A Little Bit Of History Changing

Shawcross will be a pain in the arse to buy from AC Milan, and Ivanovic is going to be pricey at Chelsea. Ron Vlaar might be a good signing from Le Mans.

I'm more looking for an upgrade on Danny Simpson at right-back, although he is a consistent performer so I'd need something that would be considered a significant upgrade on our current first choice.

Sebastien Bassong scored in the 82nd minute as Newcastle came from behind to beat Sheffield United.

It looked as though the South Yorkshire club might find their first victory of the Premier League season when Matt Derbyshire gave the home side the lead. But Newcastle levelled the contest up through Moussa Dembele, before a late strike from Bassong ensured Newcastle would return north with three points to their name.

Defeat was harsh on the Blades, who did well to take the lead and looked good in patches against their more expensively assembled opposition, but ultimately, it was not enough.

Most of the Blades fans that had made the trip into this historical football stadium did not arrive with confidence. The Blades hadn't won a league match since beating Burnley on April 21st, while Newcastle have started the season continuing their impressive form from the end of last season as they look for a second consecutive top four finish.

Sheffield United almost took the lead from kick-off. Boyhood Newcastle fan Adam Johnson was nicely picked out by Ched Evans' cross, but the winger's header was an easy catch for Tim Krul.

Rasmus Elm's first long range attempt of the afternoon was Newcastle's first chance, but the Swedish midfielder's drive was inaccurate.

Closer to the target was former Leeds winger James Milner - booed on his return to Yorkshire - who saw a low drive deflected wide off Liam Ridgewell.

The game was a niggly tight affair, with the only thing approaching an opportunity appearing when Adam Johnson's drive was blocked by Bassong.

Brian Murphy's first test took half an hour in creation, although in reality, it wasn't the toughest test he has ever faced, with the Blades keeper making an easy stop to deny Elm's daisy cutter.

Sheffield United were having the best of a tightly poised game, and nearly took the chance when Matty Kilgallon strode in ahead of Elm to meet Evans' poised free-kick, only for Krul to deny him.

The Blades then won another free-kick, which picked out Liam Ridgewell, only for the centre back's header to career into touch.

Newcastle then created a chance of their own when Dembele released Hatem Ben Arfa, only for the Frenchmen's drive to pick out the side netting.

Ben Arfa was then presented with another opportunity to get a goal, only for the French attacking midfielder's attempt at goal to land somewhere nowhere near the goal.

The second half begun with a chance straight from kick-off for Newcastle, but Dembele couldn't get his shot on target.

The Belgian's miss quickly proved costly. Joey Barton was dispossessed in the middle of the turf by Nick Montgomery, who laid it forward for Evans. A 30 yard ball forward went beyond Jan Vertonghen to Derbyshire, who broke free and finished.

A runaway goal by the former Blackburn striker, who had given his team a seemingly crucial advantage. Elm led protests by Newcastle that the goal was offside, but these calls fell on deaf ears.

Newcastle almost got instant parity, but Ben Arfa's drive was beaten away by Murphy as the Blades maintained their advantage.

The lively Adam Johnson nearly got the goal his efforts deserved, but his eventual shot after a run was simple for Krul to deal with.

Newcastle were still probing for a goal back, and came close when Gabriel Obertan rose to a cross only for his header to miss the goal.

But the Magpies had been knocking on the door for most of the half and made it count 14 minutes into the half. Barton was first to a poor defensive clearance by Roger Johnson, and was able to control the ball before advancing towards the goal. His incise pass then released Dembele, who evaded the home defence, kept his composure, and scored.

A clinical finish from the Belgian, who had a poor first campaign in black and white stripes but is looking at home after his redeployment as a central striker.

Murphy then had to pull off superb acrobatics to avoid being beaten twice in as many minutes, with a swerving drive by Elm expertly met by the home team's goalkeeper.

Murphy then made another spectacular stop, this time to deny Ben Arfa, as Newcastle begun to probe heavily.

But the visiting pressure fizzled out, and the Blades almost took advantage when former Newcastle player Ryan Taylor picked out Evans, only for the Welshman to head over.

Much closer was Evans on his next attempt, who rose to a cross with ease but could only find the superbly positioned gloves of Krul.

Newcastle then had a chance fall their way, and Elm's long range free-kick did beat Murphy, but not his post, with the ball bouncing free after its impact with the woodwork.

Murphy then made a simple stop from Dembele as Newcastle tried to probe their way through, and then they nearly got the goal when Lewis Holtby had a half-volley saved by Murphy.

But Newcastle found a breakthrough in the final minutes. Holtby's quick corner picked out Bassong, and Newcastle's captain buried the ball home.

A crisp strike from the central defender, who scored his first goal of the season and with it gave Newcastle a chance at registering themselves a comeback victory.

Newcastle should have made the three points secure seconds later, but Luis Suarez inexplicably passed the ball wide of the post than into the net when superbly positioned, and his wait for a first Premier League goal since April continued.

The Magpies were lucky not to pay for that, with Evans denied by Krul and only a fine intervention by Lewis Holtby denying Jason Grainger shooting room.

That proved to be enough for Newcastle. The Magpies had their victory that they had secured a nice comeback win. Some fans may later look back and wish they had assembled a crushing win, but they will be pleased to nevertheless leave a testing assignment in South Yorkshire three points richer.

Sheffield United will be quite crushed to have taken the lead against their expensively assembled opponents only to fail to take anything. Their quest continues against Newcastle's North East neighbours Sunderland in their next game after the international break.

Sheffield United: Murphy - Baird (Grainger 83), Roger Johnson, Ridgewell, Kilgallon - Taylor, Montgomery (Harper 83), Koren, Adam Johnson (Quinn 89) - Derbyshire, Evans
Subs not used: Bunn, Lamas, Salamon, Armstrong
Booked: Montgomery

Scorer: Derbyshire (47)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Barton - Milner (Holtby 68), Ben Arfa (Suarez 79), Obteran (Donaldson 74) - Dembele
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Ariaudo, Schaars
Booked: Jose Enrique

Scorer: Dembele (58), Bassong (82)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 26,220

Ryan Donaldson's first goal of the season saw Newcastle come from behind to beat Birmingham City.

Birmingham's quest for a third win in four after recent wins at Everton and Fulham saw Christian Benitez score in first half stoppage time. But Gabriel Obertan's last act before being substituted got them level, before substitute Donaldson picked out the back of the net to give Newcastle three points in the West Midlands.

It was another comeback victory for Newcastle, who had come from behind to beat Sheffield United in their last game, and they will be pleased to continue their decent start.

Despite a number of spare seats in St. Andrews, this was a game Newcastle fans travelling from the North East had been excited for, with the fans looking for a tonic ahead of a Champions League clash with Porto on Wednesday night.

They were on the front foot immediately and nearly scored in the first minute. Alex Smithies had to make a double stop to deny Hatem Ben Arfa's diving header, and then Lewis Holtby's rebound, with both individual stops of very good quality.

Smithies then made another good stop to deny Ben Arfa, but bizarrely, this was not enough to stop him leaving the field on seven minutes, with an injury to Sebastien Larsson seeing Birmingham change their keeper as well as the injured Swede.

After a bit of time Birmingham reorganised themselves while coping with Newcastle, the hosts came close when Benitez had a free header but could only force a save out of Tim Krul.

The first half was of a very sedate nature, with very little resembling a chance created at either end of the field. For most of the game, the only thing that seemed to be a chance fell to Franco di Santo, but the Birmingham frontman's shot was woefully off target.

