Number 1 - Comments

NUFC.com thinks that they sent him back to Argentina to be with his family and his doctors. I'd like to think that's the case, and not that we discriminated against him for his illness.

I don't want to speculate or politicise this because its a horrible subject matter, but I also don't like the idea that this club would deny funding to cancer treatment. But again, they don't communicate enough, so it allows an excessive amount of over-elaborate speculation. With any luck we'll get discussions from them about this - preferably today.

That's horrible news. Even if he never plays football again, I hope he gets better soon.

The FA have handed Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson a one match touchline ban.

Eriksson was handed the ban after he criticised the performance of referee Peter Oakley during his team's clash with Stoke City on Monday night in his post-match press conference. Eriksson had previously been warned and fined for other comments made in press conferences after games earlier in the season.

The Newcastle manager will serve his ban during his team's fixture with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday (26/11).

In a statement, the FA said, "The FA's disciplinary committee is disappointed that despite the recent warnings about his conduct, Mr. Eriksson is continuing unnecessary criticism of the referees in the Premier League.

"We feel we have no choice to issue a one match touchline ban to Mr. Eriksson, which he will serve during his team's next match.

"We hope this will act as a deterrent should he make comments again later in the season."

Eriksson had complained after Oakley ruled out a Newcastle goal and a penalty appeal, with TV replays showing the disallowing of the goal may have been harsh.

In his post-match press conference, Eriksson said, "I know that we were not at our best tonight but I'm very disappointed by the refereeing.

"I don't believe the decision to chalk off the first goal for Luis (Suarez) and not to award a penalty for the foul on James (Rodriguez) are correct. These decisions severely altered our ability to win the game, because they were both poor calls that cost us chances to take the lead of the game.

"We do not like the fact the referee's decisions have impacted on our chances of winning the game. I know I must sound like a broken record given I have already been warned and fined by the FA for this, and that they are not exactly keen on us given our high red and yellow card rate, but I know I am right on this issue."

Eriksson had previously been fined for the FA for disputing a failure to award his team a penalty during their draw with Liverpool on October 1st.

Tuncay Sanli scored a firm volley as Stoke City took a vital point at Newcastle.

The Turkish winger scored the strike for the Premier League's bottom club, as the Potters looked like they might take a share of the points against the Magpies.

A solo strike from Luis Suarez did get Newcastle a share of the points, but they will be very disappointed to only get a share of the points against the struggling Potters rather than the full three points.

Stoke had been in very poor form at the bottom of the Premier League, with the team last winning a league match on September 17th, when they beat fellow new-boys Middlesbrough at the Britannia Stadium.

Newcastle were looking to bounce back after wild profligacy cost them at West Ham before the international break, and they made early running against the struggling Potters. Ryan Donaldson saw an effort land just wide of the mark, and former Sunderland keeper Thomas Sorensen made a sweeping stop to deny James Rodriguez.

The Magpies thought they had taken the early advantage after 10 minutes when Donaldson cued up Suarez, who finished into the bottom corner. But Newcastle's joy was cut short by an offside flag, much to the visible irritation of home manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who duly wound up complaining heavily.

Newcastle's irritation was further accentuated when Robert Huth tripped up Rodriguez but was ruled to have legally played the ball rather than fouled the Colombian.

Stoke's first real chance fellow to former Sunderland midfielder Liam Lawrence, who saw a free-kick deflected narrowly wide with Tim Krul sprawling.

Huth then headed over as Stoke began to probe at the home goal, and they took the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Former Magpie Mario Mandzukic picked up a long ball on the edge of the penalty area before laying it out wide for Emerse Fae. The midfielder advanced and sent in an inviting cross that Tuncay met on the volley, and he swept it into the top corner with Krul helpless.

A superb strike from the Turkish winger, who was delighted to get a goal for the team he stayed with even after their relegation in 2010.

Stung by that, Newcastle probed but struggled to get a way through, although they did get presented with opportunities. Suarez saw an effort turned away by Sorensen, while Rodriguez hit a superb volley that rattled the crossbar with the Danish goalkeeper beaten.

Stoke almost entered the break 2-0 up, but Krul kept Newcastle a goal in the game after pulling off a smart save to deny Mandzukic on his first return to Tyneside.

It was the Potters who began the second half with the ball and the chances, with Tuncay only able to hit two strikes off target.

Stoke fans up at the top of the stadium begun to dread a home equaliser, and it duly arrived nine minutes into the second half.

It came on a counter-attack, with a free-kick cleared to the halfway line and Suarez got the ball off Huth. Stoke cried foul but the Uruguayan came away with the ball and ran all the way to the penalty area. His low strike duly beat the keeper and landed in the bottom corner.

A first goal in three months for the big money summer signing with Ajax, and Eriksson will be hoping the high quality of the goal will help relax a player still reportedly struggling to adjust to life in the North East.

Despite conceding the advantage, Stoke did have another top quality opportunity presented to them, with Tuncay evading Sebastien Bassong only for his shot to be denied by Krul.

Hearts were in mouths when Sorensen claimed and then dropped Danny Simpson's cross, but Stoke were able to scramble it clear before a black and white shirt could lap up the opportunity.

Late on, Glenn Whelan and Mandzukic were presented glorious opportunities to give the struggling Potters three points, but neither of them could keep their efforts on target.

It could be a valuable share of the points for the Potters, who have had a major problem with even acquiring points so far this season, and manager Peter Reid will be hopeful it can finally inspire Stoke to get some much needed points on the board.

