A Little Bit Of History Changing

surprisingly boring Tyne-Wear derby? At least you got a point, as compared to recent games... Good work in the leagie and the FA Cup. Hopefully James turns out to be an inspired signing.

League games aren't quite falling your way it seems right now matey!

Since I took charge, we've had a recovery on Wearside, hit five past them, won at their place, been beaten at ours, and then had Donaldson's fairytale debut at theirs. So a 0-0 where fuck all happened was really boring. Its from this point that NUFC's derby results took a nosedive, so here's hoping I don't fall into that.

James would be £10M to keep permanent so I'm sounding out buys for next year - perhaps even a big name target if we make the Champions League - but he's doing very nicely.

Well, it could be worse - we could be losing every week. But its worrying we seem to be stalling at the moment. Hope it doesn't lead to a late fall away like last season (both in game 2010/11 and real-life 2013/14)

Wolves and Newcastle shared the points following a drab encounter at Molineux.

The two sides may have prolonged their respective unbeaten records with a share of the point, but in truth, neither side did much to justify victory, which means Wolves miss out registering a second home win in quick succession and Newcastle continue a run of league draws that now stretches to five games, although they are now unbeaten in eight.

Both teams had entered hopeful for more than that. Wolves' 5-1 victory over Stoke in the Sunday night football had given them a margin over the relegation battle unfolding beneath them, while Newcastle's recent unbeaten run has kept them within range of the Champions League spots, if not quite in them as Sven-Goran Eriksson's team previously hoped.

The Magpies had the early pressure in the encounter. James Rodriguez saw a menacing centre deflected narrowly wide, before Luis Suarez had a drive tipped wide by Wayne Hennessey.

Wolves' first chance took 14 minutes in creating, with Martin Olsson seeing a swerving drive tipped clear by Tim Krul.

Krul was then given a further workout, with the keeper making a simple stop to deny Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and then a better one moments later to deny Olsson's drive.

By contrast, Hennessey's task was made easier with his next test, with a daisy cutter from Rasmus Elm being an easy catch for the Welsh goalkeeper.

As the half progressed, Newcastle begun to create a few opportunities, with Ryan Donaldson seeing a swerving drive firing into the crowd, before Hennessey made a flying stop to keep out an effort from Rodriguez.

Wolves came close as time ran out near the end of the half, with Christophe Berra seeing a swerving drive tipped out of harm's way by Krul, but in the final five minutes, neither side looked like taking the upper hand of a sedate encounter.

The quiet nature was something of a surprise considering games between the West Midlands and the Toon Army frequently end up with large numbers of bookings and even sending offs.

The start of the second half saw the two teams attempting to rectify the stalemate, and five minutes into the half, Newcastle had the first opportunity to do just that, with only a flying stop from Hennessey denying Donaldson.

Wolves were next to try their luck, with a swerving drive from Ebanks-Blake superbly deflected onto the post by Krul just as it seemed the strike was landing home.

Both teams were then trying their luck, with Hennessey making a simple stop to deny Rodriguez moments before Ebanks-Blake hit a tame effort straight at Krul.

Sebastien Bassong then headed an effort into the stand from a corner as the fans increasingly realised nothing would happen, and the game begun to degenerate into a midfield battle with no clear end in sight.

As the game entered the closing stages, Wolves were the nearer of the two to finding something, but aside from a wayward Ebanks-Blake drive, it increasingly looked as though neither team would find the killer blow.

Nenad Milijas and Olsson blew late opportunities, while Newcastle had an effort of their own when Mikkel Thygesen was denied by Hennessey.

Increasingly, it appeared that the two teams were unable to find their way through and the game duly ended goalless. It was a comedown for Wolves after their hammering of the Potters on Sunday, while Newcastle's drawing run continued, much to the bemused irritation of their management.

Wolves: Hennessey - Zubar, Ben-Haim, Berra, Surman - Edwards (Henry 45), Milijas, Javi Garcia (Halford 72), Olsson - Keogh (Doyle 45), Ebanks-Blake
Subs not used: Dudek, Stearman, Randall, Hunt
Booked: Surman

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen, Bassong, Kadar - Elm (Barton 83), Smith - Thygesen, Donaldson (Dembele 68), Rodriguez (Carroll 83) - Suarez
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Edgar, Ameobi
Booked: Jones

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 24,397

Luis Suarez scored a smooth finish as Newcastle picked up a point at Chelsea.

Yury Zhirkov had given the Blues an early goal as they looked to revive a flagging title challenge, but Newcastle's big money Uruguayan scored a goal that ensured that the Magpies drew a Premier League game for the sixth time in a row.

Once more, Newcastle ended the game with ten men, with captain Alan Smith dismissed late on, but the Magpies held on to return to the North East with a share of the points.

Its a result that puts a severe dent in Chelsea's title aspirations, as they picked up their third draw in a row at a time Manchester City have begun to build up a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea had begun the contest seeking for a victory back into the title race, but it was a Newcastle side with Champions League aspirations that had the game's first chance. It happened when Mikkel Thygesen reached Suarez's through ball, only for Petr Cech to pull off a good stop to deny the Danish winger.

Both sides then had free-kick opportunities, with Didier Drogba seeing an effort deflected wide a few minutes before Jan Vertonghen saw one swerving kick land amongst the home supporters.

Suarez was then next to try his luck when he met James Rodriguez's superb through ball, but his wayward effort didn't trouble Cech.

Newcastle won at Stamford Bridge last season and were giving their quest to find a second win in a row at Chelsea a good go, with Rodriguez seeing one effort denied by Cech and another effort a few moments later sail narrowly over.

Chelsea had so far failed to test Tim Krul, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was then forced into two smart stops, with the Dutchman first denying a Drogba header with a superb flying stop, before he made another one a few minutes later on to deny the Ivorian again.

Chelsea were the stronger of the two sides as the half reached its latter stages, with John Obi Mikel seeing an effort go wide, Frank Lampard's drive from distance kept out by Krul, and Drogba first to a corner, but inaccurate with his header.

Despite that late half domination, Newcastle nearly entered the break ahead, with Moussa Dembele forcing a good stop out of Cech and Smith seeing a daisy cutter drift off target.

The second half begun with Chelsea on the front foot, only for Drogba to hit one wildly off target and Krul to easily gather Daniel Sturridge's low fizzer from distance.

It was the Blues fans who would be celebrating the game's first goal. Michael Essien's nice ball out wide picked out Chelsea sub Landon Donovan, who evaded Tamas Kadar before crossing for the onrushing Zhirkov. The Russian leaped highest to bury his header into the corner.

A nicely worked attack for the Blues, whose fans were sensing a return to winning ways after two draws in as many outings.

In quick succession, the Blues worked three opportunities to put the game beyond the Magpies. The closest of the three was the first one, which Vasily Berezutskiy saw a drive from distance just stroke the bar on its way over.

Lampard and Drogba saw wayward strikes from range land off target, but Chelsea were unable to land a killer second goal, and were very quickly made to pay for that.

Newcastle had the chance when Ryan Donaldson collected the ball in the middle of the park, before cueing up Thygesen. The Dane exchanged a one-two with Billy Jones before running clear and sending in a forward pass. A deft touch from Dembele released Suarez, whose low drive eluded Cech and landed in the bottom corner.

A second goal in three for the big money summer signing from Ajax, who is seeming much more comfortable after his continued run in a central striking role.

Chelsea almost instantly regained the advantage, but Zhirkov was unable to get the ball anywhere near the target when well placed.

It was then Drogba who then came very close to forcing the advantage, but his free-kick slammed the post with Krul beaten, and Smith superbly blocked Demba Ba's rebound.

Newcastle's task was then revised to hold out for a point after they were reduced to ten men five minutes from time. Having already been booked for a shove Ba appeared to make a meal out of, Smith tripped up Drogba and was duly dismissed from the field of play.

Despite the man advantage, Newcastle's defensively re-shuffled team was not troubled, and they held on to claim a point. It may have been for the sixth time in a row, but this point was perhaps vital in getting their Champions League credentials going, and they will hoping for more when they play Leeds in ten days time.

Chelsea by contrast were frustrated, with Roberto Mancini's side unable to get past the Magpies and their title challenge took another blow.

Chelsea: Cech - Mancienne (Ivanovic 66), Geromel, Terry, Berezutskiy - Lampard, Mikel (Donovan 45), Essien, Zhirkov - Drogba, Sturridge (Ba 66)
Subs not used: Lambo, Kaladze, Elano, Anelka
Booked: Mancienne, Berezutskiy

Scorer: Zhirkov (56)

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen, Bassong, Kadar - Elm (Donaldson 58), Smith - Thygesen, Rodriguez (Kvist 72), Dembele - Suarez (Barton 87)
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Edgar, Carroll
Booked: Vertonghen, Smith
Sent Off: Smith (86)

Scorer: Suarez (65)

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 39,651

Samir Nasri struck five minutes from time to send Arsenal into the FA Cup 5th Round with a hard-thought victory at Newcastle.

It looked as though the two teams would be heading towards a replay after a largely even game at St. James' Park, but the French midfielder proved to be the man to break the stalemate.

It ensures the Gunners will progress into Round Five of the Cup and continue Arsene Wenger's aspirations of back-to-back FA Cup winners medals after they won the trophy last year.

The result will also in all likelihood prolong Newcastle's wait for a domestic trophy, which stretches back to winning the FA Cup in 1955.

In more contemporary climes, the Magpies benched striker Luis Suarez, who had missed training earlier this week, and they had the game's first opportunity, which saw James Rodriguez fire wildly over the top of the goal.

Arsenal's first chance of a game that struggled to get going fell to Phillipe Senderos, who was first to a corner but could only head wildly off the target.

Much closer to finding the target was Andrey Arshavin, who saw an effort from distance easily caught by Asmir Begovic.

Cesc Fabregas and Nicklas Bendtner were closer in trying their luck, but neither Gunners player was able to find the target with their respective efforts.

Similarly wide of the mark was Billy Jones, who was presented a chance for Newcastle but was unable to direct it anywhere near Manuel Almunia's goal.