Wojech Kowalewski had an easy stop to make to deny Ben Arfa in the final moments of first half normal time, but in added time, Birmingham had a chance, and with it, the advantage.

A counter-attack saw the ball flicked on by di Santo to Benitez, who started his run from his own half and ran free and unhindered to meet the flight of the ball. He advanced up the box, before shimmying away from Krul and tucking home.

The striker's smart finish had given Birmingham a surprise lead over Newcastle, and the Blues were very nicely poised following an extremely quiet encounter.

Newcastle were poor, and after an underwhelming Rasmus Elm drive was easily gathered by Kowalewski, it looked as though they might continue in such a vein.

di Santo nearly made Newcastle's misery worse, but the Argentine striker's effort was not a good one, and Krul had an easy catch.

The striker would rue the failure to take his effort even more moments later. A concise forward ball picked out Lewis Holtby, who easily ran around Juan Valera before crossing in a smart ball that Obertan met, and the French winger duly headed into the corner of the net.

That may have been his last contribution before being substituted from the playing field, but it was crucial, because Newcastle were now on level terms, and hopeful of coming back to find victory in the contest.

Elm was almost on the scoresheet with a strike of his own, and his trademark long range strike did beat the keeper, but struck the crossbar and bounced clear.

Birmingham then hit the goal frame themselves, with Angel Viera's free-kick swerving before colliding with a post and rebounding into touch.

Kowalewski then made a lovely stop to deny Donaldson as the game moved into the home straight, before Krystian Pearce blocked Luis Suarez's attempt.

But Newcastle's forward array was always going to provide a menace, and it proved to be decisive in the final moments. Jofre was dispossessed by Danny Simpson, who cued it up for Suarez. The Uruguayan laid it back for Simpson, whose incisive cross was perfectly placed for Donaldson, and the substitute's header careered into the goal.

A first goal since April for the academy graduate, and the Newcastle attacking midfielder was clearly relieved to finally have a goal after being off the scoresheet for so long.

Birmingham spent the majority of the remainder trying in vain for a equaliser, but it was a dispiriting defeat for Blues fans after their recent form had seen them escape the relegation zone. The Blues fans have seen their heroes enjoy a reasonable reintroduction to Premier League life, but they will be hoping for more.

Newcastle's good form has seen them begin the new season very nicely, and they will be hopeful of another good result when they host Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Birmingham: Smithies (Kowalewski 7) - Valera, Pearce, Murillo, Angel - O'Shea, De Guzman, Larsson (Jara 7), Feghouli (Jofre 51) - Benitez, di Santo
Subs not used: Tonetto, O'Hare, Olsen, Kanoute
Booked: Valera, Pearce, de Guzman, Jara

Scorer: Benitez (45+3)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Donaldson 66), Barton - Obertan (Suarez 56), Ben Arfa, Holtby - Dembele (Schaars 83)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Ariaudo, Milner
Booked: Jose Enrique, Vertonghen, Barton

Scorer: Obertan (55), Donaldson (85)

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 19,512

Newcastle missed several good chances as they drew with Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Champions League.

The Magpies had the better chances and created more opportunities against the surprisingly sub-par top seeds in Group B, but they were unable to get the crucial goal, with inaccurate shooting and a good performance by Porto's Brazilian goalkeeper Helton keeping the score level for the 90 minutes.

With Juventus thrashing FC Twente in Italy, it means that the Portuguese, English and Italian sides are all level on points after three games played, with a space in the next round now seemingly beyond the Dutch team.

The game promised to be an interesting contest. Porto maybe regular group stage entrants in the Champions League, but have yet to really come close to their 2004 triumph, while Newcastle entered the Champions League as 4th seeds but had started very well in their first appearance at this level since 2003.

Porto were presented with the games first opportunity when Victor Ramos rose high to a corner, but the centre back could only head a corner over the top of the goal.

Newcastle's first chance fell to Joey Barton after he picked Ruben de la Red's pocket, but his shot was woefully inaccurate.

The two teams had moments of pressure but nothing too concentrated in a lot of the early stages, before a great chance fell the way of Moussa Dembele, only for the Belgian's drive to land nowhere near the target.

Barton's free-kick landed nowhere near the target a few moments later. When pressure did appear in the final 20 minutes of the half, it was Newcastle who were looking likelier, but it wasn't manifesting itself in clear cut opportunities.

Newcastle then created an accurate opportunity in the final moments of the first half, with Ryan Donaldson seeing a firm drive tipped clear by Helton. Sebastien Bassong was then presented a chance after a succession of opportunities, but the Cameroonian centre back saw his header land off target.

Helton then made a lovely stop to deny Danny Simpson's firm long-ranger in the final minutes of the half, as the Magpies looked like the likelier to find their way through.

Porto saw a chance go begging when Garry Carr's drive landed over the top of the goal, That was the only chance for a lot of the early stages of the second half, with neither side really able to find themselves a way through.

But just after the hour, a great chance fell the way of Newcastle. Donaldson cued up Gabriel Obertan, who advanced and hit a firm strike that was very nicely stopped by Helton.

Newcastle put on some heavy pressure, but Porto nearly scored on the break when Carr was picked out only to hit wide. Similar inaccuracy then came from Alvaro Periera, who also hit a week effort over the top of the goal.

Tim Krul was tested for the first time after 83 minutes, when he grabbed onto Periera's drive, although in truth, his drive was an easy catch and was going wide.

Lewis Holtby and Rasmus Elm then both missed drives as Newcastle made a break for a late winner. In the 94th minute, Newcastle then had a great chance, only for Helton to make a wonderful stop to deny Jan Vertonghen.

In the end, the points were hared, and with both teams plus Juventus now on five points, the battle to get out of Group B will be a tight one in the final three fixtures. Both teams will be looking for the vital win when they meet in two weeks time at the Estadio Dragao.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Barton - Obertan, Donaldson (Milner 75), Holtby (Carroll 90) - Dembele (Suarez 75)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Edgar, Schaars
Booked: Barton

Porto: Helton - Hogli (Kucher 90), Alves, Ramos, Eichner (Rodriguez 90) - Diego Castro, Carr, Simao, De La Red, Periera - Hulk
Subs not used: Jesus, Nelson, Webster, Coelho, Falcao
Booked: De La Red

Referee: Vladimir Hrinak
Attendance: 56,387

Not a bad start to the new season matey!

Thanks.

Hopefully we can keep this up - I don't expect a title challenge but while board and media expect top six I want a top four place minimum. Plenty of time to seal our slot

Rasmus Elm was stretchered off as Newcastle drew with surprise package Burnley at St. James' Park.

The Clarets' impressive start to the campaign continued as they got a share of the points against the highly rated Geordies, who laboured to only one shot on target.

Their gameplan was also hit by Elm tearing a calf muscle, which will leave him out for four months. Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson also confirmed his replacement Ryan Donaldson twisted an ankle and while he was able to complete the game, he will be out for 2 weeks.

Things had been different at the start of play for Newcastle, who knew victory could see them end the weekend top of the Premier League. A good start to the campaign has seen them begin nicely in building on last year's top four finish, although a Burnley team who have started equally well and currently reside in the top six was a tougher test than many anticipated.

It was the Magpies who had the first opportunity of the fixture, but Gabriel Obertan couldn't keep his header down when he was picked out by Lewis Holtby's free-kick.

Burnley were more accurate with their first opportunity, as Steven Fletcher saw a menacing drive well blocked by Tim Krul.

