan swiftly advanced and then dispatched a powerful strike into the bottom corner to open the scoring and his account in black and white.

Newcastle were not tested very often during the remainder of the half, with a wayward Agbonlahor strike the nearest Villa came to troubling the scoresheet.

The Toon were closer themselves as the half was drawing to a close, when Jonas saw an effort comfortably stopped by Friedel.

However the visitors gameplan was disrupted shortly into the half when Simpson pulled up injured. The visitors duly substituted him off for Ryan Taylor, but almost conceded their lead in seconds only for Curtis Davies to waste his effort.

Villa should have equalised 14 minutes into the half when substitute John Carew received a knockdown and ran free, only to see his strike clawed away by Krul.

But this warning sign was not heeded by Newcastle, and Villa were back level ten minutes later. A firm pass down the flank by Warnock picked out Ashley Young, who advanced down the flank before picking out Agbonlahor. He got in ahead of Thygesen before flicking the ball into the net.

Ryan Taylor shot a free-kick wide, but Villa begun to create chances. However, Krul was equal to Petrov's weak effort and Ashley Young's strike could only tap the bar on its way over.

Villa also made a decent stop to deny Carew, but Newcastle had a better opportunity, with a fine Friedel stop denying substitute Danny Guthrie.

Then, with 89 minutes on the clock, the Magpies got the decisive third goal. A fine forward pass from Guthrie picked out Mandzukic, who advanced before laying the ball off for Taarabt, and the attacking midfielder dispatched his effort into the bottom corner.

Villa threw players forward in a desperate attempt but the closest they got to an equaliser saw Agbonlahor foul Fabricio Coloccini, which killed the move.

It meant that Newcastle could hold on to secure a fine opening day three points, and the men from the North East could toast a well won victory at the Villains. By contrast, it was a fairly underwhelming afternoon for the hosts, who blew a succession of chances and could only sink to a disappointing result.

Aston Villa: Friedel - Luke Young (Dunne 58), Cuellar, Davies, Warnock - Milner (Delph 81), Reo-Coker, Petrov, Ashley Young - Santa Cruz (Carew 45), Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, Collins, Downing, Delfouneso

Scorer: Agbonlahor (69)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson (Ryan Taylor 53), Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Thygesen (Guthrie 84), Duff (Kadar 90) - Taarabt - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, Carroll

Scorer: Taarabt (23, 89)

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 42,069

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has defended the club's decision to expand St. James' Park, saying it will allow more fans to see games.

The stadium was expanded during the summer to a new capacity of 56,387, by expanding the Gallowgate End.

Critics have said the new stand was not needed, pointing out the club managed an average attendance of just over 48,000 last season.

But Eriksson has defended the proposals ahead of the first game at the new look stadium tomorrow night, saying fans will now have more chances to see games.

He said: "I am aware there has been criticism of the expansion of the ground but it is ridiculous. We want as many fans here as possible, because a wall of passionate Newcastle supporters is one of the best things players can hope for.

"This expansion means we can fit more home fans into our games, while at the same time allowing us to expand the ultras section as per the request of those fans.

"I personally am quite excited by this prospect and I hope that tomorrow night, it will be out in force."

Newcastle play Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow night. Eriksson confirmed that Danny Simpson will be unable to play after picking up an injury during Newcastle's opening day victory over Aston Villa, but did not confirm who will take his place at right back.

But he did confirm Adel Taarabt will keep his place after he scored twice in the game at Villa Park.

He said: "Adel had a great debut and its given him confidence. So I think it would be best for both sides if he played again tomorrow night. He is certainly hungry to make an impression after not getting chances to at Spurs or at QPR and I think he wants to show the fans what he can do."

Mario Mandzukic scored twice as ten man Newcastle beat Wolves to make it two wins from two.

An edgy first half eventually saw Newcastle make the breakthrough when Jonas Gutierrez scored the first goal at the newly-expanded St. James' Park, to the delight of the home supporters.

Mandzukic added a second but it wasn't plain sailing for home supporters, after Fabricio Coloccini was sent off with 20 minutes of the contest to go.