Newcastle will be very annoyed with their profligacy again costing them like it did at Upton Park in their previous outing, and they will need to do better with their shooting if they want to continue their good start into a full-blown challenge for the European positions.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Kvist 76), Donaldson (Carroll 88), Smith, Rodriguez - Suarez, Dembele (Thygesen 45)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Vanden Borre, Barton

Scorer: Suarez (54)

Stoke: Sorensen - Naughton (Collins 45), Wilkinson (Whitehead 79), Huth, Higginbotham - Lawrence (Arismendi 85), Fae, Whelan, Tuncay - Mandzukic, Sidibe
Subs not used: Andersen, Gilligan, Tonge, Fuller

Scorer: Tuncay (29)

Referee: Peter Oakley
Attendance: 54,267

First half strikes ensured West Ham maintained their European chase with victory over top six rivals Newcastle.

Allesandro Diamanti struck after only six minutes to give the East Londoners the advantage, before Paul Scharner added another one before half-time.

Newcastle tried to find a way back into the contest but never really looked like eroding West Ham's advantage and sunk to defeat for the second consecutive visit to London, having already lost across town at Arsenal this season.

Gary Johnson's side have been in inconsistent form of late, and it was almost Newcastle that took the early advantage, with Danny Simpson and James Rodriguez seeing early efforts land off target.

Their failure to take these early two opportunities was duly punished when the Hammers scored with their first opportunity. A free-kick was eventually passed by Scharner to Michael Chretien, who threaded through a pass. The ball collected to Diamanti, who despite Newcastle protestations for offside, was able to race clear and finish.

Newcastle protested in vain, but the Italian was still on the scoresheet, and the Italian striker was delighted with his finish.

Despite conceding first, Newcastle were still having most of the possession and chances, although Alan Smith and Rasmus Elm were both wildly inaccurate with their shooting.

Their profligacy was to be punished again moments later. Chretien's corner swerved into the penalty area to find Matthew Upson, who flicked it on for Scharner, and the Austrian defender controlled the ball before finishing.

A second goal for the home crowd inside Upton Park to cheer wildly, and it gave the home team clear daylight on their profligate opponents.

The Magpies still had a chance to take a share of the points, with Simpson seeing an effort kiss the top of the bar on its way over, but West Ham soon begun to neuter the Magpies' threats.

They almost had three before half-time, with Jack Collison played through and given a great shot only for Tim Krul to deny him.

The second half began with Newcastle given more chances. Rodriguez was denied by Green when through one-on-one with the English goalkeeper, before Ryan Donaldson was wildly inaccurate with an effort of his own.

Carroll then blazed over when well placed, before West Ham almost killed the game off when Diamanti evaded David Edgar, only for Krul to deny him.

West Ham continued their aims for the decisive third goal, with Dean Ashton heading one over the bar and Jonathan Spector seeing a low fizzing effort kept out following a very nice stop by Krul.

Smith and Collison both hit efforts off target as the game reached its closing moments, before Newcastle's luck was summed up when substitute William Kvist had a great chance and beat Green, but not the post.

In the end, the two teams were decided by profligacy, with Newcastle being exceptionally poor at finding the target throughout the 90, nevermind the end, and they never looked liked coming back when West Ham took the advantage.

It was a nice display from the East London club, who at time rode their luck and were somewhat fortunate to be greeted with wasteful opposition, but ultimately provided good value for three points in this encounter.

West Ham: Green - Chretien (Tomkins 45), Scharner, Upson, Radoi, Ilunga (Spector 45) - Parker (Noble 64) Kovac, Collison - Ashton, Diamanti
Subs not used: Murray, Faubert, Hines, Maeirhofer
Booked: Upson, Ashton, Spector

Scorer: Diamanti (6), Scharner (25)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Edgar, Vertonghen, Kadar - Elm (Suarez 66), Smith - Thygesen (Kvist 88), Donaldson (Dembele 75), Rodriguez - Carroll
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Vanden Borre, Barton

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 33,468

Tell me about it. Though had we gone out in 90 I would not have disputed it as until Carroll scored, we were dire.

Its gonna be a rough one because the league is very densely packed together, but a European place is our top-end goal and so far we've been in form to stick it out.

A few games down the line, perhaps, but here:

Telegraph claiming Coloccini might be made next manager.

Da fuck?

Ryan Donaldson scored twice as Newcastle eased past Sheffield United to continue their solid start to the campaign.

The youngster continued his impressive breakout into the Newcastle team with a well-taken brace in the first half, and in truth, rarely looked like falling to defeat against the South Yorkshire side.

Newcastle will be happy to get a victory, and its a result that keeps up aspirations of a potential European challenge from the North East side as the season progresses.

Sheffield United had arrived on Tyneside in high spirits, with the team having claimed victories against Liverpool and Sunderland in their last two outings.

But the Blades were on the back foot from the beginning, with Mark Bunn making an early stop to deny Andy Carroll after nobody tracked the giant striker's run.

James Rodriguez fired a strike over from a free-kick as Newcastle begun the game on the front-foot, and the Magpies had the game's opening goal after 15 minutes.

It came from the Blades' first real attack, with a corner cleared to Mikkel Thygesen, and the Magpies winger duly ran and ran and ran. The Dane skipped away from Fabio and sent in an inviting delivery, which Donaldson duly converted.

A lot of the running for the goal was reliant on the superb aerobics and ball control of Thygesen, while Donaldson's latest Newcastle goal ensured he would continue his impressive start to life in the Newcastle first team.

The Magpies were still providing early pressure, with Elm seeing an effort ruffle the side-netting and Rodriguez having a free-kick deflected off target.