Martin Paterson saw a drive deflected wide as they sensed a chance to continue their upward curve with victory in the North East, and the striker then came even closer when he reached Fletcher's knockdown and saw a neat low drive tipped off target by Krul.

Newcastle had two chances to try and find themselves a way through, but Hatem Ben Arfa saw a drive hit the side-netting, before Elm's long range effort touched the bar on its way into the stands.

Danny Guthrie saw a free-kick deflected wide on his first return to the team that released him in the summer, and from the resulting corner, a free header from Slobodan Rajkovic thumped the crossbar and bounced clear.

Guthrie was then booked for a robust tackle on Elm that left the Swedish midfielder on a stretcher, and out of the game.

Elm was replaced by Donaldson, and the youngster saw a firm drive fly beyond Diego Penny only for the crossbar to be rattled.

A long distance effort from Ben Arfa then landed wide of the mark, before Rajkovic's superb defensive header take Lewis Holtby's cross narrowly away from Moussa Dembele's loitering feet.

The first chance of the second half fell the way of Burnley, with Fletcher receiving a pass from Miles Addison only to be denied by the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Both sides then became more interested in fouling, with niggly fouls and bookings superceding attacking intervention for a long stretch of the half.

Some nifty Newcastle pressure ultimately came to nothing, before Burnley were presented with, and then twice spurned, the chance of the half.

It came when the ball fell in the area for the unlikely source of Kevin McDonald, whose first effort was saved by Krul and whose second effort landed amongst the supporters behind the goal.

That took the sting, and it quickly became apparent both sides were lacking fluidity and ability to break the deadlock, with the game beginning to drift towards a scoreless conclusion.

The chance for a winner then fell the way of Luis Suarez in the 91st minute, with the Uruguayan reaching James Milner, only for the chance to be denied by Penny.

That duly solidified the likelihood of Newcastle and Burnley sharing the points, and the referee ended the game, and with it, the probability of the game ending in anything other than scoreless. As a result, the two teams share points that do little to go towards their respective European opportunities, and they will go on to the next game looking for better things.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Donaldson 35), Schaars - Obertan (Milner 64), Ben Arfa, Holtby - Dembele (Suarez 75)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Ariaudo, Bender
Booked: Bassong, Donaldson

Burnley: Penny - Matheu, Rajkovic, Carlisle - Tom (Caldwell 35), Guthrie, McDonald, Addison, Munteanu (Driver 17) - MacDonald, Rodriguez
Subs not used: Bywater, Tony, Moon, Mears
Booked: Guthrie, Addison

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 55,629

Hatem Ben Arfa and Joey Barton goals took Newcastle to top spot in the Premier League after victory over Hull.

The French attacking midfielder broke the deadlock against the newly promoted Tigers, and Newcastle could and probably should have scored more after dominating the game.

In the end, they only added one more goal, which was a penalty converted by Barton in second half stoppage time. But the two goals were enough for Newcastle to take three points, and with it, move to top of the Premier League table for the first time since the opening stages of the 2010/11 season.

It was a move that continues Newcastle's good start to the season. They entered this contest disappointed to have been held by early surprise package Burnley, but still unbeaten since August and looking to assert a campaign for a first top flight title since 1927.

Despite that, it was a Hull team who have struggled early on this season who almost struck first, with Tim Krul making a nice save to stop Stijn Schaars' inadvertently scoring an own goal from Matthew Etherington's corner.

Newcastle's first opportunity was also inadvertent in nature, with James Milner's cross almost floating in but for a stop by Boaz Myhill.

A long-ranger from Barton landed over the top, before Myhill was tested in more conventional style, when the goalkeeper made a strong stop to deny Luis Suarez a first league goal since April.

Suarez's cross was then deflected away off Brian Easton, before a Danny Simpson cross was flicked on by Sebastien Bassong to Milner, whose header was straight at Myhill.

Myhill then made a flying stop to keep out Moussa Dembele's diving header, as the early stages saw Newcastle look much likelier to find the breakthrough.

They duly managed it on 25 minutes. A counter-attack saw the ball played across field by Suarez to Milner, who had initially tried a pass to release Barton down the centre. Instead, a deflection off Paul McShane sent the ball into the path of Ben Arfa, who broke through on goal and scored.

Ben Arfa is having a great start to his time on Tyneside since joining from Marseille on transfer deadline day. This was his third goal for the club, and he already looks at home in the Premier League.

Having played a part - unintentional or otherwise - in Newcastle's opener, McShane almost made amends, but he couldn't keep his header down from the resulting corner.

Myhill then a simple catch to keep out Suarez's header, before a fantastic stop by Myhill tipped Jan Vertonghen's header onto the crossbar from a corner.

Hull's keeper then made another stop, with Myhill making a fingertip save to deny Dembele finding the bottom corner with a drive.

The final stages saw the chances falling the way of Newcastle, with Ben Arfa seeing a swerving drive narrowly miss the target.

Hull manager Phil Brown was urging his players to go forward, but it was still his goalkeeper being the one making stops, with Myhill making a save late in the half to deny Barton.

The second half continued with Newcastle's attack looking lively, and they thought they had number two when Ben Arfa's pass picked out Dembele, and the Belgian finished it. But the referee decided that Dembele had strayed beyond the last man, which was a judgement Newcastle's players, management and fans did not look amused with.

Hull then began to show some attacking intent, with the team upset they didn't get a penalty for a challenge by Schaars on Kamel Ghilas, before Nathan Doyle hit the side-netting.

A sweeping run down the right flank by Bernard Mendy then spawned an opportunity for Ghilas to shoot, but he got his angles horribly wrong.

Newcastle's attack had taken its foot off the gas for most of the half, but perhaps sensing the game was not over, they then duly woke up again, with Suarez firing wide as the Magpies begun to sense a second goal.

A 30-yard-ball from Dembele then released Suarez, but in keeping with his uncomfortable season so far, the Uruguayan striker was denied by the goalkeeper.

With time running out, it looked like one goal might be enough, although Newcastle's attempt to hold out weren't helped by a late injury to Dembele, which will rule him out for three weeks.

But despite that, Newcastle then had a late attack yield a penalty. Referee Howard Webb ruled Doyle's shirt-pull on Barton was enough to deny him reaching Milner's cross, and with it, justification for a Newcastle penalty.

Hull's howls of derision were not enough to change the referee's mind, and Barton dusted himself to score his first goal of the season from 12 yards.

It was the end of the contest there and then, and Newcastle will have been extremely satisfied with their nights work. They will certainly be hopeful this result could be the spark from which an unlikely title challenge can be mounted. Hull, by contrast, will want to forget their desperately poor show here, and bounce back down the road at Newcastle's North East rivals Sunderland on Saturday.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton, Schaars (Jones 67) - Milner, Ben Arfa (Bender 88), Dembele - Suarez (Carroll 80)
Subs not used: Begovic, Ariaudo, Obertan, Holtby
Booked: Simpson

Scorer: Ben Arfa (25), Barton (pen 90+3)

Hull: Myhill - Shannon (Haimovic 45), Zayatte, McShane, Easton - Mendy, Bullard, Marney (Doyle 45), Etherington - Fabbiani (Fagan 61), Ghilas
Subs not used: Haillwell, Fernandes, Cooper, Jarvis
Booked: Zayatte, Fabbiani, Doyle

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 56,162

An 89th minute penalty from Hatem Ben Arfa saw Newcastle beat Bristol City to hold onto top spot.