But any hope Wolves had of taking an unlikely point home with them were dashed when Mandzukic scored a stunning second four minutes from time.

It was heartache for the travelling Wolves fans, whose team earned a lot of praise after their spirited fightback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Manchester United in their opening clash.

Seeking to avoid repeating a first half where the Red Devils tore them to pieces, Wolves began defensively and despite niggling injuries, held on until Mandzukic ran onto Joey Barton's through ball and slotted home.

Mercifully for the visitors, the offside flag had risen against the Croatian striker, so the goal didn't stand.

Newcastle were further annoyed by the refereeing when a penalty wasn't awarded for what looked to be a foul by Nenad Milijas on Mandzukic, and Wolves almost hit them with a sucker punch, only for Martin Olsson to fluff his lines.

Stefan Maeirhofer was similarly unable to find the target, as was Mandzukic, but Wolves had the first chance on target when Tim Krul was forced into a stop to deny Maeirhofer.

Wolves' keeper Wayne Hennessey was forced into a save of his own moments later when Mandzukic let fly, but the visitors had a blow when Mark Randall pulled up injured and had to be subbed off.

Things then got worse for the visitors when Newcastle scored the game's opening goal four minutes before half-time.

Tal Ben-Haim's clearance from an initial cross only went out to Sebastien Bassong, who laid the ball off for Jonas to chase. The Argentine got there first and then drilled the ball home for his first goal of the new season.

He almost had a second just before half time when his firm effort was denied by Hennessey, while Danny Guthrie saw a shot deflected wide as Newcastle began to have most of the ball.

A quieter second half eventually saw Newcastle grab themselves a second. Steven Taylor's ball down the flank picked out Jonas, who teed up Mandzukic. The Croatian needed no second invitation to run free of his marker and fire a slick strike into the bottom corner.

Mandzukic scored 20 Premier League goals in his first season on Tyneside, and this goal opened his league account for the new season.

However, Wolves were not out of it. Sub Andy Keogh hit one that Krul halted, while Andrew Surman was unlucky to see his effort go wide. The visitors then felt they had a way back when Newcastle received yet another red card.

Coloccini had already been booked when he tripped up Maeirhofer, and he was duly given a second yellow and with it, his marching orders.

This necessitated a reshuffle for the Toon, who then began to face Wolves pressure when Maeirhofer and Keogh hit efforts wide.

Having survived a penalty appeal for an alleged foul by Steven Taylor on Christophe Berra, Krul then bailed his team out with a superb shot to tip Keogh's strike onto the bar and out of play.

But Wolves simply couldn't get a foothold, and duly conceded a third four minutes from time.

Guthrie hit a pass out wide to Jose Enrique, who played it down the line for Jonas. He teed up Mandzukic, who broke free before hitting a superb angled effort into the top corner to secure the three points in style.

Wolves had no answer to this. They knew the game was up and that once again, they would be returning from the North East on the back of a 3-0 hiding. But it was delight for the home crowd, who christened the newly expanded St. James' Park in style with a good display and victory.

Newcastle: Krul - Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton (Nolan 58), Guthrie, Duff (Kvist 69) - Taarabt (Ryan Taylor 69) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Kadar, Ameobi, Carroll
Booked: Barton, Coloccini
Sent Off: Coloccini (69)

Scorer: Jonas (41), Mandzukic (59, 86)

Wolves: Hennessey - Foley, Ben-Haim, Berra, Elokobi - Halford (Keogh 60), Randall (Surman 47), Zubar (Stearman 66), Milijas, Olsson - Maeirhofer
Subs not used: Dudek, Mouyokolo, Little, Edwards

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 56,304

Great start to the season pal and fantastic to see the attendance has raised following the capacity change

Good start to the season Number 1. Keep it up.

Tbh I think if the expansion hadn't gone ahead I would've had the budget to sign Luis Suarez.

Maybe next year, eh? See if we can get Europe... could happen. I hope.

Thanks. Let's hope we can continue the good time...