It took 41 minutes for Almunia to be called upon, but it was a decisive intervention from the Arsenal goalkeeper, who made a full-on flying stop to deny a strike from distance by Rodriguez.

Arsenal had the first chance of the second half, only for Bendtner to get his angles wildly wrong.

Similar inaccuracy blighted an opportunity for sub Vaclav Kadlec, but the striker was forced off injured less than eight minutes after coming on, with the striker falling awkwardly after a challenge by Sebastien Bassong.

As a largely uninspiring game drifted towards the end, Begovic was required to be alert, with the Bosnian goalkeeper keeping out Arshavin's low strike and Newcastle scrambling it clear.

Almunia was then required to make a superb stop, with the England international making a wonderful stop to tip over Donaldson's scorching drive.

With the two teams cancelling each other out, it looked as though a replay would be needed. But with five minutes remaining, Arsenal won a free-kick in a dangerous position when Tamas Kadar pulled back Arshavin's shirt.

Nasri's free-kick was superbly pin point. A wonderful drive of the ball that eluded Begovic and landed into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead in the dying moments of the game.

Newcastle had no answer to that hammer blow and duly ended up counting the cost of failing to test the Gunners more. They will now be left only with concentrating on their aspirations to return to European competition via the league after a five year absence.

Arsenal fans up in the gods at St. James' Park were celebrating wildly, as they continue recent good form and will be hopeful of more of the same when the two teams meet in the Premier League at the same stadium next weekend.

Newcastle: Begovic - Vanden Borre, Bassong, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Kvist (Thygesen 78), Jones (Barton 86) - Dembele (Ameobi 54), Donaldson, Rodriguez - Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Vertonghen, Edgar, Suarez
Booked: Rodriguez

Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna, Senderos, Horman (Vermaelen 59), Clichy - Fabregas, Song, Nasri - Blaszczykowski (Kadlec 51 (Rosicky 59)), Bendtner, Arshavin
Subs not used: Steele, Gibbs, Lansbury, Denilson

Scorer: Nasri (85)

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 55,588

Goals in each half saw Newcastle ease past Leeds to prolong their unbeaten run to eight Premier League games.

The Magpies had drawn six in a row, but a first half goal from James Rodriguez and a second half one from Mikkel Thygesen gave them a fairly routine victory over the struggling Yorkshire side ahead of some upcoming tricky fixtures.

It continued some desperate form for Leeds, who haven't won a league game since beating Stoke in October and who find themselves in an increasingly desperate battle to stay in the Premier League.

One of the few highlights of a season at the bottom end saw Leeds beat Newcastle at Elland Road in September, but they were almost behind in the opening minute on Tyneside, with Sead Ramovic making a flying stop to deny Moussa Dembele in the opening minute.

Ramovic was busy in the opening ten minutes, with the recent signing from Tromso making stops to deny Andy Carroll and Dembele, although in truth they were fairly easy stops.

Leeds' first opportunity took 13 minutes in creation, with Miroslav Radovic seeing a curling long ranger skim the top of the bar on its way into the stand. But the Yorkshire side's keeper was the busier, with Ramovic denying Rodriguez, and just shy of the 20 minute mark, he was picking the ball out of the net.

A crisp pass forward by Rasmus Elm was picked up by Andy Carroll, who skipped past his marker and hit a drive that Ramovic denied. But Rodriguez was first to the loose ball and the Colombian's rebound fizzed in.

Newcastle's loan signing from AC Milan is highly touted a a star of the future, and his superb finish certainly helped his growing reputation.

Leeds were struggling to put the home goal under pressure, with Ramovic having to make an easy stop to deny Elm.

A further test for Ramovic appeared a few moments later, with the keeper making a superb stop to deny Rodriguez's header from yielding his second goal of the afternoon.

The Bosnian goalkeeper then made another, albeit more straight-forward, stop to deny Elm as the Champions League-chasing Magpies had the upper hand.

On another day, Leeds could have paid Newcastle pay for their profligacy, but the only real chance they had to do so saw Kim Jin-Kyoo fire rapidly over the top.

Newcastle had the first opportunity of the second half, with Moussa Dembele firing wide, but the Magpies weren't long in waiting for a second goal.

Patient approach play in the centre of the park eventually saw the ball land for Elm, who advanced towards the area before threading a nice ball forth to Thygesen. The Danish winger advanced away from his marker before belting a rampant drive into the back of the net.

Another finish for the Danish star, who is continuing to justify his first team spot at St. James' Park with a number of key goals when required.

It took 55 minutes for Leeds to really test Tim Krul for the first time, but it was very close to finding the back of the net, with the Dutch keeper's superb stop denying visiting sub Victor Anichebe.

Krul then made another stop to deny Edu Albacar, before Anichebe fired over when well placed as Leeds began for the first time to test the home side's controlling advantage.

The unlikely source of Tamas Kadar almost made sure of the points, but the Hungarian defender's attempt was kept out by Ramovic.

Elm then sent two efforts sprawling into the crowd as Newcastle looked for a third to their name, but Leeds were beginning to show solidity in ensuring the game stayed at two goals.

But the visitor's aspirations were damaged for good when defender Alex Pearce was taken off injured after the visitors had used all three subs and as a result the Whites had to play the final four minutes of the contest with ten men.

The only real opportunity Newcastle had to ensure a three goal margin of victory eventually saw Thygesen denied by Ramovic.

But in the end, it was an important if unspectacular win for the Magpies, who continue their challenge for a Champions League place ahead of tricky looking tests against fellow top four challengers Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool in a tightly packed table that sees 8 times still harbouring hopes of finishing in the top four.

Leeds' hopes are a bit more straightforward of survival, but this latest game without a win continues the ever-increasing likelihood of an instant return to the second tier, and their hopes could fade even further if they fail to win this weekend's six pointer away at fellow strugglers Stoke City.

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Elm, Barton (Simpson 64) - Thygesen, Rodriguez (Donaldson 80), Dembele - Carroll (Vanden Borre 89)
Subs not used: Begovic, Kvist, Duff, Suarez
Booked: Jose Enrique, Barton

Scorer: Rodriguez (17), Thygesen (53)

Leeds: Ramovic - Gunter (Anichebe 54), Pearce, Jin-Kyoo (Kisnorbo 45), Mee - Radovic (Kilkenny 45), Mellis, Eardley, Howson, Edu Albacar - Cole
Subs not used: Martin, Huntington, Leeds, Bromby
Booked: Howson

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 52,031

Newcastle missed a number of chances as they shared the points with Arsenal as the two team's Champions League aspirations took a dent.

Like the encounter between the two teams played out a dull FA Cup at the same stadium, the two sides struggled to get a decisive blow, but unlike the game the previous week, neither side could find that killer blow, and the game ended goalless.

With both sides still struggling their way to convince they should stand out in the chase for a Champions League place, the two teams duly failed to convince and remain wedded in to the pack of eight teams convinced they have what it takes for a top four spot.

Newcastle rested most of their squad for the FA Cup tie but were on the back foot early on in the encounter, with a long ranger from Havard Nordtvelt denied by Tim Krul, before the home keeper had to make a flying stop to deny Joey Barton from putting through his own net.

The first half was largely a slow quagmire in the middle of the park, with the only real opportunity seeing James Rodriguez wallop an effort into the stands.

Rodriguez was closer with his next effort, but the Colombian's fairly tame effort was easily held by Manuel Almunia.

Newcastle were having the better rate of chance creation as the half dwindled towards the end of proceedings, with Billy Jones wide with one effort and the club applying pressure.

The Magpies were then appealing vociferously for a penalty kick, with Moussa Dembele arguing passionately that he had been fouled by Phillipe Senderos, but referee Stuart Atwell was not interested in his appeals,

The best chance either side managed in the entire half came just before half-time, with Almunia making a superb flying save to deny Rodriguez in a one-on-one.

Almunia then made another good stop to deny Luis Suarez, before Senderos headed one in the last real action before the half-time whistle.

Arsenal's keeper was now being tested the most, and he made more saves after half-time, although in truth, the efforts from Rodriguez and Suarez were fairly simple stops.

Much closer was half-time Newcastle sub William Kvist, whose firm header from a corner beat Almunia only to rattle the bar and bounce clear.

Jan Vertonghen then sent a free-kick narrowly wide as the host continued to look the likelier to break the deadlock, and they were close again when Suarez danced through the Arsenal defence only to fire off target.

But despite that early wave of pressure, the Magpies attack ran out of steam and in truth, the Arsenal attack never really got going in the first half.

The majority of the action came in the form of substitutes, and a yellow card for Jones, which was enough to send even the most frenzied supports on both sides into a state of catatonic stupor.

The final real chance came with 92 minutes on the clock, with substitute Ryan Donaldson seeing a curling effort denied by Almunia.

In truth, the Magpies will feel the more annoyed at their failure to win the contest, with their attack by far the more involved of the two teams. But they will have been relieved Arsenal's quiet attack couldn't hit them with a counterattack on the break, and in the end, the two sides will look to find a more decisive three points another day.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Kadar (Kvist 45), Jose Enrique - Barton, Jones - Thygesen, Rodriguez (Donaldson 66), Dembele (Duff 83) - Suarez
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Smith, Carroll
Booked: Jones

Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna, Senderos, Vermaelen, Clichy - Fabregas, Nordtvelt, Denilson (Rosicky 63) - Blaszczykowski (Vela 77), Bendtner, Nasri (Arshavin 81)
Subs not used: Zhang, Schmidt, Lansbury, N'Zogbia
Booked: Clichy, Blaszczykowski

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 53,293

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Newcastle midfielder Adel Taarabt for a fee that could rise to £2.4million.

The Moroccan attacking midfielder is a deadline day signing for the Tricky Trees, and makes the move to the Championship club after a year and a half with the Magpies.

Taarabt, who is currently on international duty with Morocco in the African Cup of Nations, has signed a two and a half year contract for Sean O'Driscoll's side.

He scored nine goals for Newcastle in the Premier League in 2010/11, but had failed to make a single appearance in the league since the opening day, and has been allowed to move on.