A tight game looked as though it was about to end goalless between the struggling Robins and the high-flying Magpies, when with time running out, Chris Foy awarded Newcastle a controversial penalty that Ben Arfa converted and scored to give Newcastle three points.

It was tough on the home side, who had done very well to match their high-flying visitors, but ultimately, the visitors were the team to take the victory in this fixture.

Robins manager Krasmir Balakov had been hopeful of a good result to start Bristol City's season at home. The team got their first win of the campaign in a crazily 5-4 win at fellow early strugglers Fulham the previous weekend, but an even bigger scalp was the prospect in the form of a Newcastle team that had taken the top spot in the Premier League table in their previous match.

Bristol City had the game's first opportunity when Liam Fontaine leaped high to reach Daniel Opare's cross, but couldn't keep his shot's direction below the bar.

Michael Lumb was then presented with a similar opportunity to get a goal for Bristol City, but he was also only able to direct a free header into the crowd.

By contrast, it was Newcastle who had the game's first shot on target, when Gabriel Obertan saw a drive firmly turned away from goal by Adriano Basso.

Newcastle then thought they should have been given a penalty only for Joey Barton's appeals following a challenge on him to be ignored, before Stijn Schaars hit the ball wide.

Ben Arfa was similarly inaccurate with a free-kick, before Basso made a firm stop to deny Andy Carroll as Newcastle looked likelier to score. But the sensation of frustration with Newcastle's finishing continued when Schaars blasted a free-kick over the top.

Bristol City were then given a chance to punish Newcastle for their profligacy at the start of the second half, only for David Clarkson to get his geometry completely wrong.

Newcastle were then dealt a blow when Gabriel Obertan fractured ribs in a seemingly innocuous collision with Tommy Sparr, which led to the winger being taken off the pitch and with an injury confirmed post-match will rule him out for a month.

Newcastle's miserable luck was almost protracted, when David Opare was picked out and hit a venomous drive that rattled the woodwork.

As the game progressed towards the final whistle, the margins became tighter, with the increasing air the two squads were going to be equal through to the end of the game.

Bristol City almost took advantage when Tim Krul fumbled Clarkson's angled drive, but Newcastle were able to scramble it out for a corner. The resulting free-kick was more comfortable for the Newcastle goalkeeper, who pushed away Marvin Elliott's header.

The game had the sense of a fixture where the first team to blink would be in big trouble. Unfortunately for the home crowd, it was they who did so. Spurr was caught out of position when Danny Simpson passed for Milner, and the home full back fouled the visitors summer signing of Milner.

To howls of protest from home players and fans, a penalty was awarded. Ben Arfa stepped up and scored his first away goal since joining from Marseille to seemingly give Newcastle the victory.

Newcastle held on to the lead until the end of the contest, which ensured they would retain top spot in the Premier League. Certainly, those who made the long trip would have hoped for something more decisive, but they will nevertheless be happy with the result. They now face a trip out to Portugal to face FC Porto in the Champions League in mid-week as they seek to carry on an impressive opening of the season.

By contrast, Bristol City will be feeling flat after this result, with the Robins doing well to match the Magpies, only to be pipped at the last, and they will be disconsolate but hoping for better in next weekend's seemingly vital clash at Birmingham City.

Bristol City: Basso - Carey, McCombe, Fontaine (Maynard 66), Spurr (Nyatanga 90) - Opare (Orr 72), Skuse, Elliott, Lumb - Clarkson, Haynes
Subs not used: Fielding, Beevers, Marti, Johnson
Booked: Fontaine

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton (Edgar 90), Schaars - Obertan (Holtby 54), Ben Arfa, Milner - Carroll (Suarez 61)
Subs not used: Begovic, Ariaudo, Bender, Smith
Booked: Jose Enrique

Scorer: Ben Arfa (pen 89)

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 17,905

A late goal from Shola Ameobi helped Newcastle take a point away at Porto in the Champions League.

It looked as though top seeds Porto would be taking a giant stride towards Round Two when they defended a lead given to them by a strike from Brazilian striker Hulk ten minutes before half-time.

But with eleven minutes to go before the end of the game, Ameobi, who is transfer listed and out of contract in the summer, grabbed a late equaliser for the Magpies as they take a share of the points and move into the top two in Group B.

Ameobi was only included due to injuries and eligibility problems, with Newcastle missing Moussa Dembele, Gabriel Obertan and Hatem Ben Arfa, while Ryan Donaldson was not fit enough to start.

Newcastle fans arriving in Portugal had been hopeful of something away at the top seeds. The two teams drew 0-0 in the reverse meeting, and both teams still maintain a real hope of making the new phase of the Champions League.

Porto had begun the game on the front foot, with blue and white shirts causing early issues for the Newcastle backline. But when a chance did appear, it wasn't of an exceptional quality, with Victor Ramos' header landing in the stands after it touched the top of the bar on the way over.

Newcastle's first opportunity was a more accurate effort, with Luis Suarez seeing a volley from distance nicely held by Helton.

The home team's Brazilian goalkeeper then made another decent stop, with his save this time denying James Milner after his half-volley from a tight angle.

Hulk was providing a handful for Jan Vertonghen in the Newcastle defence, but the Brazil striker was finding beating Tim Krul a trickier challenge, with his tame effort easily gathered by Newcastle's keeper.

Helton then made a good stop to deny Andy Carroll when the Newcastle striker broke away to reach a cross.

Milner then had an effort when he was played through by rare starter Lars Bender, but his effort was not kept below the bar.

Both keepers were then employed in quick succession, with Krul denying Diego Castro minutes before a Sebastien Bassong header was denied by Helton.

Hulk was then wayward with a free-kick, but his next attempt on goal was a lot more accurate.

A Mate Simao free-kick was played short to Garry Carr, who hit a firm drive forward along the turf to Alvaro Pereira. His cross was perfectly poised for Hulk, who evaded his marker and hit a crisp low drive that landed in the back of the net.

A fine strike on the scoresheet for the much-fancied Brazilian striker, who is continually linked with bigger clubs, and this goal will have certainly helped his reputation.

It was almost two in first half stoppage time, but Krul made a nice stop to deny Pereira, although the goal would have been disallowed by the offside flag in any case.

Newcastle reshuffled their teamsheet at half-time, but almost fell two behind to the first attack of the period, with Hulk seeing a firm drive saved by Krul.

Luis Suarez then had a go to break his goal drought, but the Uruguayan's shot was just off target.

The game was fizzling out, with Porto having the best of the meager opportunities that fell the way of the respective sides.

But then Newcastle were presented an opportunity. Jose Enrique hit a ball down the flank for Lewis Holtby, whose ball was flicked on by sub Ryan Donaldson to Bender, and further down to Danny Simpson on the right hand flank. The former Manchester United player's pass was a nicely deployed one for Ameobi, who lost his marker and placed his shot into the bottom corner.

An impressive reprise for Ameobi, who is yet to be offered a contract extension and could leave Newcastle for a reduced fee in January. It was certainly a moment to savour for the only player in Newcastle's team to have played, and even scored, for them in the Champions League back in 2003.

It was almost even better for Ameobi moments later, when the Newcastle striker was played through by Donaldson, only for the striker to be denied by Helton.

Suarez was then presented a chance to take the victory for Newcastle, but his effort was cleared by Bruno Alves, and his second attempt landed wide of the mark.

This was the end of proceedings at the Estadio Dragao, and it was Newcastle who will take more pride from this result than their hosts. Indeed, victory over Juventus in their next outing could see Newcastle qualify for the second stage - much better than was anticipated when they were initially drawn into such a tough group.

