Number 1 - Comments

Huh... one chance, one goal. Maybe we did relocate 2011/12 vintage Cisse after all.

Ah just for a change we're losing.

I agree that Ashley is good at the business side of things - he kinda has to be given he's gone from running a squash club shop to being a multi-billionaire with shops all over the UK. And sure, higher agent fees, wages and running costs will be factored into where a lot of the Sky money goes. But there is definitely enough for more players, and it has been reported we will be buying in January.

Certainly, nearly anyone could have been a more worthwhile signing than Facundo Ferreyra.

Ba was rumoured at one point but I think European football with Besiktas was always a bigger lure. Plus I suppose there would have been the "Yeah, I'm crawling back" aspect after he seemed a bit keen in jettisoning us in January 2013.

The team as is now is not good enough but the team we had this time last year was good enough for a top 8 finish at least, until Cabaye left, most his mates stopped caring and Pardew gave up with tactics (and judging by his headbutt, reason).

Welbeck and Remy never wanted to come but allegedly we were offered Lacazette in the last week of the window and refused to bid even Lyon's cut price fee, which they lowered after they were knocked out the Europa League in qualifying. Its hardly a helpful theory, and probably not 100% away from the truth.

Beyond that, you would have to find someone you'd be willing to pay a premium for. Maybe not Darren Bent, as Pardew wanted, but somebody. There's probably names out there that would do a job.

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

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

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

Dougie Freedman leaves Bolton.

Not surprised - they've been almost comical in how shite they've been.

Bit much Leeds fans moaned that Norwich wanted £40 off them and then they charge even more for the Derby.

Tiote is now saying he does not want to leave. Which means in January he probably will.

Yeah but Roma have option to buy for a knockdown fee, and given Rudi Garcia already likes him, he probably will.

I like how embarrassed Becchio seemed to be in celebrating that one.

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.

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 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.

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 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

I like the fact that on the official teamsheet paper listing Welbeck was still an MUFC player.

And made just shy of £30million in selling Cabaye and Debuchy, plus about £80million for being in the Premier League, and made a profit in our most recent financial figures. There's enough for one more striker/defender in there, although if things continue to be this shite, it may have to be used in January.

Most of the moaning was to do with the JFK return and lack of activity that summer. Granted the squad was overall good enough for a full top 10 finish ultimately, although we did get the luck with injuries in the first half of the campaign like we did in 2011/12, only this time for player departures and injuries lead to it all falling to shit. Relegation battle wasn't that far fetched a fear - after all that squad had nearly been demoted in May, and still had the same manager/coaching staff (as indeed, we still do), even after accounting for the 14 additional games that the Europa League put in..Granted that was hyperbolic pessimism and midtable was probably about right.

Last summer, it may have been more assuring if Remy had been bought on a permanent deal, although I think its been mentioned he only wanted a loan move.

I'm not saying that rehabilitation of the relationship between Ashley and at least the majority of fans is impossible, even if it will never be like when he was getting hammered in the away end in the first season he owned us, but it either had to have been done differently or has to be on a new course. And I don't just mean in sacking Pardew - there has been a lack of communication directly from on high. Its all been left either to hamfisted PR statements or to Pardew (not that there's a difference). Before his bizarre comment in the Independent last week, and when the Mirror's NE journo asked him questions at SportsDirect's AGM after buying shares in the company, when was the last time he spoke directly?

Five years exactly have passed since the verdict that Newcastle constructively dismissed Keegan and a tribunal said the club habitually lied to fans and media. Just because most of the incompetents who were running it then have left doesn't mean Ashley (and Lee Charnley, although his role is now more prominent than it was in 2009) hasn't left, and that distrust would take longer than five years to change.

The hook that's got me riled is the shitload of neutral fans on electronic media who think we should be content with 17th or higher, and that we're all deluded optimists that think we should be entitled to top 4 every year. Which is bollocks. I don't expect us to get anywhere near the top 6, which is what made 2011/12 such a surprise but fun campaign, and I'm yet to see a Newcastle fan who thinks that, although I grant you somebody somewhere will think this. Plus Pardew was the moron chatting about challenging for the Champions League in pre-season, and then accusing us of overly high expectations when we began losing.

I can tolerate Ashley wanting to run the club on a sound financial footing, even if I do think we could have bought one or two more players in the summer without breaking the bank, and that he's currently getting the football part of the club wrong. But he has been unwanted and unloved since forcing Keegan out and being found in a court to be habitually lying to fans and press. That's six years of creating a hate figure out of a wealthy recluse who has (largely, although not so much recently) been staying away from games and slimming it all down as an exercise to reverse a negative image out of, and so far, not much has been done.

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

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

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

Ivory Coast media reporting Tiote wants to leave in January. Fan-fucking-tastic.

Meanwhile, gotta love the fact our 4th choice defender helped (mostly) shut out Sergio Aguero and co in the Champion League last night. By Pardew logic we should be keeping a clean sheet there in the Capital One Cup in a few weeks time.

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

£5million is the reported estimate, which is small change for a guy worth billions and who just spunked £43million on Tesco shares.

We all sound like broken records. And so do media outlets claiming Pardew will be given one more chance, as Sky currently are.

Ashley looked thoroughly pissed off at the end of the game so I'm surprised that, as of right now, he is still in employment with NUFC.

So was the performance of most of those wearing it. Although bizarrely all the people I was watching it with in the pub liked it.

Yes, Stoke timewasted and kicked like hell - as they do - but when all your shots bar one 30ish yarder go off target, and the defence looks useless when pressure is applied, victory is never going to happen.

I guess now we'll see if Ashley was just joking...

How the fuck is that now a yellow card? Stupid decision.

Elsewhere, Rooney is an idiot, Nolan did not look offside, Mangala had a hilariously bad away debut, Austin, Pelle and Jagielka got goal of the month contenders, and Sunderland look in need of a striker in January.

... I've only just seen MOTD, hence the recap.