Newcastle reserve striker Xisco has ended an unhappy four year spell with the club after joining Norwegian side Rosenborg for £3.3million.

The striker moves to Norway on a four year contract, although the majority of his wages will be paid by Newcastle until the end of the 2012/13 season as part of the terms of his transfer.

Xisco joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna for £7million just before transfer deadline day in August 2008, but only made five appearances for the team in his entire spell on Tyneside.

He spent the 2009-10 season on loan with Spanish side Racing Santander, where he scored 13 times in 24 appearances, but was not a part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans on Tyneside, and has now finally ended his unhappy spell at the club.

Newcastle have rejected a £5million bid from Chelsea for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Bosnian international is reportedly unhappy at being overlooked in favour of Tim Krul, who has been Newcastle's first choice goalkeeper for each of the last two seasons.

With Chelsea reportedly looking for a long term successor to Petr Cech, Begovic was reportedly on Roberto Mancini's wishlist.

Insiders at St. James' Park and Stamford Bridge claim that Newcastle were open to selling the Bosnian, but Chelsea refused to pay Newcastle's revised £6million asking price.

With Xisco and Adel Taarabt having already left St. James' Park on transfer deadline day, its unclear if there will be any more ins and outs at St. James' Park, although it is hinted Newcastle may try to buy an additional winger before the deadline expires at 11pm.

Newcastle have signed winger Gabriel Obertan from Manchester United for £3.8million.

The former France U21 international has signed a three and a half year deal at St. James' Park after failing to break into the Manchester United first team squad.

Obertan joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2009 from Bordeaux for three million pounds, but only made one FA Cup appearance at Old Trafford in two and a half seasons with the club.

He had loan spells at Stoke City and Coventry City in his time, but will now look to prove he can succeed in England with a slot in the first team picture at St. James' Park.

Newcastle initially had a loan deal for the player rejected last summer, and had 3 offers rejected by the Red Devils before eventually agreeing a fee.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke of his relief to get the deal done.

He said, "We have been tracking Gabriel and spotted a player who has potential to be a good Premier League player, but who had the misfortune to be behind some world class players at Old Trafford and was not given a chance to impress.

"It took a while for us to agree a deal with them because they were reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, and we needed a while to negotiate an offer they were comfortable with, but ultimately, I believe we have landed a good player, and that he will be a success at Newcastle United."

In a further twist, Obertan could make his debut at Old Trafford, with Newcastle scheduled to play Manchester United away on Saturday afternoon.

A penalty late in the first half from Anderson was enough for Manchester United to see off Newcastle.

The Brazilian's spot kick four minutes from the end of the half proved to be the only goal in a tight contest between two teams with Champions League aspirations, and its a result that will do the world of good to the host's aspirations of that prize.

It also helps relax some of the mood, with apprehension building around the future of manager Sir Alex Ferguson after the club failed to even make the top 6 in 2010/11 and had started very poorly this season.

After four wins in a row in all competitions, the home crowd was hopeful of continuing such a run against a team who hadn't won at Old Trafford in 40 years.

It was the home crowed whose heroes treated them to the first opportunities. But while the first attempt from Michael Carrick was hopelessly wayward, Dimitar Berbatov was much closer, with the Bulgarian forcing a firm stop out of Tim Krul.

Wayne Rooney and Anderson were then off target as the home side attempted to find a breakthrough that they was becoming difficult to find.

The sensation of a long hard slog against the well-drilled visitors increased as missed chances began to accumulate, with first Anderson being denied by Krul, and then Berbatov inexplicably heading wide when extremely well positioned.

Newcastle had arrived in Manchester with Champions League aspirations of their own, but were finding it a challenge to even get out of their own half, nevermind getting chances on Tomasz Kuszczak's goal.

But home side profligacy was more than evident, with Krul making simple stops to deny first Berbatov and then Patrice Evra, before Ji-Sung Park was wildly off target.

The home fan's dread of a sucker punch was more evident after Krul denied Berbatov when he was unmarked, but referee Howard Webb then granted them the chance to open the lead from 12 yards following poor judgement by Joey Barton.

The former Manchester City midfielder was penalised for a foul on Michael Carrick inside the box, and it was telling that he had no complaints for his indiscretion.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson, playing in a wide role once more, was the man entrusted with the responsibility, and his spot kick sent Krul the wrong way and landed in the bottom corner. A moment to celebrate for the former Porto man, who was the player that finally made Manchester United pressure show on the scoreboard.

Had Berbatov not kept his curling strike down, it could have been two before the interval, but at half-time, Ferguson will have been impressed with his player's lively movements.

Kuszczak had literally nothing to do in the entire first half, but the Polish goalkeeper had to make the first save of the second half, and it was a save of good quality as well, with the keeper making a superb stop to deny James Rodriguez's long ranger.

Newcastle were finally beginning to orchestrate opportunities for themselves, with Billy Jones hitting the side netting from distance, before substitute Ryan Donaldson saw a half-volley well caught by Kuszczak.

Only an alert intervention by Jan Vertonghen denied Berbatov from putting the game out of reach, before Kuszczak was then called upon to deny Rodriguez.

Both sides were looking lively in attack, but opportunities begun to be at a premium, with a Rodriguez piledriver that landed in the crowd the best either team could manager for a period.

Nemanja Vidic and Evra were both wayward with efforts, before Kuszczak once more denied Rodriguez, with a firm parry from the Pole denying the Colombian once more.

Rooney and Berbatov both missed great chances to end the game, which came in quick succession after Donaldson couldn't keep a strike down.

Both keepers were then forced into interventions in quick succession, with Rooney denied by Krul seconds before Kuszczak denied visiting sub Mikkel Thygesen.

Newcastle's last real opportunities came in the final stages of the game, but both were wasted by Andy Carroll, with neither coming any close to troubling the hosts' clean sheet.

In the end, it was the end of the road, and the hosts had a key win against fellow Champions League contenders. In the end, it could be a key game as Manchester United look to get ahead in the polls.

By contrast, Newcastle were deflated as they suffered their first defeat in the league since the start of December, and they now want to get victories once more to stop their Champions League crusade slipping away.

Manchester United: Kuszczak - O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra - Park (Valencia 85), Fletcher (Hargreaves 77), Carrick, Anderson - Berbatov (Welbeck 77), Rooney
Subs not used: van der Saar, Nosworthy, Mattock, Diouf

Scorer: Anderson (pen 41)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Barton (Donaldson 45), Jones - Obertan (Carroll 61), Rodriguez (Thygesen 73), Dembele - Suarez
Subs not used: Begovic, Edgar, Vanden Borre, Smith
Booked: Kadar, Barton, Jones, Rodriguez

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 73,435

Alberto Aquilani scored a penalty as Liverpool rescued a point at Newcastle in a battle of two Champions League contenders.

An early strike from Luis Suarez had given advantage to the Magpies for most of the contest, but a second half penalty was given to the visitors, which the Italian midfielder converted.

But after parity was achieved, neither Sven-Goran Eriksson's Magpies nor Rafael Benitez's Reds were unable to pick up a decisive blow, and this clash between top four competitors ended in stalemate.

Both teams had begun the contest hoping for three points more towards their goals of a top four spot, and Newcastle were those that struck first blood in the contest with a goal inside the opening two minutes.

The ball landed for Suarez in the middle of the park, and he was allowed to advance before hitting the ball out wide to Andy Carroll. The big striker evaded Martin Skrtel and got into a crossing position, before laying it off for Suarez to lash home.

It was some neat interplay on show between two of Newcastle's remodelled forward three, and they duly yielded a good strike to open the game's scoring.

Despite the early blow, Liverpool were the team that put in some of the early chances, although neither Skrtel nor Aquilani could find the target.

It could have been worse for the Reds after 11 minutes. A swerving cross from Gabriel Obertan picked out Carroll, whose header was denied by Pepe Reina.

Obertan then headed over the top when well placed as Newcastle continued to create the better of the game's opportunities.

But the game soon descended into a fairly minimal encounter, with a lot of the ball being kept in the middle of the park and away from the two respective areas.

The crowd was woken up by some opportunities for Liverpool as the half reached the latter stages, but neither Dirk Kuyt nor Felipe could get their respective efforts on target.

Newcastle then had some chances in quick succession. First, Ryan Donaldson had a swerving strike deflected off target, then a similar deflection took Tamas Kadar's bicycle kick away from the goal, and then Reina made a simple stop to deny Carroll.

Donaldson and Aquilani saw efforts fly horribly wide as the game reached the half-time break with the hosts leading the way.

Newcastle had the first real chance of the second half and were not too far away with it, as Carroll broke free and saw a strike beat Reina but just touch the top of the bar on its way into touch.

Tim Krul was then forced into action by the visitors, with the surprisingly dangerous Skrtel forcing a stop out of the Dutch keeper.

But the visitors were then given a chance to level proceedings up from 12 yards. Referee Peter Oakley ruled that Jan Vertonghen had illegally stopped the quiet Fernando Torres from reaching Albert Riera's cross, and awarded a spot kick, much to the derision of the home faithful.

With Steven Gerrard injured, responsibility fell to Aquilani, who converted home to bring his team back on level terms.

The Italian midfielder then had Liverpool's next chance, but he could only fire his effort into the stands.

Rasmus Elm then had a go, but his effort from distance was fairly hopeless and landed amongst the fans.

Liverpool had a great chance on 71 minutes when Skrtel rose the highest to reach a corner, and saw his effort beat the home goalkeeper, only to bash the bar rather than ruffle the net.

Torres then saw an effort deflected away from goal, before Newcastle then had angry protestations after they felt a challenge by Felipe on Obertan should have given them a penalty.

By contrast, the last 12 minutes were a surprisingly dour and uninspiring time period, and neither side showed anything approaching the ingenuity required to win all three points.