Porto: Helton - Nelson (Kucher 86), Alves, Ramos, Eichner - Diego Castro (Varela 68), Carr, Simao (Falcao 81), De La Red, Periera - Hulk
Subs not used: Jesus, Rodriguez, Montero, Honda
Booked: Eichner, Diego Castro, Carr, De La Red

Scorer: Hulk (35)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Bender, Schaars (Ameobi 45) - Milner (Barton 88), Suarez, Holtby - Carroll (Donaldson 74)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Edgar, Smith
Booked: Simpson, Schaars

Scorer: Ameobi (79)

Referee: Vladimir Hrinak
Attendance: 50,948

Hatem Ben Arfa scored an 89th minute winner as Newcastle survived a Bolton fightback to win and maintain top spot.

It had looked as though the Magpies were on the way to a straight forward victory after goals from Ben Arfa and Shola Ameobi. But with 80 minutes on the clock, Bolton mounted an unexpected fightback, with Johan Elmander and Jakob Poulsen grabbing goals to draw winless Bolton level.

But the Trotters' hopes of taking something from the league leaders was dashed when Ben Arfa scored his second goal of the game after 89 minutes, which ensured Newcastle had three points to their name.

The game had been anticipated by many as being straight-forward, with Newcastle unbeaten in all competitions since August, and Bolton without a Premier League victory since they beat since-relegated Leeds in March.

Manager Gary Megson was looking for a lift after a dispiriting opening to the campaign for the Wanderers faithful, but few people had given them a hope of it coming at St. James' Park.

Despite that, it was Bolton with the first opportunity, with Sean Davis' long-ranger blocked by Jan Vertonghen.

Both teams struggled for fluency at a damp St. James' Park for the first 26 minutes of the game, with a half-chance the only thing resembling problems for either goalkeeper.

But that first chance proved to be all Newcastle needed to get onto the scoresheet. The ball was played from the back via Stijn Schaars to Ameobi. The Newcastle striker evaded former teammate Sylvain Distin's tackle and cued a pass forward for Ben Arfa, who rocketed onto the ball and tucked it beyond former Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

A slick finish for the deadline day signing from Marseille, who is proving to be a hit amongst the Newcastle fans already since his £11million transfer from the South of France.

Despite the goal giving something for the Newcastle fans to cheer, it failed to liven up the game, with chances still being at a premium.

With that being the case, Bolton should've done more when presented with a chance on 31 minutes, as former Newcastle defender Andy O'Brien was given a free header in the home penalty box, but sent his header sailing into the Gallowgate End.

It was almost more painful for the Irishman moments later, but a superb save from Forster was made to deny Ben Arfa tucking home a second.

The second half continued in the same largely uninspiring vein as the first, with both teams struggling to create much in the way of opportunities. Yellow cards were also being picked up with more fluency than chances.

But like in the first half, Newcastle's first chance of the period was enough to get them onto the scoresheet. It all started from Bolton possession, with Chris Basham giving the ball away just inside his own half. Lewis Holtby was the man who stole the ball and was allowed to burst down the host's left hand flank with little interruption, before his superb cross picked out Ameobi, who tapped it in.

A second goal in as many games for the veteran striker, who earned a surprise recall to Premier League duties for this game and justified it with a fine finish to get himself onto the scoresheet after previously scoring at Porto in the Champions League in midweek.

Bolton almost got themselves back into things minutes later, with Distin given a free header in the penalty box, but the Frenchman's header hit the bar instead of the net.

With ten minutes to go, it looked as though Bolton were set for another defeat, but then they made a game of it as they took advantage of a poor clearance.

Tim Krul's wayward kick out from the back was easily intercepted by Poulsen, whose one touch cued up Elmander, and the Swede racced through before slotting it home.

A crisp finish for the Swedish striker, who scored a winner at St. James' Park for Bolton two seasons ago, and more importantly, it got his team back into the contest.

Four minutes later and they'd duly managed it. Elmander received a throw-in and hit it forward to substitute Matty Taylor. His inviting cross was perfectly poised for Poulsen, who leapt into action and headed the ball home.

A superb headed touch from the Danish winger, as Bolton suddenly shocked the league leaders with a comeback few had expected.

Yet with 89 minutes on the clock, it was Newcastle who got the games fifth goal, although Bolton appealed heavily for offside that was never coming.

Substitute Ryan Donaldson received the ball in the middle of the park and advanced before playing it out wide for James Milner. The winger laid it off for the advancing Danny Simpson, who sent in a firm cross that perfectly found Ben Arfa, who slammed the ball home via the post.

A second goal of the afternoon for the Frenchman, who looked as happy as anyone of a black-and-white persuasion in this stadium that the points were now back in their favour.

It was almost four in injury time, but substitute Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was able to deny Luis Suarez, and the Uruguayan then fired an effort wide when he should've done better with it.

Megson urged his Bolton men forward, but no equaliser was forthcoming, and the game ended then and there.

It was a hard-thought victory for the Magpies, and they weren't convincing at times - especially when they threw away their two goal advantage late on - but they will be relieved to have the victory that maintains their hold on top spot in the Premier League table, and will be hoping to maintain it when they take on Manchester City in their next home game.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton (Donaldson 85), Schaars (Bender 67) - Milner, Ben Arfa, Holtby (Suarez 76) - Ameobi
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Ariaudo, Carroll
Booked: Jose Enrique

Scorer: Ben Arfa (27, 89), Ameobi (61)

Bolton: Forster (Jaaskelainen 73) - Steinsson, O'Brien, Distin, Ricketts - Poulsen, Muamba, Davis, Basham, Traore (Taylor 73) - Pavone (Elmander 62)
Subs not used: Radzkov, Dervite, Hunt, Davies
Booked: Steinsson, Basham

Scorer: Elmander (80), Poulsen (84)

Referee: Steve Tanner
Attendance: 55,985

James Milner scored the only goal as Newcastle edged out Wolves at Molineux.

A tight game was decided by a goal late in the first half from the former Aston Villa midfielder, and ensured that the Magpies will enter next weekend's clash with Manchester City as Premier League leaders.

It was tough on Wolves, who mostly matched the high-flying visitors and weren't exactly outclassed by the visitors, but their continually wayward shooting proved a major handicap in their aim for three points.

Wolves were looking to present a challenge to the Magpies, and would have taken heart from when they threw away a 2-0 lead against Bolton, even if Newcastle did ultimately win against the bottom club.

Wolves had the games' first opportunity, with Javi Garcia given responsibility for a free-kick, only for the midfielder to hit it wide.

Newcastle's first opportunity had similar accuracy issues, with last week's two goal hero Hatem Ben Arfa unable to direct his shot on target.

Sylvain Ebanks-Blake was the first player to get a shot on target, with the striker seeing his effort tipped clear by Tim Krul moments before he sent a second effort over the top of the goal.

Nenad Milijas then hit an effort over the top of the goal as Wolves looked likelier to score but struggled with shot accuracy.

It almost came back to haunt them, but Wayne Hennessey in the home goal was alert to deny Ben Arfa, and the Welsh goalkeeper then made another stop seconds later to deny a volley from the Newcastle attacking midfielder.

A slow tempo encounter saw Wolves presented a chance in the dying embers of the first half to take the lead, only for Roland Zubar to head it wide.