It took just over half an hour for Sheffield United to create anything resembling a chance, and it wasn't a fruitful one, with Alan Smith intervening to deny Jordan Rhodes. The Blades almost then got stung by the counter-attack, with only a flying stop from Bunn denying Donaldson.

Robert Koren then lamped a drive over the bar as the Blades found Newcastle resistant to their attack, before Newcastle then came close again. This time, Bunn made a very good stop to deny James Rodriguez, before Sebastien Bassong headed over from the corner.

But while Newcastle were denied a two goal cushion at the half-time break, it didn't take much of the second half for them to break through. Having kicked off, the team played their way forward from the back, with Bassong finding Elm, whose through ball was flicked on by Donaldson to Carroll. The giant Newcastle forward left Liam Ridgewell in his dust before playing an excellent pass back to Donaldson, who advanced and tapped it in.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell will be irritated how his team were cut open by the Magpies straight from kick-off, and his gameplan was seeping away. Not that the home fans cared too much - they had a lovely goal to toast and once more it was the new local hero with it.

It could have been worse. Bunn had to make two stops - one to deny Carroll and then a few moments later, another one to deny Thygesen - while a thundering free-kick from Jan Vertonghen landed barely inches wide of the mark.

Sheffield United thought they should have been given a penalty amidst all that for a challenge by Vertonghen on substitute Darius Henderson, but Mike Dean was not interested in his complaints.

Koren awoke Tim Krul from his slumber by forcing him into a routine stop, while at the other end, Donaldson cued up Carroll, who hit a strike narrowly wide of the target.

With the game seemingly won, Newcastle began to take their foot off the gas, and the Blades nearly halved the deficit with time running out, but Fabio could only find the gloves of Krul rather than the net.

In the end, it was a straight forward but well achieved victory for Newcastle, whose European challenge is beginning to gather some momentum ahead of a tricky looking run of fixtures through to Christmas. They will be hopeful this form can keep them in the chase for the top 4 as the season progresses.

After the recent highs of their victories at Anfield and Old Trafford, it was a fairly dour one for the Blades, and they will look to do better in upcoming encounters with Wolves and Manchester City.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Kadar - Elm, Alan Smith (Guthrie 85) - Thygesen, Donaldson (Jones 85), Rodriguez - Carroll (Dembele 64)
Subs not used: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Kvist, Ameobi
Booked: Vertonghen, Bassong, Smith, Rodriguez, Donaldson

Scorer: Donaldson (15, 46)

Sheffield United: Bunn - Solly (Baird 47), Ridgewell, Lamas, Fabio - Taylor (Kilgallon 45), Montgomery, Watson (Henderson 51), Koren - Rhodes, Derbyshire
Subs not used: Krysiak, Adam Smith, Armstrong, Harper
Booked: Fabio, Montgomery

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 49,694

Frank Lampard scored a penalty in extra time as Chelsea beat Newcastle in the Carling Cup.

It had looked as thought the West Londoners would progress in the regulation 90 after Demba Ba's strike in first half injury time. But with time running out, Newcastle forced extra time by virtue of Andy Carroll's 91st minute equaliser.

But in extra-time, Lampard was controversially awarded a penalty following a foul by Tamas Kadar, and scored the resulting spot kick to send the West Londoners into the Quarter Finals.

Defeat was harsh on Newcastle, who had provided good value during the game and done so well to get back into the contest at the death, but ultimately, victory was Chelsea's.

Newcastle had beaten Chelsea at home in both of Chelsea's previous league visits to St. James' Park - even doing a home and away double last season - and began on the front foot in a quiet game, with William Kvist and Jose Enrique firing efforts off target.

Both sides struggled to create opportunities during a tight first half, with corners the best either side could really manage.

Indeed, it was 38 minutes before a real chance fell Chelsea's way, with Geromel seeing one effort deflected wide and Lampard blasting one into the crowd.

Chelsea's strikeforce of Ba and Drogba was inaccurate with their chances as the two teams struggled to create chances.

The first strike on target came in the third minute of first half stoppage time. It also proved decisive. Ashley Cole laid the ball forward for Ryad Boudebouz, whose cross picked out Ba, and the Senegal international couldn't miss.

An easy goal away at a club that once wanted to sign the striker when he was at Hoffenheim, and Ba will hope it will silence the calls for him to lose his first team place.

Despite their advantage, Roberto Mancini opted to make a triple substitution at half-time, but they almost extended their lead after half-time, with Ba meeting Yury Zhirkov's cross only to head the ball off the mark.

Michael Essien saw an effort just touch the bar on its way over as Chelsea looked likelier to score, and they were also having a good running around to put pressure on them.

Newcastle were struggling to get back into the contest, with a wayward effort from Billy Jones the best they could manage - an effort which had come moments after Drogba attempted an ultimately wayward strike.

Lampard finally had a long ranger on target, and only a flying save from Begovic denied the England international from finding the net.

With time running out, Newcastle finally begun to apply pressure, with Carroll getting a great chance only to head wide and young keeper Josh Lambo was called to make a flying stop to deny Moussa Dembele.

The Belgian striker then saw another effort denied, but Chelsea nearly killed the game off only for Landon Donovan's shooting accuracy to desert him.

With 91 minutes, it looked as though Chelsea were about to to go out, but then they were pegged back in the final moment of the encounter.

Drogba was on the touchline when he got dispossessed by Jones, who played it up for William Kvist. A superb ball played in Carroll, who raced clear and powered the ball home.

Cole led Chelsea complaints, but replays showed no hint of offside and Newcastle looked to have sent the tie into extra time.