It means the two teams will have to wait another day for the victory that can continue their Champions League aspirations, and both will hoping to find the winner from somewhere as the season rapidly moves into the business end of the campaign.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Elm (Thygesen 86), Smith, Donaldson (Rodriguez 74) - Obertan, Carroll (Dembele 63), Suarez
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Edgar, Kvist
Booked: Simpson

Scorer: Suarez (2)

Liverpool: Reina - Carragher, Skrtel, Filipe, Insua - Mascherano, Aquilani - Kuyt (Susaeta 62), Jurado (Babel 45), Riera (Benayoun 68) - Torres
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Godin, Jakab, N'Gog

Scorer: Aquilani (pen 61)

Referee: Peter Oakley
Attendance: 56,387

Andy Carroll scored the only goal as Newcastle continued their Champions League chase with victory at ten man strugglers Blackburn.

Rovers essentially lost this game in a five minute spell that saw Brett Emerton sent off before Carroll grabbed the only goal of the game, which helps Newcastle get their Champions League chase back on track after three games without a win, and pushes Blackburn into bigger trouble at the bottom.

It was another unhappy reunion with his former employers for Sam Allardyce, whose team is being pushed further towards relegation out of the Premier League.

Blackburn hadn't won since their surprise win over Chelsea on January 25th, and their task pre-match was not the easiest looking of ones. A Newcastle side that was bolstered by the return of Sebastien Bassong from African Cup of Nations duties was looking for a return to form after three games without a win.

Newcastle were the team to have the game's first opportunity, with Rasmus Elm seeing a superb long ranger tipped clear by Paul Robinson, and then moments later, Robinson was tested again, with the former Spurs keeper pulling off another superb stop to deny Moussa Dembele.

Luis Suarez then fired one over the top from a corner as Newcastle continued to look dangerous.

But Blackburn were then close to finding the game's opening goal, with only a smart stop by Tim Krul denying Steven Reid after a pass played through the Irish midfielder.

A tight game in the middle of the park saw Newcastle almost sweep into the lead through Elm, with the Swede given a free header in the middle of the park only to head it straight at Robinson when extremely well placed.

The game turned towards Newcastle's favour following a red card on 34 minutes. A poorly timed challenge by Emerton on Suarez saw the Australian right-back penalised for his indiscretion, and the long-serving Rovers full back was dismissed from the field of play.

Jan Vertonghen was closer to finding the goal at Burnley than at Blackburn with the resulting free-kick, before Blackburn almost belied their predicament with the opening goal. However, when well placed, Nikola Kalinic was equally hopeless at finding the back of the net.

Newcastle did sense the opportunity to take the advantage, and it duly came within five minutes of the dismissal. A sweeping run down the flank saw Jose Enrique release Dembele, who swept down the left-hand side for Newcastle before playing a through ball for Suarez. The Uruguayan striker then laid it infield for Carroll, who powered a strike into the bottom corner.

A first goal since Boxing Day for the Newcastle number 9, who justified his recall to starting line-up with the decisive touch, much to the delight of the black and white hoardes behind the goal.

Despite the man disadvantage, Blackburn were still holding on very nicely, but Newcastle were fairly easily dealing with the minimal pressure that those in blue and white halves were imparting.

Blackburn were presented with the first concrete opportunity of the second half, but Kalinic could only fire his long range strike into the top of the stand.

Despite their man advantage, Newcastle were very quiet in attack, and it took them 21 minutes of the second half to really make a chance. That opportunity fell to Gabriel Obertan, whose effort was pushed away from the goal by Robinson.

Carroll was next to try his luck for Newcastle but he was off target, and similar accuracy then befell a later strike from Elm, with the Swedish midfielder's fizzing driving landing wide of the mark.

Newcastle were still hunting a game-killing goal, with Suarez teeing up Dembele, only for Robinson to make a nice stop to deny the Belgian.

Suarez was having a lively game but was unable to find a way onto the scoresheet, with the Uruguayan striker seeing an effort fly into the stand.

With five minutes to go before the end of the match, Newcastle thought they had found number 2, when substitute Mikkel Thygesen met Alan Smith's cross and headed the ball into the bottom corner. But the referee had already blown for offside before the Dane advanced onto the ball, and the goal was duly chalked off.

With 95 minutes on the clock, Blackburn were very close to getting the latest possible leveller, with El-Hadji Diouf winning a corner only to be denied by Krul and the mess up the rebound.

That was duly that for the contest, with one goal ultimately proving to be enough for a Newcastle side that may still be in with a chance of Champions League qualification even after their recent loss of form.

Blackburn, by contrast, desperately needed more than another defeat to preserve their hopes of maintaining their Premier League status, but all another failure to take points does is deepen the sense of possible relegation.

Blackburn: Robinson - Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Signorino - Diouf, Judge, Reid, Gamst Pedersen (Treacy 75) - Grindheim (Cornelis 34) - Kalinic (Andrews 66)
Subs not used: Brown, Marrow, Grella, Hoilett
Booked: Reid
Sent Off: Emerton (34)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith - Obertan (Thygesen 76), Suarez (Rodriguez 81), Dembele - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Jones, Barton, Donaldson

Scorer: Carroll (39)

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 22,005

First half strikes from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez helped Newcastle squeeze past Sheffield United for back-to-back wins.

Carroll scored for the second game running to get Newcastle on their way, before Suarez added one in added time in the first half to give the Magpies the commanding position in this clash.

Matt Derbyshire scored a goal back for the Blades, but the Yorkshire side aiming for a top half finish in the Premier League were unable to fully make up the deficit, and it meant the Magpies will return from South Yorkshire to Tyneside three points richer.

The visitors will have been relieved to have avoided the potential banana skin, with the Blades having beaten Newcastle at Bramall Lane last season.

With a Champions League place still a possibility for Newcastle as the season moves towards the business stage of proceedings, they were looking for a good start and almost got it in spectacular style, when Gabriel Obertan picked up a pass down the flank and ran past various players in red and white stripes before firing on goal, only for his hit to land in the crowd.

Sheffield United's first chance was created by former Magpie Ryan Taylor, whose corner picked out Andres Lamas, who headed the ball over the top.

Taylor was then close with another attempt, as his cross picked out Robert Koren, only for the Slovenian to head the ball very wide of the mark.

Ben Watson then smashed an effort wide of the mark, before Obertan was presented with a chance at the other end only for his effort to just touch the top of the bar on it way over.

Just shy of the half hour and with the game largely even, it was the visitors who found themselves ahead in proceedings.

Alan Smith picked up the ball in the middle of the park, and was able to advance before finding Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan was given room to locate and then pick out Carroll, who raced through and found the back of the net.

Blades players and fans complained offside against the Newcastle number 9, but appealed in vain, and it was the Magpies fans who were cheering as they had a nice goal.

Former Magpie Taylor had a chance to get his new employers level with the spectacular, but the angles for his volley were all wrong.

Newcastle were very close to a second, with the lively Obertan running past his man and hitting a firm drive that beat Brian Murphy, but not the crossbar and the ball bounced clear before landing back in the arms of the Blades goalkeeper.

Jan Vertonghen was next to try his luck for the visitors, with the Belgian defender heading Elm's corner into the crowd, before Newcastle did find a second breakthrough in first half injury time.

It was a similar creation to the first Newcastle goal. The ball was picked up by Smith, who this time teed up Carroll, and the scorer of Newcastle's first goal laid it back to Suarez. The Uruguayan duly advanced and superbly finished for his second goal in three, amid signs he is finally adjusting to the pace and bluster of English football.

The Blades manager Kevin Blackwell made a triple substitution at half-time to try and bring his team back into the contest, but they almost fell further behind when Murphy made a superb stop to deny Jose Enrique from grabbing number three.

Sheffield United had a penalty appeal denied just after the hour when Vertonghen was ruled not to have fouled substitute Derbyshire despite howls of home protestation, but it was still the hosts who would get the game's third goal.

Adam Johnson's initial cross was only cleared to Matt Killgallon, who nipped in ahead of Obertan before cueing up Koren. A superb first time cross from the wide man was perfect for Derbyshire, who tapped the ball into the back of the net.

A goal back for the Blades that was netted by the former Blackburn striker, and suddenly Blades fans were roaring on their heroes in hope of what had previously seemed to be an unlikely comeback.

Despite that, Newcastle controlled the hosts and did create chances to put the game beyond doubt, although in truth, Carroll and Sebastien Bassong should have done much better with efforts that were presented to them.

Newcastle were very close to being presented with a chance to seal the contest seven minutes from time, and only a superbly timed intervention from Lamas denied Carroll room to get towards the home goal.

Sheffield United spent the remainder of the game attempting in vain to find a way back into the contest, but were finding a tightly regimented Newcastle defence hard to break down, and could only generate one Koren effort from distance that was close, but touched the wrong side of the bar on its way into the stands.

A one goal margin proved to be enough for Newcastle to get another win, as they seek to time a late run of form to perfection and sneak into the Champions League for the first time since 2002/03. Victory over fellow top four rivals West Ham next week would very much confirm the suspicion that Newcastle will be hard to overcome in the top four race.

A top 10 finish is not yet beyond Blackwell and the Blades, and they did at least run their high-flying opponents close, but ultimately failed to have enough to overcome them, and they will hope for better from next weekend's trip to Wolves than they had got at the same opponents in their FA Cup defeat in midweek.

Sheffield United: Murphy - Solly (Morgan 45), Kilgallon, Lamas, Armstrong (Johnson 45) - Taylor, Harper, Watson, Koren - Rhodes (Derbyshire 45), Evans
Subs not used: Bunn, Alfonso, Montgomery, Williamson
Booked: Harper

Scorer: Derbyshire (65)

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith (Barton 65) - Obteran, Suarez (Thygesen 84), Dembele (Rodriguez 90) - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Kadar, Donaldson
Booked: Bassong, Smith

Scorer: Carroll (29), Suarez (45+1)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 32,609

Gabriel Obertan scored one and created another as Newcastle eased past West Ham in a battle between European contenders.

The Frenchman's first goal since his January transfer from Manchester United opened the scoring, before he set up James Rodriguez to set Newcastle on their way to an important three points in this game between two sides that, despite poor recent form, still harbour Champions League aspirations.

Newcastle have only won three times so far in 2014, but back-to-back away wins meant they started with confidence. By contrast, West Ham still had hopes of resurrecting their European aspirations, despite the fact they had failed to win in five league games since winning at the Emirates Stadium on February 4th.