That proved crucial, as Newcastle took the lead with their next attack. Jose Enrique's first cross was only cleared back to the Spanish full-back, and his second cross swerved into the path of Milner, who made space and fired home.

A first goal since August in the winger's second spell as a Newcastle player, and while home fans booed him for his connections to Villa, he was certainly happy to be on the scoresheet once more.

The goal was a decent finish to the first half, but any suspicion Wolves might try and harry their way for an immediate equaliser was dulled by a quiet beginning to the second half, which saw neither side get anywhere close to troubling a goalkeeper.

Newcastle did have two half chances, but superb defensive interventions denied first Milner and then Shola Ameobi what would have been perfect shooting room.

It took 28 minutes for anything resembling a chance to come, but when it did come, it was not taken, with Joey Barton finding the away fan section rather than the net.

Wolves had a chance to make things uncomfortable at the back, with Stefan Mouyokolo given a free header at a corner, and his touch went wide via a deflection, before Wovles wasted the following corner.

Newcastle substitute Ryan Donaldson then almost made the points secure, but the player's drive touched the bar on its way out.

Wolves' last chance for redemption was missed by Javi Garcia, who saw a drive go wide.

The extremely flat second half sucked a lot of enthusiasm out of the play from the crowd, but at the end of the game, Newcastle fans had three more points to their name to cheer, and they were relieved to have avoided falling into a trap.

Wolves will have been exceptionally disappointed not to have done a whole lot more to come even close to testing Tim Krul, and will be disappointed they seemed to accept defeat so meekly.

Wolves: Hennessey - Stearman, Zubar, Mouyokolo, Berra - Kightly, Milijas (Foley 85), Javi Garcia, Bozanic - Ebanks-Blake (Keogh 85), Doyle
Subs not used: Lewis, Randall, Frimpong, Jones, Edwards
Booked: Mouyokolo

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton, Schaars - Milner, Ben Arfa, Holtby (Carroll 90) - odriguez (Carroll 83) - Suarez
Subs not used: Begovic, Ariaudo, Jones, Suarez

Scorer: Milner (42)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 28,324

Great seeing you so competitive in your european group and still holidng onto the league form! Keep it coming matey

It is going excellently so far so I'm looking forward to seeing if it can continue.

Newcastle strengthened their hold on top spot with victory over champions Manchester City at St. James' Park.

Hatem Ben Arfa struck to give Newcastle a lead after 20 minutes, before a second half goal from Shola Ameobi tightened Newcastle's grip on the game and handed them an important three points as they seek to show they are in the Premier League title chase for the long haul.

Manchester City will have been especially disappointed with their attack, which created many chances but looked absolutely nothing like taking them.

There had been much anticipation for this fixture at the start of play, with Newcastle on the back of some superb form and Manchester City seeking to show the form that back in May, got them their first Premier League title since the 1960s.

It was the champions who were presented with the fixture's first opportunity, with Emmanuel Adebayor receiving Pablo Zabaleta's through-ball and whacking a powerful shot that landed above the goal and in the crowd.

Newcastle's first opportunity was of a similar hue, with Ameobi released by Ben Arfa, and deploying a vicious drive for the top corner that landed over the top of the goal.

The first test for Manchester City keeper Juan Pablo Carrizo came minutes later, but the goalkeeper made a nice, if easy, stop to deny Jan Vertonghen's free-kick.

Newcastle's next attempt was more successful. Joey Barton's ball was only half-cleared to Jose Enrique, who evaded his marker and then cued the ball forward for Ameobi. The striker held the ball up before releasing Ben Arfa, who slotted his ball into the bottom corner.

A seventh goal of the season for the transfer deadline day signing from Marseille, who is looking like a superb purchase and was the recipient of loving chants from those wearing black-and-white stripes inside St. James' Park.

Manchester City were finding it a struggle to find a way through, with Robinho running into a blind alleyway when he made an attempt to find himself a way through.

The visitor's next attack produced an attempt, with Adebayor evading Vertonghen but only able to produce a feeble shot that Tim Krul could've saved with his eyes closed.

Krul then made another stop to deny Adebayor, who hasn't scored since the opening day and looked devoid of confidence.

Nevertheless, Adebayor was still getting chances, and did beat Krul with the first chance of the second half, but his header from a swinging corner hit the post and bounced away from the goal.

Another corner was headed wide by Kolo Toure as Manchester City probed to find a way through, but the hosts were comfortable with the pressure and then responded with a second goal of their own.

Danny Simpson received the ball out wide and passed the ball infield for Barton, who laid it forward for the run of Ben Arfa. The scorer of Newcastle's first goal then passed the ball into the path of Ameobi, who proceeded despite calls for offside, and scored.

A third goal since the surprise first team recall for the veteran Newcastle striker, who is now very much back in the first team picture and looks for all the world a rejuvenated player after spending most of the last year in the reserves.

That second blow left Manchester City dumbfounded, and they lacked the verve to come back into proceedings as a result, with their expensively assembled squad struggling to respond.

It was almost three for Newcastle, with Lewis Holtby receiving Ben Arfa's pass and hitting a sweet volley that landed over the top.

Substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips almost got the visitors back into proceedings, but his shot was tipped away by Krul, before Carlos Tevez hit a strike wide of the mark.

Krul then made a very good stop to deny a Gareth Barry cross-shot from creeping into the goal, as Manchester City tried to get themselves a way back into proceedings.

There was nothing else Manchester City could do, and the roar of the home crowd after a superb victory was one of the loudest its been for years. Newcastle provided a good performance to see off the champions in their top of the table encounter, and the prospect of a Newcastle challenge for the Premier League title is now very much on.

Mark Hughes scowled on the touchline in result of this disappointing result for the champions, and thy need to bounce back to find themselves a way back towards the perch they fought so hard to secure last season.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton (Schaars 84), Bender - Milner, Ben Arfa (Suarez 76), Holtby (Dembele 74) - Ameobi
Subs not used: Begovic, Ariaudo, Jones, Donaldson

Scorer: Ben Arfa (20), Ameobi (52)

Man City: Carrizo - Onuoha, Toure, Lescott, Miguel Torres - Robinho (Barry 54), Ireland, Zabaleta (Kompany 64), Robben - Adebayor (Wright-Phillips 54), Tevez
Subs not used: Given, Bridge, Jovetic, Remy

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 56,387

Newcastle took a giant stride towards Champions League qualification following a sensational home victory over Italian giants Juventus.

An unbelievable night for supporters of the North East club saw their team take a giant stride towards qualification after they held superiority over their much fancied opponents. Moussa Dembele and James Milner scored in each half, while Gianluigi Buffon's own goal also helped Juventus' downfall.

Newcastle may have beaten Juventus in the Champions League way back in 2002 under the managerial ship of Sir Bobby Robson, but this altogether more comprehensive result gives them control of Group B, and they should seal qualification in two weeks time at FC Twente in the final game in the group.

Few people could have foreseen this at kick-off, with Juventus arriving in England knowing three points would seal qualification to the next stage. Newcastle needed a win themselves, with Porto all but likely to win at group whipping boys Twente in the group's other game.

Juventus' aim of victory was damaged by an ankle sprain to top scorer Amauri, with the highly rated striker out with the injury.

It was the home team who curated the first opportunity of the match, but Ryan Donaldson was only able to send his headed effort from a superb cross into the crowd.

Despite the handicap of no Amauri, Juventus begun to curate opportunities for themselves, with Felipe Melo seeing a low drive tipped away by Tim Krul, before Newcastle's Dutch goalkeeper made a superb flying stop to deny Mauro Zarate in a one-on-one.