Chelsea almost won it in normal time, with Donovan played clean through only for Begovic to deny the American.

That save duly rubber-stamped an additional 30 minutes, but the first 15 was by and large some of the worst football played at St. James' Park in years. Neither side did anything to get anywhere near a chance, nevermind a goal, and it looked like a long run to the end for the teams.

The game finally woke up in the second half of extra-time, with Ba racing free only to hit the ball wide of the mark.

Chelsea came closer with the next attempt, with Begovic making a superb double stop to deny Jose Bosingwa and Drogba.

But in the midst of that, the referee spotted a trip on Lampard by Kadar, and much to the bemused anger of Newcastle fans and players, a penalty was awarded to the Blues.

To the sound of almost constant boos, Lampard confidently dispatched the ball from 12 yards, and looked to have sent Chelsea into the Quarter Finals.

Zhirkov almost confirmed Chelsea's progress for sure only for Begovic to deny him, before Dembele nearly drew Newcastle level only for him to send it over.

Lampard, Drogba and Essien all missed late opportunities for Newcastle as they tried to rubber stamp their victory, but in the end the penalty proved enough. Despite the extra 30 being needed, Chelsea ultimately had enough in the tank to confirm victory in a largely terrible game, and the Magpies will be gutted they didn't do enough to justify progression.

Newcastle: Begovic - Jones, Bassong, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Kvist, Barton - Duff (Carroll 45), Rodriguez (Donaldson 84), Dembele - Ameobi (Thygesen 71)
Subs not used: Krul, Vanden Borre, Vertonghen, Elm
Booked: Jose Enrique, Bassong, Barton

Scorer: Carroll (90+1)

Chelsea: Lambo - Berezutskiy (Bosingwa 45), Geromel, Terry, Cole - Mikel (Donovan 45), Lampard, Essien, Boudeboz (Zhirkov 45) - Ba, Drogba
Subs not used: Delac, Ivanovic, Elano, Sturridge
Booked: Cole

Scorer: Ba (45+5), Lampard (pen 111)

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 52,992

Ryan Donaldson scored an 89th minute winner as Newcastle came from behind to beat winless Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers arrived in the North East still looking for their first Premier League win of the season and took an early lead through Christian Grindheim's penalty kick.

Rasmus Elm scored his first Newcastle goal to tie the game up, but it looked as though Blackburn were about to hold on for a share of the points - even after Gael Givet received a red card late one.

But then Donaldson struck in the final moments with a blow that was hard for Blackburn to take, with the Lancashire strugglers having done so well to hold their high-flying opponents. Nevertheless, a Magpies team chasing a European spot were eventually able to overcome their opponents defensive barrier.

Rovers have not won a Premier League game since beating Hull City on the final day of last season, but they shocked the North-Eastern hosts by bagging the game's opening goal.

The danger seemed to have passed for Newcastle when Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross was cleared, but the referee decided the Norweigan's run had been illegally halted by Anthony Vanden Borre, and the referee awarded a penalty.

Despite protests, the penalty stayed and Grindheim slotted the resulting 12-yard kick home. With Blackburn's only win this season being over Brighton in a Carling Cup tie, it suddenly gave their fans renewed aspirations of three points.

Not helping Blackburn's hopes was injury, with veteran full-back Brett Emerton picking up an injury and having to leave the field of play.

Newcastle were trying to apply pressure, but it was Blackburn creating actual chances, although Christopher Samba and Gamst Pedersen were both inaccurate with their shooting.

It took 26 minutes for the hosts to find so much as a long distance opportunity, but that proved to be all they required. Jose Enrique intercepted a poor clearance, and laid it off for Sebastien Bassong to play a crisp ball for Mikkel Thygesen. The Dane picked up the ball out wide and laid it off for Elm, who hit home a thumping drive into the bottom corner.

A first goal for the Swedish international since his deadline day move from AZ Alkmaar, and it was a very stylish manner for the Swede to break his duck for the club.

Blackburn came very close to re-taking the advantage, with only a flying stop from Asmir Begovic denying Alan Judge.

A horrid half for Vanden Borre saw him hooked at half-time, and his teammates did put some early pressure.

It looked as though the pressure had paid off when Andy Carroll turned home Elm's cross, but the Newcastle number 9's joy was cut short when an offside flag went up against him, and the goal was duly ruled out.

Begovic then had to make sure the club weren't further cursing the official's judgement, with the Bosnian keeper making a superb stop to deny Gamst Pedersen.

Newcastle weren't helped by an injury to Suarez, who went off injured after a heavy tackle by Ryan Nelsen, before the they came close, with Robinson make a good stop to deny Thygesen.

It looked like the game was drifting towards a draw, but Blackburn's position was destabilised when they were reduced to ten. Having already been booked and got away with one foul, Givet fouled Newcastle sub Shola Ameobi, and was duly dismissed from the playing field.

The Magpies began to push for a win, with Donaldson seeing an effort held by Robinson, and with seconds of normal time remaining, a breakthrough was made.

A sweeping ball forward by Billy Jones was collected by skipper Alan Smith, who held the ball up in the middle of the park and hit a crisp ball forward on the wet turf to Donaldson. The youngster advanced before having a crack, and his swerving strike landed in the bottom corner.

A fifth goal in first team action for the academy graduate, who has become a first team star since the beginning of the campaign, and it looked to be the big winner for his hometown team.

Visiting manager Sam Allardyce implored his players to go forward and try and get the goal that would get them a point. But it never came, with the hosts comfortably soaking up the pressure, and they sunk to yet another game without a win. The former Newcastle manager's position at Ewood Park will not have been helped, and it looks as though his exit is getting closer.