It was the home side who had the first chances of the game, with Rasmus Elm seeing an effort deflected wide moments before the hosts survived a double scare. First, Andy Carroll saw his attempt blocked, and then Rob Green pulled off a superb stop to tip Moussa Dembele's effort onto the post and catch it after it hit the frame of the goal.

Full-back and reported West Ham summer target Billy Jones was next to try his luck, with the defender seeing his half-volley fly wide of the target.

Newcastle were the team likelier to curate chances, with a speculative effort from distance by Elm swerving on target only for Green to pull off a firm stop.

West Ham were struggling to get anywhere near Tim Krul's goal, and their inert display was duly punished by a goal for the hosts just before the half-hour mark.

The ball was played infield to Alan Smith, who played a neat ball forward to Suarez. A great pass forward from the Uruguayan international released Obertan, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

A first goal in black and white stripes for the January signing from Manchester United, who was delighted to finally get his first Premier League goal since moving to England in 2009.

It took conceding the advantage for West Ham to actually get a chance, with James Tomkins unable to direct it anywhere near the goal.

A vicious strike from Dean Ashton was closer to the target by the visitors, but a decisive deflection from Tamas Kadar took it away from the goal.

Ashton was providing a menace for the home backline as the half entered its final stages, but he couldn't find the target with either effort.

Alessandro Diamanti was then close with an effort that proved to be the final kick of the half, but he was unable to get his effort remotely on target.

West Ham were then convinced that the first decisive moment of the second half should have been a penalty for them, but the referee opted not to penalise an aerial challenge by Jones on Diamanti.

Mark Noble then saw an effort deflected wide, while Newcastle were then close through an unlikely source when Jose Enrique hit an effort narrowly over the top.

Diamanti then saw a strike denied by Krul, and that save almost proved pivotal when Newcastle raced up the other end to create a chance that saw Carroll denied by an acrobatic stop by Green.

But a second goal for Newcastle was not long in coming. A long ball wide by Elm picked out Carroll, who held the ball up before releasing Obertan. The French winger then raced clear and played in an inviting cross that Rodriguez turned home just after his arrival as a substitute.

A powerful header into the goal led to celebrations from the Colombian, who scored his first goal since striking against Leeds in January.

Newcastle almost put the game further out of the visitor's reach minutes later, but Green made a good stop to keep out Suarez's effort.

West Ham then had the chance of chances to get back into proceedings when Diamanti broke free and beat Krul with his crisp drive, but could only find the upright.

The Hammers were having the pressure that fell in a largely chanceless period of the game, but Newcastle were easily able to deal with it.

The Magpies were close to finding number 3, but Elm could only head straight at Green.

In the end, the Magpies didn't need three goals to collect three points, with a decent victory handing them their third victory in a row, and continuing the sense that they are beginning to curate a Champions League spot challenge.

West Ham's winless run seems to have ended those dreams. This was their sixth game in a row without victory, and Gary Johnson's team have to react soon to resurrect their hopes of a top four finish,

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith (Barton 68) - Obertan, Suarez, Dembele (Rodriguez 54) - Carroll (Donaldson 83)
Subs not used: Begovic, Edgar, Vanden Borre, Thygesen
Booked: Jones, Smith, Dembele

Scorer: Obertan (27), Rodriguez (63)

West Ham: Green - Chretien (Faubert 17), Tomkins (Scharner 56), Upson, Radoi, Ilunga - Noble, Kovac, Collison - Ashton (Maeirhofer 74), Diamanti
Subs not used: Murray, Barnett, Spector, Raul
Booked: Radoi, Kovac, Ilunga, Noble

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 56,387

Andy Carroll scored for the fourth game running as Newcastle pushed Stoke City closer to relegation.

The burst of prolific form for the Newcastle number nine was the only goal of Newcastle's fourth victory in a row, as they continue to build up the credentials for a Champions League finish.

But it was another low point in a very depressing campaign for Potters supporters, with Peter Reid's side staring down the barrel of an instant demotion.

They had got themselves some hope after a midweek victory over Sunderland, which had ended a run of five consecutive defeats as part of a greater run of 13 game without a win.

Potters fans were hopeful of a run of form that might bring them back into the fight for survival, but their hopes were hardly helped by a dour start to proceedings as the two sides grappled for a measure of one another.

The game's first real opportunity came on the quarter hour mark and fell the way of the home side, with Tuncay Sanli intercepted a hesitant Billy Jones and striking an effort on goal that Tim Krul did very well to tip around the post.

Former Newcastle striker Mario Mandzukic then tried an effort of his own, but the Croatian's effort landed over the top of the goal.

Newcastle then curated a chance of their own, with Carroll first to Gabriel Obertan's cross, only for Thomas Sorensen to easily hold onto the ball.

Mandzukic was then presented with two opportunities to try and get the team ahead, but on both occasions, his efforts landed nowhere near the back of the net.

Rasmus Elm then tried his luck from range, but the Swedish midfielder's effort from range was easily caught by former Sunderland goalkeeper Sorensen.

Newcastle then took the advantage of the game just after the first half hour. A crisp pass forward by Krul from the back was collected by Jose Enrique, who threaded the ball down the left hand side for James Rodriguez. The Colombian evaded his marker before flicking in a cross for Carroll, who rose high and powered his header into the top corner.

A fourth goal in as many games for the Newcastle striker, who is hitting great form at the right time as his team seeks to make the Champions League for the first time since 2003.

Stoke almost got back on terms instantaneously, with Tuncay cued up by Diego Arismendi, only for Krul to make a smart save to deny the Turkish winger.

From the resulting corner, Emerse Fae was given a free header, but the midfielder was unable to find the target when perfectly positioned.

Two chances fell the way of the Potters in first half stoppage time. The first was an inaccurate header by Danny Collins, but Fae was then significantly closer, with the midfielder's powerful drive cannoning off a post and back into play.

Stoke were desperately searching for a way back into the contest, with Mandzukic arrowing a volley narrowly over the top and Krul then making a flying stop to keep out a strike by the Croatian, who Newcastle have recently been rumoured in wanting to bring back to St. James' Park in the summer.

Newcastle then begun to neuter the threat and even created an opportunity of their own, only for Elm to see his effort fly into the stands rather than anywhere near the back of the net.

With less than a quarter of an hour to play, the game was nearly killed off. Sorensen first had to make a smart stop to deny a piledriver by Joey Barton, and then an even better stop to deny Rodriguez's close range rebound.

Stoke's best opportunity to prevent a 22nd league defeat of a forgettable campaign saw Collins head the ball over the top of the goal.

In the end, the one goal was enough to decide the destiny of the three points, and Newcastle returned from Staffordshire to the North East with their fourth victory in a row to their name - a result that will likely keep up their Champions League aspirations.

Stoke fans slunk out of the stadium with a familiar sense of foreboding. The team are now potentially three games away from demotion, and this has not been the return to the Premier League that their fans had hoped for when they had won promotion to the Premier League a year ago.

Stoke: Sorensen - Naughton (Shotton 90), Huth, Collins, Higginbotham - Lawrence (Sidibe 45), Fae (Tonge 90), Arismendi, McFadden - Mandzukic, Tuncay
Subs not used: Andersen, Davenport, Odonkor, Fuller
Booked: Lawrence

Newcastle: Krul - Jones, Vertonghen (Simpson 58), Kadar, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith (Barton 71) - Obertan, Suarez (Edgar 86), Rodriguez - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Thygesen, Donaldson, Dembele
Booked: Kadar, Elm, Smith

Scorer: Carroll (33)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 21,159

Shaun Wright-Phillips rescued a point for league leaders Manchester City away at Champions League chasing Newcastle.

A first half strike from Luis Suarez had given Newcastle hope of a fifth straight win in all the league, but the diminutive City winger salvaged a point for the Premier League leaders as they seek to win their first title since 1968.

Newcastle had to play second half injury time with ten men after full-back Jose Enrique was dismissed - their 6th red card of the league season - but they held out to take a point and extended their unbeaten run to six Premier League games.

This game has been postponed since December, and indeed, the two teams are due to meet at the Etihad Stadium in three and a half weeks time. Nevertheless, this contest was nevertheless an exciting prospect between an in-form Newcastle team chasing the Champions League and a Manchester City side who remain ahead at the top of the Premier League table, but have recently been being reeled in by Manchester United.

The leaders had been buoyed by an crushing victory over Arsenal but may have been forgiven for having one eye on this weekend's showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, it was the visitors who made the game's early running, with Robinho hitting wide when found with a free-kick minutes before Tim Krul pulled off a smart stop to deny Carlos Tevez.

Manchester City were still making the early running, with Krul making a superb stop to deny Stefan Jovetic moments before Micah Richards was left unmarked at a corner and saw his header narrowly land over the top of the goal.

So it was some surprise when Newcastle scored the game's first goal. The ball was played up to Andy Carroll, who had scored in each of Newcastle's last four games. Rather than going direct, he held the ball up on the edge of the box before releasing Jose Enrique, whose inviting cross perfectly picked out Suarez.

The low finish was Suarez's first goal at St. James' Park in a month and a half, but it was also his 9th goal of a debut season in black and white that is now showing signs of getting used to the league after initial teething problems.

Manchester City were struggling somewhat to find a way past Newcastle's defence, which did an exemplary job of ensuring they wouldn't be able to test Krul.

Indeed, aside from the odd corner, they weren't really able to do anything to really get at the Newcastle goal.

With three minutes remaining of the half, it was almost two goals for the Geordies. But a superb stop by Juan Pablo Carrizo in the home goal was made to deny former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan.

Rasmus Elm was nowhere near finding the back of the net when a corner was only cleared to the Swede, but Newcastle entered the break ahead and hardly showing signs of being over-awed by the Sky Blues.

Mark Hughes looked thoroughly unimpressed with his team's display when the half-time whistle was blown, and will have undoubtedly urged his team to do better in the next half.

It didn't take them long to come close, with Stephen Ireland evading Tamas Kadar and hitting a ferocious strike that Krul did superbly well to keep out of the goal.