After a quiet sequence, Newcastle fans were beginning to believe something might go their way, and with 29 minutes on the clock, it did.

The ball was won by Jan Vertonghen and then worked down the right hand side of the pitch. Eventually, Danny Simpson released Milner, who had the run on his marker before playing a ball into the middle for Dembele, and the Belgian rolled the ball home.

It was a crisp strike into the bottom corner for the former AZ Alkmaar player, who hadn't scored since returning from injury, and he showed ice-cool professionalism in his nice finish.

Giorgio Chiellini almost got Juventus back into proceedings when he reached a corner, but his attempted flight of the ball was wildly inaccurate.

Similar accuracy then befell a chance from Sebastien Bassong, but Newcastle then got goal two in fortunate circumstances moments later.

The ball was played wide to David Edgar, who flicked the ball forward to Donaldson. The ball went forward to Lewis Holtby, whose dangerous cross was aimed at Dembele but deflected onto his own post by Chiellini. The ball then hit the unfortunately positioned Buffon, who was credited with the own goal after the ball landed in the back of the net.

It was unfortunate for the legendary Italian goalkeeper, who was mostly let down by his centre-back and fellow Italian compatriot, but he ultimately got the final touch, and will have the unfortunate credit for putting his team further behind.

Juventus almost clawed their way back within a goal moments before the half-time break, but Melo's header was poor and easily held by Krul.

The second half begun in a tight nature, with Newcastle wary of letting Juventus back into the contest, and Juventus worried of falling even further out of sight.

Just after the hour, Juventus should have got themselves back into the contest. Half-time sub Paolo de Ceglie rose highest to meet a corner, and his powerful attempt rattled a post before bouncing into touch.

Newcastle then found themselves even further in-front. Debutant Haris Vuckic got the ball in the middle of the turf with his firt touch, and hit it out wide for Edgar, who played the ball down the line for Donaldson. His low drive was kept out by Buffon, but the rebound landed for Milner, and the winger put the ball in the back of the net.

Milner is finally settling back into Newcastle for his second spell with the club, and he will be delighted with the quality of his positioning to grab his third goal back at the club.

Newcastle's impressive margin was almost made even greater when Dembele, but the Belgian striker was denied by a smart stop from Buffon. Vertonghen then headed over the bar from a resulting corner, as Newcastle looked likelier to get onto the scoresheet.

Substitute Alan Smith was close to finding it, but the midfielder's drive kissed the bottom of the post with Buffon a beaten keeper.

Alex saw a free-kick deflected wide, but Juventus had no other chances and this will undoubtedly go down as one of the major embarrassments in the history of this famous team.

The roar of the Newcastle fans at the end was deafening - perhaps even more so than the one after their famous win over Manchester City on Saturday. Newcastle have started their season in fine form, and their first Champions League campaign since 2002/03 looks set to reach the next round of the competition.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Edgar - Barton (Vuckic 65), Bender - Milner, Donaldson (Smith 76), Holtby (Suarez 81) - Dembele
Subs not used: Begovic, Jenkinson, Jones, Ameobi
Booked: Bassong, Bender

Scorer: Dembele (28), Buffon (og 43), Milner (66)

Juventus: Buffon - Behrami (De Ceglie 45), Alex, Chiellini, Criscito - Marchisio (Caceres 73) - Diego, Felipe Melo - Giovinco - Paloucci, Zarate (Palladino 73)
Subs not used: Nastasi, Galletti, Golasa, van der Vaart
Booked: Diego, Felipe Melo

Referee: Jochen Drees
Attendance: 55,601

What a win! Groups tight but I reckon its yours to throw away now!

Exactly. All we need is a point off the whipping boys and we're in the next round.

Luis Suarez scored his first Premier League goal since April late on as Newcastle held Liverpool at Anfield.

It looked as though underperforming Liverpool were about to deliver three points when Fernando Torres got them an opening goal in the first fourteen minutes. But with time running out, Suarez struck a Premier League goal for the first time since scoring against Spurs in April, which prolongs Newcastle's unbeaten run to 14 - a joint club record.

It also keeps Newcastle top of the Premier League, and moves Liverpool towards the top half, although much more will be expected of the 2010/11 Premier League champions after a disappointing start.

The game looked to provide an intriguing contest before kick-off, between two sides looking for development. But while Newcastle's positive development would see them continue a Premier League challenge, positive development for Liverpool would get them back towards the Champions League after a disappointing 2011/12 season saw them finish outside the top four rather than defend their Premier League title with any conviction.

It was the Premier League leaders with the game's first opportunity, but Lars Bender couldn't make anything of it and fired wide.

Similarly inaccurate was Torres, who did exceptionally well to run rings around Newcastle defenders, and then duly blasted a wayward effort into the Anfield Road End.

The Spanish striker was substantially more accurate with his next attempt. Sebastien Bassong's clearance was intercepted by Ryan Babel, who flew done the flank before crossing for Torres, and the former Atletico Madrid star tucked the ball into the bottom corner.

A first strike since November 11th's Merseyside Derby victory for the Spaniard, who is looking to recapture the form that saw him score 50 Premier League goals in two seasons.

It was almost two very quickly, but a firm stop from Tim Krul denied Steven Gerrard from finding the bottom corner.

Newcastle's first opportunity to find their way on the scoresheet fell to Moussa Dembele, who went on a mazy solo run but when well placed, could only find the side netting.

James Milner then had a free-kick deflected wide before Dembele again hit the side-netting, as Newcastle attempted to get back into the contest.

They were then lucky not to fall two down, with Lucas seeing a drive beaten away by Krul and only a superb defensive block by Hatem Ben Arfa prevented Torres from turning in the rebound.

Daniel Agger then had the final chance of the first half, but the Danish centre back couldn't keep his header down and his team went in at half-time just one goal in front.

The Reds were almost two goals up with the opening opportunity of the second half, with Gerrard released by a one-two with Insua and hitting a powerful drive that rattled the woodwork.

Newcastle were then close to finding themselves level, when a pass released Lewis Holtby, whose testing drive was nicely stopped by Pepe Reina.

Liverpool were then presented chances to build up an advantage, with defensive interventions frustrating Torres and Dirk Kuyt, before Gerrard had a firm drive tipped away by Krul.

Schaars then saw a free-kick flash wide, before Reina was able to make a neat stop to deny Ben Arfa.

Newcastle threw on Suarez and Shola Ameobi, but struggled to find attacking momentum, and when a chance did eventually fall their way, they couldn't do anything with it, with a long-range piledriver from Ameobi landing in the home fans.

Schaars then scooped a strike from distance over the top of the goal, and it looked as though Newcastle's low quality attack was about to slip to defeat for the first time in the league since August.

But there was still time for Newcastle to create a chance worthy of conversion, and on 89 minutes, it happened. Ryan Donaldson's ball was flicked on by Ameobi for Ben Arfa, who in turn released Suarez, and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

The referee dismissed Liverpool appeals for offside, and Newcastle's Uruguayan had his first league goal since April. It was clear relief for the former Ajax star, who will be hoping to relclaim a first team spot now he finally has the goal to his name.

Newcastle almost won the game in added time, with Reina first making a firm stop to deny Ameobi, and then an even better one to deny Suarez with the final kick of the ball.

A point was perhaps deserved at the end of the contest, although both sides will feel they could have won the encounter. Nevertheless, the game ended in a draw, and both sides will move on looking for more from their next Premier League encounters.