Newcastle were relieved to win against tricky opposition who played better than their poor start suggested, and they continue their good start, which has seen them begin to give their fans hope they may challenge for a European place this season.

Newcastle: Begovic - Vanden Borre (Jones 45), Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith - Thygesen, Donaldson, Suarez (Ameobi 71) - Carroll (Dembele 64)
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Barton, Rodriguez
Booked: Vanden Borre

Scorer: Elm (26), Donaldson (89)

Blackburn: Robinson - Emerton (Nelsen 5), Samba, Khizanishvilli, Givet - Judge, N'Zonzi, Grindheim - Diouf, Hoilett (Grella 71), Gamst Pedersen (Fox 80)
Subs not used: Brown, Signorino, Gunning, Kalinic
Booked: Khizanishvilli, Givet
Sent Off: Givet (80)

Scorer: Grindheim (pen 3)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 48,105

So did Sheffield United, if I'm not mistaken.

There are claims Yanga-Mbiwa was designated one of the scapegoats during the shit run we entered late last season, which HBA also got and got shifted for. Its also said he's one of the people who criticised Pardew's tactics during the more poisonous interlude. But entering this season with only 3 CBs - all of whom lack form - was a disaster waiting to happen, and while we somehow got away with it in 2011/12, we don't look like it this year.

We could have won both - MUFC have been starting terribly, and were woeful in their shooting accuracy, and vs Liverpool, we should have had a penalty and taken a chance. But two more points then I thought we'd get, even with our defeat at Arsenal.

Robin van Persie scored two penalties as league leaders Arsenal eased past ten man Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.

The Dutchman scored both spot-kicks after fouls committed early in both halves, while Newcastle's ill-disciplined mess saw Danny Simpson shown a first half red card as two of eight bookings the team acquired in the game.

Tomas Rosicky then added a third to get Arsenal home and dry, although Newcastle did get a late consolation when Andy Carroll took advantage of Manuel Almunia's blunder.

The Premier League leaders were aided by some typical ill-discipline from the visitors, whose record of poor discipline has continued once again after the team amassed countless bookings and sending offs in Sven-Goran Eriksson's Newcastle management spell.

With the Gunners trying to continue their good start as they seek to win their first title since 2004, they began the game by applying some pressure. Phillipe Senderos had a chance from an early corner, which he put wide.

Arsenal were then given a superb chance when they were awarded a slightly controversial penalty. A corner was half-cleared to Andrey Arshavin, who picked out van Persie. The Dutchman went down under the attentions of Jan Vertonghen and was awarded a spot-kick, much to the annoyed disgust of the Newcastle players and supporters. Indeed, having already booked the Belgian defender, referee Steve Bennett then additionally booked Ryan Donaldson for dissent.

van Persie dusted himself down and sent Asmir Begovic the wrong way from the penalty spot, with the striker scoring only his second goal of the season from 12 yards out.

It was almost two barely minutes later for the striker, but his free-kick sent his effort wildly off target. There was also similar inaccuracy from Thomas Vermaelen, whose header touched the bar on its way over.

Arshavin was next to come close and came even closer, with the Russian's venomous drive tipped onto the post by Begovic, and the winger then sent another effort high and wide of the mark.

It took Newcastle 30 minutes to get a chance, with Vertonghen reaching Mikkel Thygesen's delivery only to head it over.

Newcastle's chances of getting back into the contest were then damaged even further. Having already received one booking, Simpson picked up another one for a foul on Arshavin, and the former Manchester United right-back was dismissed from the field of play.

With a man down, Newcastle began to close ranks, and Arsenal were beginning to find it tough to break through. But with half-time approaching, the Gunners begun to be presented opportunities.

First, Theo Walcott picked up a pass and hit a crisp volley that Begovic tipped away, then van Persie hit a neat half-volley that rattled the post, and the Dutchman was then cueing up Walcott, who saw an effort denied by Newcastle's Bosnian goalkeeper.

Arsenal begun the second-half still in the attacking ascendancy, with Fabregas seeing a free-kick fly narrowly off target.

The Gunners were then given a second penalty moments into the second half. van Persie released Arshavin, who was fouled by Billy Jones, and the referee gave the second penalty.

While Begovic got closer to it this time, the Newcastle goalkeeper was still beaten from 12 yards by van Persie, and the Dutchman was duly toasting his second strike of the encounter.

van Persie was then very close to a hat-trick moments later, with his swerving free-kick rippling the side netting.

The Dutchman was still a pacey threat to the Newcastle backline, with the striker breaking free of slack marking and forcing a flying stop from Begovic, and another into the side-netting.

The busy van Persie was then involved again for Arsenal's third goal. The Dutchman received Arshavin's through-ball, ran around Vertonghen, and floated in a teasing cross. Up rose substitute Rosicky, with the Czech international beating Sebastien Bassong to the ball and heading home.

A fairly simple finish for the midfielder, who was toasting a straight-forward to get back onto the scoresheet.

Although Arsene Wenger opted to withdraw van Persie from the field of play, the Gunners were still on the front-foot, although Fabregas' swinging drive landing wide of the mark and Nicklas Bendtner seeing an effort just kiss the bar on its way over the top.

Newcastle then did get a very route one goal. A long goal-kick from Begovic flew clean to the edge of the penalty area, and Carroll raced ahead of the needlessly forward Almunia. The Newcastle number 9 duly headed home a fairly simple goal to at least give his team a good afternoon.

Bendtner still had two opportunities to get on the scoresheet, with one going wide and one denied by Begovic. A crucial intervention from Vertonghen also denied Rosicky as Arsenal tried for four.