They then came close again when Nigel de Jong released Robinho, whose firm drive was tipped onto the post by Krul as the Citizens begun to apply pressure.

The pressure wasn't far in being reflected by a goal. Joleon Lescott played the ball forward from the back, and it was flicked on by de Jong to Jovetic, who evaded Kadar and sent in an inviting cross. Wright-Phillips was first on the scene, and the little winger burst through to find the back of the net.

A clinical finish from the Manchester City fan favourite, who as much as anyone is looking to try and win his team their first Premier League title in 44 years.

Newcastle almost got an instant return when an inviting Danny Simpson cross perfectly picked out Carroll, but the giant striker couldn't keep his header down.

Both sides were looking lively and provided lots of attacking movement as they looked to find a breakthrough, but the only real chance fell the way of Tevez, and it was little more than wayward by the Argentine international striker.

Newcastle made changes and thought one of the arrivals should have been given a penalty, but the referee ruled Richards' challenge on Moussa Dembele was perfectly legal, and ignored his and fans' appeals.

The two Manchester City central defenders were then presented with game winning chances, but neither Lescott nor Richards could keep their respective efforts on target.

Newcastle's efforts were then made harder when they were reduced to ten men on 88 minutes. Having already received one caution, Jose Enrique's shirt pull on Wright-Phillips was penalised by the referee with both a free-kick and second caution, which duly revealed a red and a dismissal.

The chance to win the game fell Manchester City's way with 91 minutes on the clock, but Ireland's effort was parried by Krul, and the game ended with shared points.

Its a result that perhaps works better for the hosts, who prolong their unbeaten run to six and who maintain their place almost those challenging for the European position. By contrast, the Citizens were frustrated in their attempts to open a significant gap on their city neighbours ahead of the weekend's clash, although they will at least know a win will all but bury the Red Devils' title hopes.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Jones, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Elm (Donaldson 75), Smith - Obertan, Suarez, Rodriguez (Dembele 75) - Carroll (Thygesen 90)
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Edgar, Barton
Booked: Simpson, Jose Enrique, Kadar
Sent Off: Jose Enrique (89)

Scorer: Suarez (18)

Man City: Carrizo - Richards, Toure (Onuoha 55), Lescott, Miguel Torres (Bridge 70) - Wright-Phillips, Ireland, de Jong, Robinho (Barry 88) - Adebayor, Jovetic
Subs not used: Viera, Zabaleta, Young, Jo
Booked: Richards, Robinho

Scorer: Wright-Phillips (54)

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 56,387

A thumping victory saw Newcastle thrash Burnley and increase their Champions League chances.

The Magpies were on the way towards victory from the eighth minute through Rasmus Elm's drive, before a Billy Jones penalty kick put them two up just before the break.

James Rodriguez put further daylight between Newcastle and the midtable Clarets, before Ryan Donaldson's first goal since December wrapped things up in injury time at the end of the game.

It was an unwelcome result for Burnley, whose poor recent form has seen them drift towards the relegation zone, and who could use a win or two to ensure they don't drop below the demotion zone come the end of the campaign.

With Newcastle unbeaten in six games, they were always in for a tall order, and they were behind from the game's first attack.

The goal was primarily down to Danny Simpson, whose productive run down the right hand flank exploited Burnley's use of a 3-5-2 formation, before he cued it infield for Elm, and the Swede wrapped an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner.

A fine finish for the Swede, who has proven an inspired signing since his deadline day move from AZ Alkmaar to the North East.

Burnley almost got back into play with their first attack, only for Andre Bikey to head over the top of the goal.

After that early flurry, the game was extremely quiet, with neither side really able to do anything approaching note, and largely sucking the enthusiasm out of the stadium.

Just after the half-hour mark, Diego Penny was then called into action to deny Simpson, before a counter-attack saw Miles Addison pick up the ball and force a sweeping stop out of Tim Krul.

Andy Carroll was next to try his luck and came very close, with his firm header beating the goalkeeper but not the woodwork.

Newcastle then lost Gabriel Obertan to injury, but his replacement Mikkel Thygesen was involved in the home team's second goal. His cross picked out Elm, who was tripped up by Bikey and with it, the referee opted to away a penalty kick.

After debate among players, it was centre back Billy Jones who took the spot-kick, and his penalty beat Penny for the second goal of the game.

Carroll's aims to find a fifth goal in six outings saw him close with the first action of the second half, as he rose high but saw a header just scrape the top of the bar on its way out.

But Newcastle did have a third goal within the opening ten minutes of the second half. A searching ball from Elm picked out Carroll, who knocked a great pass to James Rodriguez, and the Colombian winger smoothly passed the ball into the bottom corner.

A superb strike from the winger on loan from AC Milan, who manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said in his post-match that he would be interested in signing permanently at the end of the season.

Newcastle almost put the game further beyond Burnley later on, only for Elm to completely get the geometry wrong on his long ranger.

Burnley's best chance after this blitz saw Jay Rodriguez release Alex MacDonald, who forced a good save from Krul.

Carroll was still having another go, with the striker again evading the Burnley backline and again firing a shot Penny couldn't stop, but again, he hit the woodwork rather than the back of the net.

Simpson also fired high and wide as Newcastle looked to rack up an even more comprehensive scoreline, with the away goalkeeper later making a stop to deny substitute Donaldson.

Burnley's miserable afternoon was exacerbated when Miles Addison left the field with an injury after the Clarets had already used all three substitutes, but they almost got a consolation when substitute Clarke Carlisle was picked out at a corner, only for his strike to career away from the goal.

A fourth goal was coming in injury time. Substitute Moussa Dembele released Carroll with a trough ball, and a good through-ball released substitute Donaldson, who ran free and slotted home for his first goal since early December.

That was the conclusion to a game that had effectively been over from the eighth minute, and continues Newcastle's surprise ascent into the upper reaches of the Premier League, while sending their opponents into a potential relegation duel with Lancashire rivals Bolton and Blackburn as the season hurtles towards the conclusion.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Jones, Bassong, Kadar - Elm, Smith - Obertan (Thygesen 39), Suarez (Donaldson 60), James Rodriguez (Dembele 82) - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Vertonghen, Edgar, Barton
Booked: James Rodriguez

Scorer: Elm (8), Jones (pen 44), James Rodriguez (51), Donaldson (90+2)

Burnley: Penny - Bikey, Nestor (Jordan 45), Rajkovic - Tom (Caldwell 9), McDonald, Addison, McCann, Driver (Carlisle 62) - MacDonald, Jay Rodriguez
Subs not used: Kelemen, Mears, Eagles, Paterson

Referee: Dean Coventry
Attendance: 54,776

Luis Suarez scored the winner as Newcastle came from two goals down to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It looked as though relegation threatened Fulham were about to take a giant stride towards safety when Diomansy Kamara opened the scoring with an incisive but controversial finish before Paolo Sammarco's long range bullet in the first half added time gave the hosts a two goal lead.

But three goals in 14 minutes turned things around, as first Andy Carroll, then Gabriel Obertan, and finally Suarez gave the Magpies a turnaround victory that prolongs their unbeaten run to eight games and increases their Champions League hopes.

Some pundits even think the Premier League title may not be beyond Newcastle this late in the campaign, although they would need victory over leaders Manchester City in three weeks time for that to be a potential reality.

Struggling Fulham begun the outing knowing a win would give much-needed daylight between themselves and the relegation zone, and they had the game's first opportunities. A Sammarco header first landed over the top of the goal, before Kamara saw a strike caught by Tim Krul.

Krul was still the busier goalkeeper, with his first stop being a superb one to deny Brede Hangeland, and then a second, albeit more rudimentary, stop to deny Valeri Bojinov.

Fulham looked more likelier to score, and in controversial fashion, they did on 24 minutes.

The Cottagers won a free-kick for a foul by Carroll on Hangeland, and a quick free-kick saw Jonathan Greening released. The midfielder passed on to Sammarco, who teed up Kamara, and despite a hint of offside, the Senegalese striker advanced and played the finish beyond Krul.

Newcastle players surrounded the assistant referee in protestation that they were lucky not to get bookings for, but the goal stood and they were a goal down.

Fulham continued to look likelier to force the game's second goal, with a corner causing uncomfortable moments for the Newcastle defence, before Kamara rose high to a cross only to wildly head the ball away from the goal.

Newcastle's first real chance saw Alan Smith pick out Carroll, but the giant Newcastle number 9 failed to get his header anywhere near the goal.

Sammarco failed to find the target with a header, but the Italian then had better luck from longer range in the first half stoppage time.

The ball fell to the Italian after Carroll cleared Bojinov's cross. Sammarco got to the Newcastle forward's attempted clearance, before hitting a venomous strike into the top corner of the goal from 30 yards.

While there was dispute over the legitimacy of the first goal, the Italian's strike was superb and beyond dispute, and ensured Fulham entered the half with a two goal advantage to their name.

Newcastle made a double substitution at half-time as they looked to turn around their desperate situation, but with 10 minutes gone in the second half, they had created nothing and almost fell further behind when Kamara met a searching cross only to head the ball off target.

But while Newcastle have created a more artistic style of play, it was a route one goal that got them back into the contest. A long thump from the back by Krul travelled across the bulk of the pitch to pick out Carroll, who broke free of a feeble offside trap and struck a firm drive into the corner of the goal.

A fifth in seven for the Geordie-born striker, and more importantly, it ensured Newcastle were back in a contest they had well and truly been second-best in.

It wasn't long before the comeback got them on level terms. John Pantsil's half-clearance from a corner kindly fell for Smith, and the Newcastle captain's return pass was flicked on by Carroll to Obertan, who played a calm but well-placed drive beyond Marton Fulop and in.

A second goal in Newcastle colours for the January signing from Manchester United had bought his team back level, and suddenly back on course to challenge for a sixth win in seven outings.

Their aspirations suddenly became a reality as they took the lead for the first time in the game after 70 minutes. A firm defensive header by Sebastien Bassong released his fellow Frenchman Obertan, who raced down the right flank. His pull-back sat beautifully for Suarez, and the Uruguayan fired a firm strike home to complete the turnaround.