Liverpool: Reina - Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Insua (Dossena 64) - Mascherano (Aquilani 70), Lucas - Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel (Jurado 64) - Torres
Subs not used: Stojkovic, Benayoun, Luis Jimenez, Pacheco
Booked: Johnson, Skrtel, Mascherano

Scorer: Torres (14)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Edgar - Bender, Schaars (Donaldson 85) - Milner (Suarez 73), Ben Arfa, Holtby (Ameobi 68) - Dembele
Subs not used: Begovic, Ariaudo, Jose Enrique, Barton

Scorer: Suarez (89)

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 45,362

Newcastle have accepted a transfer request from vice-captain and centre back Sebastien Bassong.

Bassong, 26, has been the club's captain for most of the campaign and has been seen a a key performer for the Premier League leaders, but the centre-back had declared he wanted a new challenge.

In a club statement, Newcastle confirmed they have received and accepted a transfer request from the Cameroonian defender.

The club said, "We are very disappointed to have received a transfer request from Sebastien, who has been such a consistent and talented performer for the team whenever called upon.

"Bassong confirmed to the club management last week he wanted to depart from St. James' Park, and after discussions, was not to be persuaded to remain.

"It is therefore with regret that we can confirm we have accepted the request to leave from the player. He will continue to be eligible for first team duties and will remain in his role as vice-captain, but if a club matches our asking price in January, we will let him leave."

Bassong is the second player to file a transfer request in the last month, with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic having had a request accepted last month.

The centre back joined from Metz in 2008. Since joining the club, he has made 136 Premier League appearances, scoring nine times. He has built up a strong defensive partnership with Jan Vertonghen in the last year and a half, but the move of his desire to leave St. James' Park is likely to alert Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Sevilla, who have all been linked with the player.

A late goal from Lewis Holtby saw Newcastle qualify for the next part of the Champions League as group winners following a win over FC Twente.

The win also ensured Newcastle went 15 games unbeaten, which is a new club record. But the club made it a trickier contest than they needed against Steve McClaren's group whipping boys, with Holtby and Stijn Schaars giving Newcastle a two goal lead only for the Dutch team to draw level.

But after substitutes Theo Janssen and Giorgios Samaras pulled FC Twente level with two in two minutes, Newcastle won the game through Holtby, before Twente's miserable campaign was finished when Jiri Koubsky was sent off late on.

However, Newcastle are likely to face questions from UEFA, with the team having seven players yellow carded during the contest. The tone was set when Danny Simpson was booked inside the opening minute, while three players picked up their third yellows of the competition in the game and will miss the first leg of their second round tie.

The game had looked like a fairly straight-forward affair, with a point enough to confirm Newcastle's progression into the knockout stages of the Champions League, and also enough to confirm Newcastle's record breaking unbeaten run.

Twente had lost all five games in the Champions League so far - including a 2-0 defeat at St. James' Park back on matchday two - but had the game's first chance. However, Marc-Antoine Fortune couldn't do anything with it.

Newcastle's first chance came in the 9th minute on the contest, and the Magpies were much more clinical with the effort they were presented. The ball was worked forward to Luis Suarez, who laid the ball back for Ryan Donaldson, and a crisp first time pass was received by Holtby, who advanced and then struck into the corner.

Home keeper Rune Almenning Jarstein was then quickly called into action, with the goalkeeper making a smooth stop to deny Suarez after the Uruguayan ran clean through.

The keeper then made another crisp stop to deny Joey Barton as Newcastle looked to seal qualification with style, and the keeper then made another stop to deny James Milner.

Before Milner's shot, Newcastle called for a penalty after Douglas' challenge on Donaldson, but the referee was not interested.

Sabri Sarioglu was then given a great chance to give Twente parity, but they couldn't find it, with a flying save from Tim Krul denying the home side's winger from levelling proceedings up.

Neither side was able to create anything resembling a chance during the final 20 minutes of the half, although Jose Enrique did receive a booking, which meant he would miss Newcastle's second round tie presuming qualification.

Barton was then given a similar punishment at the beginning of the second half, with Twente almost making trouble worse when Nashat Akram's free-kick landed inches past the post.

Marc-Antoine Fortune was then close with an effort, but his failure to do anything with it was rubbed in further when Newcastle made it 2-0 moments later.

The Magpies' second goal came from the penalty spot, with a spot kick awarded after Douglas backed into Milner illegally. Twente's protests were ignored by the referee, and Schaars was presented the chance to double the lead from 12 yards.

The summer signing from AZ Alkmaar duly did the honours, and Newcastle had a two goal lead from 12 yards.

Twente seemed suitably irritated to try and make a comeback, but Fortune couldn't make the most of an effort that fell his way.

Samaras was then close to getting the Dutch side back into the contest, but his attempt on goal was denied by Krul. But Twente didn't have to wait too long after that to get themselves back into the match.

Fortune's run was illegally halted by Newcastle defender David Edgar, which yielded a free-kick. Janssen's drive was inch-perfect, with the ball flying into the top corner.

Newcastle were probably annoyed to have conceded one goal, but their irritation multiplied when they gave another one away straight from kick-off. Donaldson's pass out wide was intercepted by former Manchester City striker Samaras, who ran beyond two Newcastle defenders and into the penalty box, where he drove the ball beyond Krul.

The Greek striker's magnificent individual goal was as unexpected to everyone, and suddenly a Twente side who had spent its entire tournament perfecting the art of being whipping boys hope of success.

Twente almost found the advantage moments later, with only a fantastic reflex stop from Krul denying Janssen.

Donaldson hit wide as Newcastle looked for a second advantage, but it wasn't long in coming.

Billy Jones' initial cross had been cleared, but Barton re-started the attack in the midfield with a collection of the ball and smoothly dispensed it to Holtby. The German's 20 yard drive was an unexpected beauty, with the ball flying from his right foot into the top corner and giving Newcastle the lead for the second time.

Janssen missed a chance to draw his team back on level terms when he smashed a shot into the side-netting, before Almenning Jarstein made a stop to deny Gabriel Obertan.

Twente ended the match and their Champions League campaign with ten men when Koubsky was sent off less than fifteen seconds before the end of the contest, with the referee ruling his trip of Holtby was a professional foul and justified his ejection from the contest.

Newastle ended the game picking up their third win of the group stage, which will see them qualify as winners of Group B. It has been an excellent return to Europe's top competition for the English side, who will feel confident of progression in the next round.

Twente: Almenning Jarstein - Grunholz (Samaras 45), Koubsky, Douglas, Verberne - Sabri Sarioglu (Jansma 59), Zinko, Stam, Akram, Tozser (Janssen 45) - Fortune
Subs not used: Panhuis, Berger, Molenaar, Heus
Booked: Verberne
Sent Off: Koubsky (90+4)

Scorer: Janssen (65), Samaras (66)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson (Jones 65), Vertonghen, Edgar, Jose Enrique - Barton, Schaars - Milner, Donaldson (Obertan 76), Holtby - Suarez (Dembele 68)
Subs not used: Begovic, Bassong, Smith, Ameobi
Booked: Simpson, Jose Enrique, Vertonghen, Edgar, Schaars, Barton, Donaldson

Scorer: Holtby (9, 78), Schaars (pen 52)

Referee: Frederic Studer
Attendance: 23,880

Good win over FC Twente, surprised to see Juventus didn't qualify.

I'm surprised we qualified at all tbf.

Other game was a straight shoot-out. Porto won 2-1, so all's well that ends well for them.