They didn't get four, but were dominant against very ill-disciplined opponents and are able to strengthen their position of strength at the top of the Premier League. After a fairly underwhelming start, van Persie will be relieved to have had such a commanding attacking performance in inspiring his team to victory, and the Gunners will look to continue their current fine run.

Arsenal: Almunia - Eboue, Senderos, Vermaelen, Clichy - Denilson (Bendtner 62), Nordtveit, Fabregas - Walcott (Rosicky 69), van Persie (Blaszczykowski 71), Arshavin
Subs not used: Steele, Hormann, Vela, Kadlec
Booked: Eboue

Scorer: van Persie (pen 11, pen 50), Rosicky (70)

Newcastle: Begovic - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Jones 34), Barton - Thygesen, Donaldson (Vanden Borre 45), Dembele (Kvist 75) - Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Rodriguez, Suarez, Ameobi
Booked: Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Elm, Barton, Donaldson, Jones
Sent Off: Simpson (33)

Scorer: Carroll (79)

Referee: Steve Bennett
Attendance: 60,361

Tbh anyone with a Twitter account can promote anything in a micro second now. The professionally laminated sheet at St. Mary's was kinda redundant, and probably a bitch to carry on the train/bus down.

Plus I said it looked well done. That didn't meant to say I agreed with all of the content, and I have read it. Its too easy to portray Pardew as a villain because he is the public face of the Ashley regime, which was last popular a fucking century ago. But while I agree he isn't the be all and end all problem, he still is a major one. 5 wins in 23 is the kind of form that would get you sacked at every other club in the top four tiers, yet here we still are for what, exactly?

Thank you very much.

I don't mind the websites and the Sack Pardew one actually looks very well done. But I agree the painted bedsheets are silly.

Meanwhile the Telegraph is reporting Pardew maybe given until Christmas. Oh wonderful.
EDIT: Guardian reporting a defeat against Hull and he's stuffed. Which is probably to be expected tbh.

Premier League champions Liverpool endured another frustrating afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle.

In truth, it could have been worse for Rafael Bentiez's side, with Newcastle having the better of the chances in the match and the Magpies having a legitimately penalty appeal rejected late on. But neither side could ultimately do enough to collect three points at Anfield, or indeed score a goal in the clash.

Its a result that does no favours for the champions' hopes of retaining their title, with the Liverpool side failing to get closer to league leaders Arsenal, who had already played a game more before this round of fixtures.

The Reds had been on a high after beating Stuttgart in the Champions League in midweek, but they were almost behind inside the opening minute. A half-cleared corner was eventually returned to original corner taker Jan Vertonghen on the edge of the penalty box, and the Belgian defender's swerving drive was expertly kept out by Pepe Reina.

Liverpool came very close themselves minutes later, with Fernando Torres picked out by Steven Gerrard only to be denied by Tim Krul.

Newcastle were still lively, with Danny Simpson seeing a swerving effort flying over and Jose Enrique reaching a poor Gerrard clearance only to be denied by Reina.

A high and wide effort from Gerrard sailed directly into the Kop, before Newcastle came closer when Rasmus Elm had a long range drive punched clear by Reina.

Liverpool were beginning to rack up possession stats an the odd opportunity, but Newcastle had a better chance when Shola Ameobi rose high to Mikkel Thygesen's delivery only to see his effort touch the bar on its way into the crowd.

The Reds were then even closer to finding the advantage, with a Gerrard header denied by Krul and Torres saw an effort taken out from under him by a superb sliding tackle from visiting captain Alan Smith.

With the half ending, both sides had inaccurate free-kicks, with Gerrard blasting one wide at one end and Vertonghen similarly wayward at the other one.

The first action of the second half saw Smith get his customary yellow card, which was already his fifth of the season to follow a red card he received at Leeds, and with it, another quickfire suspension for the Newcastle captain.

Liverpool then came close on two occasions in quick succession, with Torres seeing an effort denied by Krul and the Dutchman then making another good stop to deny a terribly pedestrian header from Ryan Babel.

Ameobi then wasted three chances as Newcastle came close, with the striker unable to find the target on all occasions.

Newcastle then went close again with Elm seeing a low daisy cutter held by Reina, but the visitors felt they should have had a penalty when Ryan Donaldson went down under a challenge by Daniel Agger, which referee Mike Jones did not penalise.

A superb stop by Reina then denied Luis Suarez as Newcastle tried to find a way through in front of their supporters, and the goalkeeper then made another flying stop to deny Thygesen.

When injury time appeared, Liverpool had a period of sustained pressure. A vicious swerving drive from Gerrard had to be superbly denied by Krul, before Felipe headed over the bar from the resulting corner.

This however was the end of any chances either side could get to find the winning goal, and in truth, it was a case of keepers on top, with Reina and Krul the most decisive performers. But it doesn't help the Liverpool cause for their top flight championship retention, and in truth they didn't have the decisive touch required to find the winner against their well disciplined opponents.

Liverpool: Reina - Carragher, Godin (Agger 45), Filipe, Dossena - Mascherano, Lucas - Kuyt (N'Gog 71), Gerrard, Luis Jimenez (Babel 45) - Torres
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Benayoun, Coeff, Jurado
Booked: Lucas

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm, Smith - Thygesen (Carroll 88), Donaldson (Rodriguez 73), Suarez - Ameobi
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Vanden Borre, Kvist, Barton
Booked: Smith

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 45,046

Dimitar Berbatov grabbed a last equaliser as Manchester United struggled to a draw at Newcastle.