A fine breakaway goal from the Magpies finished off by the £12.5million summer signing from Ajax, and they were suddenly back in good climes, with chants of delight emanating loudly from the sold out visitor's section.

Fulham did go forward, but Bojinov hit one effort hopelessly away from the target, before the referee ruled a dodgy-looking tackle by Donaldson on Kamara was not worthy of a penalty kick.

A wayward drive by Hassan Yebda late on increased the sinking feeling for Fulham fans that they had thrown away the game, and it was fully realised when they wasted several promising breakways late on.

It ultimately meant defeat for the Cottagers, and they still need results to ensure a 12th successive Premier League season.

Newcastle by contrast were in dreamland, and their pursuit of a spot in the Champions League positions is really gathering pace. A victory over the 2010 champions Tottenham Hotspur next weekend could even justify far-flung suggestions that they could be challenging for their first top flight title since 1927, although characteristically, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was calm with speculation on their challenge.

Fulham: Fulop - Stoor (Pantsil 63), Hangeland, Dann, Briggs - Dempsey, Sammarco, Greening (Zamora 83), Kamara - David Elm (Yebda 45), Bojinov
Subs not used: Amos, Foster, Riise, Etuhu

Scorer: Kamara (24), Sammarco (45+1)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Jones (Vertonghen 45), Bassong, Kadar - Rasmus Elm (Donaldson 45), Smith - Obertan, Suarez, Rodriguez (Edgar 90) - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Barton, Thygesen, Dembele
Booked: Vertonghen

Scorer: Carroll (56), Obertan (64), Suarez (70)

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 22,399

Luis Suarez scored twice late on as Newcastle destroyed Spurs to set up a potential title showdown with Manchester City in two weeks time.

Three goals in seven minutes sent the contest the way of the in-form Magpies, with Jan Vertonghen's first Newcastle goal followed up by two strikes from Suarez.

James Rodriguez then put the game out of Spurs' reach before half-time, although Roman Pavyluchenko grabbed a second half goal for the visitors.

The result means victory for Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium in two weeks time - their next game due to the surprise week break for the Premier League - would close the gap between the now top-two to just two points, with only two further games to play, although a City win would give them the league title.

Spurs are only dreaming of such an end to the season. They have had an awful campaign, and this latest misfire sees the 2009/10 Premier League champions staring down the barrel of a bottom half finish.

With Newcastle on a good run of form that has seen them go eight games unbeaten, they were expected to do well, and they had the game's first opportunities, but neither Sebastien Bassong nor Andy Carroll could keep their respective headers below the crossbar.

The early stages were quite tense, but with 20 minutes gone, the hosts were given a chance to get men forward when Vedran Corluka pulled back James Rodriguez - an offence that saw the Croatian full-back booked.

Rasmus Elm floated in a free-kick that landed perfectly for the unmarked Vertonghen, whose buried header landed in the back of the net.

A first goal in Newcastle colours for the Belgian defender, who joined at the start of the campaign from Bordeaux, and he was clearly delighted to have finally broken his duck.

It was four minutes before Newcastle fans were celebrating again. A poor pass from Luka Modric was intercepted by Elm, who played a smart one-two with Danny Simpson before racing free and cueing up Suarez. The Uruguayan advanced beyond a feeble Spurs offside trap and calmly slotted the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

It was another fine finish from the striker, who is finally hitting some good form on Tyneside after a difficult first season.

He would soon be celebrating again. Staring from the back of the field, Newcastle advanced, with Tim Krul passing via Jose Enrique to Alan Smith, who in turn hit a direct pass out wide for Rodriguez. The loanee from AC Milan then picked out Suarez, who was always faster than Rio Ferdinand and was able to run before shooting a powerful effort beyond Gomes.

Two in three minutes for last summer's big money buy from Ajax, which took him up to 12 for the season.

A shellshocked Spurs team was looking dumbstruck on the field and flabbergasted in both the dugout and the stands. Their first real opportunity of any merit came shortly after Newcastle's third, and was not worth remembering, with Tom Huddlestone lashing one into the Gallowgate End.

They were closer with three minutes before half-time, with Robbie Keane releasing Aaron Lennon, only for Krul to deny the winger.

Newcastle then hit Spurs again before the half was up. A corner was won by the lively Rodriguez, and Vertonghen's initially delivery picked out Bassong. His effort was saved by Gomes, but Rodriguez was on the scene as quick as a flash to convert and extend the host's advantage.

It was a comprehensive and crushing display by the Geordies, who were on their way to recording a huge victory against the former champions.

Things almost turned into a rout barely minutes after the restart, with Gomes making a very good stop to deny Suarez a first hat-trick in English football.

But the Spurs fans who made the long journey north did have a goal to cheer eight minutes after the second half begun. Huddlestone played the ball out wide to Jermaine Jenas, and the half-time sub evaded his marker before cross to the newly-arrived Pavyluchenko, who smashed the ball into the top corner with his first touch.

Scant consolation for the visiting fans, but at the least a reminder to Harry Redknapp of the Russian's striking abilities as he pushes for more starts.

Smith saw an effort sail wide of the mark before Wilson Palacios tried to make things interesting, only for Krul to be more than equal to the Honduras international's scuffed drive.

The sting had begun to be drawn out of a game that looked won, but Spurs were very close to a second consolation with 18 minutes left on the clock, and only a superb stop from Krul denied Pavyluchenko from acquiring it.

Newcastle sub Moussa Dembele then saw an effort skim the top of the bar as he searched for only his second league goal for the club, before a superb intervention in second half stoppage time from Krul stopped Pavyluchenko.

But in the end, the game had long been won, and Newcastle's very impressive end to the season continues. They have now won seven of their last eight games, which has taken them up to second in the Premier League table, and victory at Manchester City in their next game could even see them have a late shot at the title.

Spurs by contrast were deflated and looked beaten from when they conceded. Redknapp knows he faces an awkward end to an unhappy campaign as he seeks to justify his continued employment at the club.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson (Jones 54), Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith (Barton 61) - Obertan, Suarez, Rodriguez - Carroll (Dembele 79)
Subs not used: Begovic, Kadar, Thygesen, Donaldson
Booked: Jose Enrique, Smith

Scorer: Vertonghen (20), Suarez (24, 27), Rodriguez (45)

Spurs: Gomes - Corluka, Woodgate, Dawson, King - Lennon (Jenas 45), Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric (Boyce 45) - Keane (Pavyluchenko 52), Defoe
Subs not used: Przyrowski, Hibbert, Walker, McGinty
Booked: Corluka, Jenas

Scorer: Pavyluchenko (53)

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 53,276

Continually very well written updates matey! and some great form of late, not far to go now!

Thanks.

I don't expect to win the league, but finishing in the top 4 is now the minimum aspiration. Would also continue my record of bettering every real life season, which will certainly get easier after this one.

Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 44 years after beating second-place Newcastle.

Carlos Tevez scored the two goals that ensured the Citizens will be lifting their first top flight crown since 1968, and sparked scenes of wild celebration amongst those wearing sky blue in a packed Etihad Stadium.

It continues the move towards legendary status amongst City fans for manager Mark Hughes, who last season won the Champions League and this year could be about to deliver a domestic treble, with the side having beaten Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final and set for a clash with Arsenal in the FA Cup Final next month.

Newcastle did give City a late fright when Ryan Donaldson scored after 89 minutes, but their chances of a victory that would've prolonged the title race for another week at least were damaged when Alan Smith was sent off just after half an hour.

Under the watchful eyes of England manager Fabio Capello, this was undoubtedly one of the biggest games of the season. Victory for the Citizens would secure them the league title with two games still to play, while victory for Newcastle would bring them within two points of the hosts.

Perhaps sensing the destiny of the league was in their hands, Manchester City had early opportunities. Tevez evaded several Newcastle defenders and then got into a shooting opportunity, only for Tim Krul to somehow deny him when the ball seemed destined to go in.

Another opportunity was then created for the Argentine striker, who had previously won two Premier League titles with Manchester United, but again, Krul denied him with a superb stop.

Manchester City were piling early pressure but will have hoped to have created better than a long-range effort for Nigel de Jong, which went wide of the mark. But with 11 minutes of the clock, that opportunity was created, and duly taken advantage of.

A ball from the back by Micah Richards was passed on by Stephen Ireland to Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togolese international anticipated a run by his striker partner Tevez and perfectly found it, resulting in a run at goal for the Argentine, and duly, a goal.

Perhaps relieved to finally get off the mark for the afternoon, it was a very nice goal for the striker, who looked to have set his team on the road towards the title.

It took 20 minutes for Newcastle to create their first real chance, but it was a good opportunity, with only Juan Pablo Carrizo's smart stop denying Andy Carroll.

That save would prove crucial within a minute as the hosts won a penalty kick. From a corner that was given after Tevez's free-kick was deflected wide, the referee ruled that Gabriel Obertan had illegally tripped up Tevez when they were challenging for the ball, and gave a penalty. Newcastle vociferously protested but the referee was not interested and Manchester City had the chance to double their tally from 12 yards.

They duly took it. Tevez sent Krul the wrong way and got his second of the match to send the home side one step closer to the title.

Newcastle captain Smith was visibly seething at the award of the penalty, and as it has done on many occasions this season, the red mist descended. Two yellow cards in three minutes for silly fouls - the first a trip on Ireland, the second a shirt-tug on Shaun Wright-Phillips - duly resulted in Smith's third red card of the season, which will no doubt spark questions on his disciplinary control. This means he will miss the last two games of the season and the first one of next season.

Tevez had two chances to pile on the misery for Newcastle before the half-time whistle, but on both occasions, he was unable to find the target. Not that it seemed to worry the home fans too much, as they knew they were within touching grasp of picking up the trophy and medals.

Newcastle re-shuffled at half-time to try and cope better with their disadvantage, and almost got a goal back with the first real chance of the second half, but Luis Suarez couldn't make it count.

The unlikely source of Wayne Bridge almost found number 3, but could only fire wildly off target, before Tevez was presented with a great chance for his hat-trick, only for Krul to pull off the superb stop.

