Number 1 - Comments

They're going to get absolutely destroyed in both games tbf.

I'd written up a report on the next game, but my internet crashed just as it was published, and I lost the report.

As I cba with re-typing, I will just tell you the basics - it finished Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle. First half was terrible, with only 4 chances in the whole half - Chelsea put 3 off target. Second half was better but neither side came close to finding the goal. My full-back David Edgar was sent off on 91 minutes, but nothing still happened, and the game ended 0-0.

Tim Krul made a number of good saves as Newcastle kept their unbeaten record with a draw at Aston Villa.

The clash between the two surprise members of the early race for the Barclays Premier League title ended up all square, with Moussa Dembele's opening goal cancelled out by Nathan Delfouneso. It means that both sides continue their places in the Premier League top four, but both lose ground in their attempts to show they could win the Premier League.

Villa had entered matchday knowing they could have taken a double scalp from this encounter, with a win enough to leap over the visitors, and providing Manchester City also failed to win, it would have enough for them to to take top spot in the table.

But Newcastle have been in fine form, with the team without a Premier League defeat since August, and beating them has been a significantly harder task than many had been anticipating.

Nevertheless, Villa were given a very good early chance, with Alessandro Rosina's swerving free-kick acrobatically tipped away from target by Krul.

Newcastle's Dutch keeper then made another stop to deny Stephen Lichtsteiner as Villa looked likelier to grab the opening goal in the game's early stages, but despite that, it was Newcastle with the game's opening goal from their first attack.

Villa were caught out by an impressive break on the counter. A corner was cleared to Villa shirts, and they had patiently tried to work the ball back into the box. But an errant pass by Curtis Davies was intercepted by Dembele, who duly ran and ran and ran all the way to the goal.

This surprise development was against the run of play, and Villa duly set about trying to get the goal their early running perhaps deserved. But their shooting was awry, with Delfouneso firing over after he met Rosina's cross, before Krul had to make quickfire saves to deny first Stiliyan Petrov and then Delfouneso.

This profligacy was almost punished, with Joey Barton receiving Hatem Ben Arfa's pass back before slamming a powerful drive that was excellently beaten away by Ben Foster.

Ashley Young then ruffled the side netting as Villa resumed their greater likelihood in creating chances, and they came close again when a low fizzing drive by Rosina was fantastically stopped by Krul.

Newcatle almost made Villa pay again in first half injury time, with a free-kick taken by Jan Vertonghen, and only a smart stop by Foster denied the Belgian from doubling his team's advantage.

Ben Arfa then saw a drive land wide of the mark as Newcastle begun to try and accumulate a little bit of domination in the final moments of the opening 45.

The French attacking midfielder was also very close with the first opportunity of the second half, with Ben Arfa seeing a cracking, venomous drive rattle the post with Foster left standing.

Villa's first chance of the half was almost their way back into the encounter, only for Krul to pull off a very nice save to deny Roque Santa Cruz.

But the home side didn't have to wait too long after that for their way back to parity on the scoresheet. Former Villain James Milner's half-clearance was intercepted by Fabian Delph, who advanced and then played in Delfouneso. From there, the Villa striker hit the afterburners, with the striker running and running all the way to the penalty box, slaloming around Newcastle defenders before placing a shot into the bottom corner.

It was a superb individual goal from the Villa number 9, and the home fans were toasting the pacy work of their new local hero.

Krul then denied Rosina as Villa came close to a second a few minutes later, before Ben Arfa wasted a chance to restore Newcastle's advantage when he hammered a drive into the stands above the goal.

Foster then denied Dembele as Newcastle tried in vain to take the advantage back from the home side.

Curtis Davies was then presented a chance to get three points for the home side, but his header did not stay below the crossbar. A similar lack of accuracy then befell Young, who danced around Danny Simpson but couldn't find the target when clean through on goal, before Santa Cruz also fired wide.

Dembele was then presented a chance to nab a late winner for the Magpies, but when clean through, he couldn't place his drive beyond the gloves of Foster.

Young then almost won the game for Villa in the 92nd minute, but the winger's diving header was straight at Krul, and the game finished all square.

In the end, both sides will perhaps view this game as a missed opportunity, with Villa unable to make the most of their numerous chances, and Newcastle unable to retain the advantage they had gained by scoring first. It means both teams will have to wait and try again to prove they can end the season as Premier League champions, or at least within the top four.

Aston Villa: Foster - Lichtsteiner, Dunne (Collins 78), Davies, Warnock (Bouma 83) - Rosina, Delph, Petrov, Ashley Young (Bannan 90) - Santa Cruz, Delfouneso
Subs not used: Loach, Stoch, Mehmet, McNeil
Booked: Lichtsteiner, Dunne, Petrov

Scorer: Delfouneso (53)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Barton (Donaldson 65), Schaars - Milner, Ben Arfa (Ameobi 87), Holtby (Obertan 80) - Dembele
Subs not used: Begovic, Edgar, Bender, Suarez
Booked: Jose Enrique Barton, Schaars

Scorer: Dembele (17)

Referee: Steve Tanner
Attendance: 40,153

I want lots of goals and judging by the respective poor quality of both team's defences, I'm probably going to get it. Or a 0-0.

A very successful flat-pack orange, as it turns out right now. Or whatever he is on about... I dunno. Good win though.

Thanks. No league defeat since August remains an awesome run, even if I would like to be a bit further ahead. Though the fact we're in a Premier League title chase as it is is mad enough.

Awful game but excellent result. Never thought I'd see the day back in September so we've recovered excellently well. Great BPL debut for Abeid as well.

Liverpool have got some real problems.

I'm surprised we qualified at all tbf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Janssen (65), Samaras (66)

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

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

Referee: Frederic Studer
Attendance: 23,880

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Torres (14)

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

Scorer: Suarez (89)

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 45,362

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

Well... this was an unexpected surprise. And I missed it as well ffs.

Great result though. And I don't think we can exactly fear round five given we won it last weekend. Looking quite good all of a sudden.

Our choice of teamsheet did not fill me with confidence before I saw the MCFC one. We're going to be pulverised.

That's probably what it was tbf. But it still makes him look like a prat.

Tom Ince going from turning down Inter to joining Notts Forest after failing to get game-time at Hull.

Impressive how far he's fallen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: Jochen Drees
Attendance: 55,601

Well fuck me we won after being behind at half-time, and Pardew's substitutions worked. Its like we're in some kind of mad parallel universe.

Great win though.

I went to bed last night feeling we could get something from Spurs, but our starting 11 looks dreadful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 56,387

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

Sky reporting former MD Derek Llambias could be made a new boardroom member of Rangers after his loan was approved.

Anyone else finding it irritating we're being used as a caveat in the boardroom politics north of the border?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Milner (42)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 28,324

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Elmander (80), Poulsen (84)

Referee: Steve Tanner
Attendance: 55,985

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Hulk (35)

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

Scorer: Ameobi (79)

Referee: Vladimir Hrinak
Attendance: 50,948