Mikkel Thygesen, who had scored the winner in this fixture a season ago, had looked to have given Newcastle the victory against the Mancunians, but Berbatov was able to grab a strike in the last five minutes.

However, the result prolongs Manchester United's poor start to the new campaign, with the club now without a league win since beating Leeds on August 17th. It keeps up the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson, who is already under fire after the club finished outside the European places last season.

With memories of the double whammy of recent home defeats by Arsenal and Sheffield United still in mind, Manchester United had looked to get an early goal and did find the net when Nani turned home Berbatov's cross. But the assistant referee had spotted that Nani had strayed offside, and the goal was duly ruled out.

The Portugese winger was the visitor's biggest threat early on and came close again moments later, with his swerving effort smashing off the crossbar and out of touch.

Manchester United were the busier team early on and were testing Newcastle's defensive unit, but despite the early pressure, they failed to make it count on the scoresheet.

They were then punished further. A throw-in was picked up by Alan Smith, who tucked the ball infield for Rasmus Elm. The Swedish midfielder played a fizzing pass for Thygesen, Despite away appeals for an offside, Thygesen continued and finished.

The Dane scored the winner when the two sides met at St. James' Park last season, and once more had given the Magpies the advantage against the 18-time champions.

While Newcastle held a scoresheet advantage, Manchester United still had the majority of the ball and the best opportunities. But while they did have the chances, they were very poor at giving them accuracy, with Wayne Rooney blasting two attempts at the spectacular wildly off target.

Efforts by Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher were similarly inaccurate, with the Scot's complaints that Jose Enrique had illegally put him off ignored by referee Dean Coventry.

As half-time approached, Manchester United were still dominating play and still getting nowhere near finding the back of the net. Tim Krul was able to watch the ball as first Berbatov and then Carrick failed to find the net with efforts.

The visitors continued their profligacy at the start of the second half, with Carrick and Berbatov again inaccurate with attempts on goal.

Nani then increased the number of inaccurate attempts on goal, before Manchester United finally had a shot on target on 63 minutes. In truth, it was a weak effort, with Filipe seeing his effort easily stopped by Tim Krul.

Newcastle then almost surprised the visitors with their first real effort of the half, with Edwin van der Saar making the top to deny a swerving Joey Barton effort.

Manchester United were beginning to run out of ideas but fel they should have had a penalty, with Sebastien Bassong ruled to played the ball rather than fouling Rooney.

Newcastle then almost put the game beyond the visitors, with Luis Suarez played through by Ryan Donaldson and seeing a brilliant drive that van der Saar did superbly well in denying.

That save would prove very crucial. A quick throw-in by Patrice Evra picked up Rooney, who laid it off for Carrick. The Newcastle-born midfielder threaded through a great ball for Berbatov, who beat the last man and fired it beyond Krul.

A crisp finish at St. James' Park for the boyhood Newcastle supporter, and crucially, it bought his team back on level terms.

Manchester United had a late chance to win it, but Danny Welbeck's header was as wildly inaccurate as most of his team's shooting.

Newcastle could have punished the visitors for their repeated profligacy, with only a superb defensive tackle from Wes Brown denying James Rodriguez a one-on-one shooting attempt.

It ultimately finished all square, with Newcastle maintaining their unbeaten home record in the Premier League as they seek to get into European competition after a five year absence. By contrast, Manchester United have been starting the season in a very poor fashion, and their profligacy today summed up why the pressure is mounting on the man who has done so much for the Red Devils. A defeat by West Ham next weekend could make things very uncomfortable indeed.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Vertonghen, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Elm (Barton 61), Smith - Thygesen, Donaldson (Carroll 88), Suarez - Dembele (Rodriguez 77)
Subs not used: Begovic, Jones, Vanden Borre Ameobi
Booked: Simpson, Elm, Smith

Scorer: Thygesen (24)

Manchester United: van der Saar - Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra - Nani (Hargreaves 73), Fletcher, Carrick, Filipe - Berbatov (Welbeck 86), Rooney
Subs not used: Karcemarskas, Evans, O'Shea, Sissoko, Russell
Booked: Brown

Scorer: Berbatov (85)

Referee: Dean Coventry
Attendance: 56,387

Perhaps but he still managed the entire league season, so he does count.

Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed Luis Suarez can have a leave of absence if he continues to struggle to adjust.

The club's £12million summer signing from Ajax had said in a post-match interview after his team's Carling Cup success over Leicester that he was struggling to adjust to life in the North East of England.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United at St. James' Park, Eriksson confirmed the club may consider giving Suarez a leave of absence if the struggle to adapt to English football continues.

He said, "Obviously, we want Luis to succeed but we also want our player to feel like he can do things to the best of his ability and if his form reaches the point where the feels he needs time off to help, then so be it.

"We hope it doesn't have to come this. I like Luis, who has shown some good moments since coming, and we all appreciate it can take time for players to adjust to England. We want him to succeed and so too would our supporters, who have so far been good to Luis and like us, want him to be a success.

"I talked over this with the boardroom and a month is available if we think he needs it. So far, we think he should be ok to play games and if he can follow up the goal he got against Leicester with some more then we think he should be able to adjust a bit better."

Newcastle play Manchester United seeking to continue a good start, which has seen them win four games out of their opening five in the Barclays Premier League.

Although Manchester United arrive in the North East on the back of four games without a win, Eriksson insists they will be tough opposition.

He said, "So far this season, Manchester United have started slowly, but just because they start slowly does not mean we can bank on them continuing that. We have to be aware that despite this poor form, they still have some highly talented players who will cause us problems.