Adebayor was then close to getting in on the action and ending his recent goal drought, but his header touched the bar on its way into touch, before Tevez was wayward when well placed.

Newcastle's miserable afternoon continued when they went down to nine men. Barely seconds after Sven-Goran Eriksson had made his third sub by introducing Donaldson, Dembele pulled up with an injury and had to leave the field of play.

It was an unhappy return to the Etihad Stadium for the former Manchester City manager, and it could have been worse moments later, but Krul did very well to make a stop to deny Wright-Phillips.

Much to the surprise of almost everyone in the stadium, Newcastle then did get a goal back with 89 minutes of the clock. A free-kick was given for a foul by Bridge on Donaldson, and the young substitute was picked out by Jan Vertonghen's free-kick to bury his header beyond Carrizo.

A surprise blot on the home side's clean sheet, but Newcastle's depleted numbers meant a comeback like their one at Fulham in their last away outing was unlikely.

It mattered not that Richards missed late on, as they had their win and they knew that they were finally going to win the title after 44 years and watching their cross city neighbours win accolade after accolade in the meantime. Fans rejoiced long after the final whistle and saluted their heroes after they finally made the dream of a top flight title a reality.

Man City: Carrizo - Onuoha, Richards, Toure, Bridge - Wright-Phillips, Ireland, de Jong (Barry 79), Robinho (Jovetic 79) - Adebayor (Zabaleta 89), Tevez
Subs not used: Viera, Kompany, Miguel Torres, Jo
Booked: Bridge, de Jong

Scorer: Tevez (11, pen 28)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Donaldson 76), Smith - Obertan (Barton 34), Suarez, Rodriguez - Carroll (Dembele 45)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Kadar, Thygesen
Booked: Smith, Rodriguez
Sent Off: Smith (33)

Scorer: Donaldson (89)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 47,405

Newcastle and Everton shared the points following a late-season stalemate.

Neither side did anything approaching enough to win the game, and it means both sides will need wins on the final day to secure their respective European desires.

The Champions League chasing Magpies will be annoyed not to have taken advantage of the sending off of Everton's Johnny Heitinga with 26 minutes of the contest remaining, and need a win at Bolton on the final day to confirm automatic progression to Europe's top table.

Everton meanwhile need a win against West Ham on the final day to be sure of 7th, and with it a Europa League spot.

They may have been surprised to see a starting berth for veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper, with Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson giving the goalkeeper a run-out on what could be his last ever appearance for the club.

In truth, neither nor the more regularly used Tim Howard had much to worry themselves over in the game's opening stages, with both teams similarly woeful in their chance creation, and both team's defences proving resolutely firm.

The poor nature of the game meant that it took 24 minutes for either side to create anything approaching a chance. When one team did create one, it should have been a goal, and in truth, only James Rodriguez will know how me missed when perfectly positioned.

Everton's first chance fell the way of Joseph Yobo, but the Nigerian defender was inaccurate when perfectly picked out in the penalty box.

Similarly inaccurate when at the opposite end to their defensive position was Jan Vertonghen, with the Belgian centre back sending a free-kick wide of the mark.

A niggly game saw yellow cards appearing with more regularity than chances, but a chance again fell to Yobo, and again, the defender failed to get the ball on target.

The best chance of the whole half came in first half stoppage time when James Vaughan rose unmarked from a corner, but could only force a save out of Harper.

Ryan Donaldson scored an own goal when these two side met on Boxing Day and it was the highly rated youngster with the first chance of the second half, but his long range effort failed to test Howard.

Corners and half-chances continued to be the best either side could manage, before Newcastle had an effort on target just after the hour mark, only for Carroll to be easily denied by Howard.

The game seemed to turn the Magpies' way with 26 minutes remaining when Everton had a man sent off. Having already been booked, a trip by Heitinga on Rodriguez led to the Dutch full-back's dismissal from the field of play.

But Everton decided to compact themselves, and Newcastle were restricted to long-rangers, such a wayward one from Donaldson six minutes after the dismissal.

Another long-ranger off target from Donaldson saw the youngster's head visibly drop, before the hosts then found an effort on target, as Danny Simpson's cross perfectly picked out substitute Shola Ameobi, only for the striker to be denied by Howard.

Donaldson then wasted two more long-range strikes as his frustration grew, and he was duly hooked from the field with four minutes left of the contest.

Howard was then alert again moments later, making a very fine stop to deny Gabriel Obertan's header.

That was duly it for the contest and for Newcastle's home fixture programme. They remain in the top 4, but know that anything less than a win at the Reebok Stadium on the final day could see them slip out of a position they had done so well to find themselves in.

Everton need victory of their own on the final day, as only three points will ensure for sure that they will stay above Aston Villa and take a Europa League spot, as they seek to avoid the heartache of the final day of last season, when they were pipped to the spot by the Villains.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Barton 55) - Donaldson (Thygesen 86), Jones - Obertan, Suarez, Rodriguez (Ameobi 69) - Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Kadar, Edgar, Elm
Booked: Jose Enrique, Obertan, Rodriguez, Carroll

Everton: Howard - Heitinga, Yobo, Spence (Neville 58), Ribiero - Arteta (Castro 70), Neville, Fellaini, Rodwell, Baines (Gosling 64) - Cahill - Vaughan
Subs not used: Gulasci, Garrido, Bilyaletdinov, Yakubu
Booked: Heitinga, Baines, Fellaini
Sent Off: Heitinga (64)

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 54,808

Johan Elmander scored to end Bolton's season with a point and ensure Newcastle will be in the Champions League qualifiers next season.

A first half goal from Gabriel Obertan, and defeat for Liverpool away at Wolves, was enough for Newcastle to ensure 4th and a spot in the qualifying rounds. But Elmander's goal meant that they missed out on a top 3 place, and with that, automatic qualification to the Champions League proper.

The result brings to an end a fairly disappointing campaign for Bolton, although they at least avoided a 17th Premier League defeat of an uninspiring campaign for the home fans.

With Newcastle knowing a win would get them 2nd in the table, they begun on the front-foot, and came very close in the opening minutes of the game when Rasmus Elm collected the ball in the middle of the park and hit a crashing drive that thumped against the bar.

Newcastle's next attack was a whole lot more accurate. Jose Enrique's ball infield picked out Elm, who confidently strode forward in the middle of the park before cueing up Obertan with a smart pass. The ball perfectly released the French winger, who broke away from the backline and hit a fierce drive into the top corner.

It was another good moment in the early Newcastle career for the January signing from Manchester United, who is settling in very nicely in the first half-season as a Premier League winger.

Bolton tried to get back into it, but in truth, the efforts from Sylvain Distin and Fabrice Muamba were of poor quality and both landed wildly off target.

A high and wayward free-kick from Jan Vertonghen and a similarly inaccurate effort from Danny Simpson saw Newcastle unable to get efforts on target as they looked to try and find themselves a way through.

Elm was then wayward with his strike as Newcastle worked to try and find themselves a second, and they almost got undone, only for Gretar Steinsson to be inaccurate with his strike.

Preferred to both Tim Krul and Steve Harper, Newcastle goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was then properly tested for the first time, with the Bosnian making a flying stop to deny Michael Woods.

Jussi Jaaskelainen was then alert at the other end, with the Finnish goalkeeper making a superb save to turn Elm's low creeping fizzer away from the target.

Newcastle were then scathing at the referee's decision to disallow a second goal. They thought they had it when Obertan ran onto Joey Barton's through ball and finished his strike, but the referee didn't allow the goal.

Jaaskelainen then made a flying stop to deny Elm as Newcastle continued to have the better, and they entered the break hoping to keep their advantage.

But it was Bolton with the first chance of the second-half, with Mariano Pavone being played through only for his drive to force an easy catch out of Begovic.

Newcastle still had opportunities, with Jose Enrique firing over when surprisingly played through before Carroll forced an easy save out of Jaaskelainen.

Pavone was then given two chances, but one was an easy catch for Begovic, and the second trickled wide with the Bosnian easily watching it passing by.

But Bolton were beginning to grow in influence in the game. First Matty Taylor headed wide and over when perfectly placed, and then Pavone scuffed a drive straight at Begovic.

Pavone was duly hooked from the field, and his replacement had an instant impact. Taylor cued a pass for Sam Ricketts, and the Bolton sub cued up Elmander, who headed the ball beyond Begovic with his first touch.

Newcastle thought they should have been given a penalty kick when Sean Davis block-tackled Elm and prevented the Swede from getting a shot in, but the referee was not interested in their appeals, despite replays showing they had a case.

Newcastle's sense of injustice was almost accentuated when Bolton came close on their next attack, but Distin could only head the ball straight at Begovic.

A previously quiet Andy Carroll was then handed a great chance to win the game, but his shot was hopelessly off target.

The Newcastle number 9 then missed another great chance when well positioned, before Fabrice Muamba almost won the game for Bolton, only for Begovic to make a smart stop to keep his drive out.

Jakob Poulsen and Muamba then missed injury time attempts to win the game, before Simpson missed a late volley as the teams finished all square.

The result brings the 2011-12 season to an end for both teams, and although they missed out on a top 2 finish on the final day, Newcastle will still be pleased with a campaign that was initially expected to lead to a midtable finish to a European challenge. They will hope to reach the Champions League proper next year.

Bolton will certainly be hoping for better next season, with the Trotters only avoiding relegation by virtue of awful seasons for Stoke, Leeds and Blackburn, and they know they have to do better if they are to avoid a season of struggle next year. But at the very least, Bolton will be happy to avoid ending the campaign with yet another defeat.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen - Steinsson, Radzkov (O'Brien 60), Distin, Samuel - Poulsen, Muamba, Davis, Woods (Ricketts 56), Gardner - Pavone (Elmander 65)
Subs not used: al-Habsi, Traore, Dervite, Davies
Booked: Davis

Scorer: Elmander (69)

Newcastle: Begovic - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Donaldson 82), Barton (Ameobi 90) - Obertan, Suarez, Rodriguez (Thygesen 60) - Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Vanden Borre, Kadar, Kvist
Booked: Simpson, Barton

Scorer: Obertan (6)

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 24,682