"If we can get the victory then we have still done very well, and we do want the victory. We have made a very good start and we want to win every game we play, and have had a good week so far with the wins against Chelsea and Leicester. So another one will do very nicely for us."

Newcastle progressed into the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup after an easy victory over Championship side Leicester at St. James' Park.

First half strikes from Shola Ameobi and William Kvist gave Newcastle a lead that Leicester rarely looked like overcoming, before Luis Suarez added some gloss to the scoreline with a third goal late on in the contest.

Despite a number of players being rested by Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of their game against Manchester United, they were rarely troubled.

The game might have gone differently had Leicester taken the game's opening opportunity, which saw Paul Gallagher break free and see a drive superbly tipped away by Asmir Begovic.

Having rode out that one, Newcastle duly swept into the advantage. Kvist played a crisp ball out wide for Mikkel Thygesen, who broke free of Dean Lewington's attention and sent in a zipping low delivery to Ameobi, who gobbled it up.

A third goal of the campaign for the Newcastle number 23, who has certainly had a good start to justify his contract extension.

Fourteen minutes later and Newcastle scored a very nice second. Jose Enrique's throw-in was picked up by Alan Smith, and the captain picked out Kvist. In front of his watching national team manager, the Danish midfielder spun the ball around Michael Morrison and then whacked a powerful effort into the top corner.

A superb way for Kvist to force his way back into the first team picture following speculation he had played his last game for the club.

Leicester again had and then blew a chance to make things interesting, with Andy King seizing on Tamas Kadar's missed interception only to his his strike over the bar. But the visitor's chances were then damaged further when Gallagher limped out of action with what his manager Lee Clark later confirmed to be knee ligament damage.

Even despite that, the Foxes did have chances, only for Yann Kermorgant to clear the crossbar twice.

Newcastle almost killed the game off in first half injury time, with the ball dropping kindly for Ameobi, who forced a diving save from Chris Weale.

The visitors where then close again in the opening stages of the second half, with Kadar reaching a nicely delivered corner from Damien Duff only to head over the top.

Morrison wasn't far away from bringing Leicester back into it, but the centre back's header drifted beyond the wrong side of the post.

Weale then had to prevent his team from falling three down, with the goalkeeper blocking Thygesen's header.

Leicester were still searching for chances but not taking them, with Richie Wellens' free-kick deflected wide and Fryatt heading over.

But the Magpies were still looking for a third, and almost got it when Weale had to pull off a stretching dive to deny Jose Enrique.

Both goalkeepers then had to work their muscles, with Begovic denying Fryatt moments before Weale denied Thygesen's searching drive.

Weale then pulled off an even better stop, with the goalkeeper making a superb stop to tip substitute Suarez's drive onto the post and out of harm's way.

With 11 minutes to go, the Magpies then found themselves a third strike and duly ended the game as a contest. It came when James Rodriguez received the ball in the middle of the turf and laid it back for Kvist, who threaded it through for Suarez. Despite Jack Hobbs' frenzied appeal for offside, play continued and Suarez sent a spinning daisy cutter into the bottom corner.

A second Newcastle goal for the big money summer signing from Ajax, and his manager will hope it can start a scoring run.

Suarez missed a chance for a second late on but in truth the game was already won and Newcastle will book their place in Round Four after a very nice victory against the Foxes.

Newcastle: Begovic - Vanden Borre, Jones, Kadar, Jose Enrique (Vertonghen 81) - Kvist, Smith (Simpson 77) - Thygesen, Rodriguez, Duff - Ameobi (Suarez 64)
Subs not used: Krul, Elm, Donaldson, Dembele
Booked: Kadar

Scorer: Ameobi (13), Kvist (27), Suarez (79)

Leicester: Weale - Neilson (Stepanov 80), Morrison, Hobbs, Lewington - Contra, Wellens, King, Dyer - Gallagher (Fryatt 37), Kermorgant (Brown 80)
Subs not used: Lillis, O'Neill, Rogers, N'Guessan

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 47,499

There I was thinking they'd be among the favourites. Though in saying that I'm surprised Bristol City are doing so well after selling Sam Baldock, and that Leyton Orient's manager is already one game from the sack.

I have previously commented that I would tire of the "Moyes uses Newcastle to try and find redemption" stories if we appointed him but he can't do any worse than Pardew has. Hell, Pardew is clearly done and even some of those currently clubless would offer some - any - improvement.

I was averse to Pulis but now he definitely would help. But he wouldn't come to us because of the control over transfers issue, given that's part of the reason he left Crystal Palace in the first place.

Chris Hughton lasted the whole of the 2009/10 season. Top flight though, yes. He's also only the third Premier League-era manager after Keegan and Robson to manage three full seasons in a row.

For full-season I think you technically could count Glenn Roeder as well given he presided over the messy 2006/07 season apart from an utterly pointless final day draw with Watford, but I suppose you can't.

Steve Bruce has called it "disrespectful" that the media has been heavily linking him and Shearer as a new co-team to replace Pardew.

That would never happen - would mean paying compensation.

Both of Arsenal's goals were really good. Though how they contrived to give Man City a gift and then almost gave them another on 3 occasions afterwards is a bit much.

Its starting to feel like the longer Pardew stays, the likelier we are going to be relegated. Yes the players look clueless but with so many brand new players looking anonymous already, there are clearly major problems. The cretin has to go now.

Yes Ashley is a problem but right now Pardew is the bigger waste of space and time.

EDIT: I have also seen photos and Tweets saying John Carver tried to start a fight with some of the away fans. Surely that is justification for his removal as well.

Tony Gale is fucking annoying.