Number 1 - Comments

This time last year we lost four in a row - there's a pleasing similarity to our improvement in a way.

Well-thought win and certainly a hell of a belter from Sissoko. Its going well now - here's hoping it continues.

Didn't Twitter rumours a few weeks ago say he'd tested positive for cocaine or something?

Stoke are a tricky team to locate. Its probably on the borderline between Midlands and Northern England... North Midlands?

Johan Elmander scored the only goal as Bolton picked up a shock victory at Newcastle.

The Swede's goal after 14 minutes of the contest, coupled with some extremely wasteful Newcastle finishing, ensured that the Lancashire club returned over the Pennines with three points - their first on the road this season.

Although not quite as surprising as their 2-0 victory with nine men at St. James' Park in February, it now means that Bolton have won four games in a row against the Magpies, and also ends their unbeaten home record this season.

It was also a huge anti-climax for a sell-out crowd, who had been buoyed by victory over Manchester United last weekend and by a great start to the season for Sven-Goran Eriksson's Magpies team.

The fans had entered St. James' Park hopeful of another victory, but after a quiet opening, it was Bolton who struck home with the game's first opportunity.

A flowing move down the left flank saw Ricardo Gardner exchange a one-two with Paul Robinson before sending a smooth ball down the empty right flank to Elmander. The Swede got in ahead of both Newcastle centre-backs before firing a curling strike beyond Tim Krul into the top corner.

Bolton then blew further chances to make it two, with Sean Davis denied by Krul and Sam Ricketts seeing a flying effort narrowly fly over the top.

Newcastle's first real chance came after 28 minutes, but it was a close shave for the visitors, as Jussi Jaaskelainen made a brilliant save to deny Jonas Gutierrez.

Sensing a potential onslaught, Bolton closed ranks and duly began to stifle Newcastle's attacking instincts.

When Newcastle eventually began to pile on pressure, Jaaskelainen was able to deny dangerous crosses from William Kvist and Mario Mandzukic from finding teammates, before Adel Taarabt fired an effort into the crowd.

The Magpies thought they then should've had a penalty when Jonas went down under Ricketts' challenge, but the referee spotted a dive and booked the Argentine winger for simulation.

Despite his misdemeanors at the end of the first half, it was Jonas with Newcastle's first second half opportunity, and his flying effort forced a good stop out of the Bolton goalkeeper.

Jaaskelainen was not done there either, with the Finn making a superb stop to deny and hold onto Mandzukic's swerving strike.

But although Newcastle had the majority of the ball and repeatedly got into situations for a potential goal, the final killer ball was lacking. It then almost got worse when Bolton made a rare venture forward, but Kevin Davies couldn't keep his header below the crossbar.

With his last contribution before being subbed off, Taarabt blasted a strike waywardly over as Newcastle's frustration saw them begin to ratchet up a series of cheap bookings instead of shots.

Bolton almost sealed it when Fabrice Muamba saw a drive narrowly fly wide, while similarly inaccurate was Andy Carroll, as the Newcastle sub saw his header fly over and out.

But then the goalscorer came even closer to doubling his and Bolton's tally in style, with a superb Elmander volley forcing an equally impressive stop out of Krul.

Shola Ameobi then wasted two late chances as Newcastle ran out of ideas and, ultimately, time. A first home league defeat of the season will have been of great frustration to the home crowd and management, while Bolton will be gleeful to finally have that away win and to have secured it at the most unexpected of venues.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique (LuaLua 85) - Thygesen, Barton, Kvist (Ameobi 45), Jonas - Taarabt (Carroll 71) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Kadar, Edgar, Smith
Booked: Jose Enrique, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jonas, Barton, Mandzukic

Bolton: Jaaskelainen - Ricketts (Steinsson 45), O'Brien, Dervite, Robinson - Poulsen, Muamba, Basham, Davis (Davies 45), Gardner - Elmander
Subs not used: al-Habsi, Shittu, Hunt, Samuel, Abdessaki
Booked: Muamba

Scorer: Elmander (14)

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 56,387

The only ones that seem to rate him are Man United managers and the England team, because he's routinely up for selection despite being quite awful.

I was impressed with Adam Clayton's beard most of all from the footage I saw at the Wednesday-Huddersfield game. Well, that and the referee falling over.

As for the first Huddersfield goal, is there a story behind the mock-punch celebration?

Eh. It looked worse when he elbowed a Wigan player a few years back. But I daresay the clip I found was not the best quality.

Yup its now -2

When was the last time a team won 7-0 at two home games in a row?

Cheers

Hopefully we'll get a few more results like this one

Not as bad as Souness... but yes.

Aye whatever the plan was, it went out the window when Carroll got injured and then became perpetually injured. Carlton Cole and Mladen Petric are certainly not the back-up options needed. It is pointing to be a long and fairly bleak period unless West Ham figure out a way to score goals with 0 strikers. Something that - Spurs away aside - they don't seem to know.

Meanwhile, decent first half for Newcastle. Not so much the second but still, win's a win, we scored a corner in the league for the first time in 25 months and good afternoon for Shola. Always a plus.

As for Boruc...

A lone strike from Mikkel Thygesen was enough for Newcastle to edge out Manchester United.

The Dane's 14th minute effort ultimately decided an intriguingly tight contest at St. James' Park, and handed the home fans an instant tonic after defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

The result also means Newcastle keep second spot in the formative Premier League table, and also hands a first defeat of the Premier League campaign to Sir Alex Ferguson's visitors.

It was a much changed Red Devils side from the time that began their midweek Champions League draw with Celtic, but Ferguson looked to have sent his men out with the brief of securing victory at St. James' Park.

They made the early running with a powerful first-time effort from Wayne Rooney that was superbly denied by Tim Krul, and Newcastle's Dutch international goalkeeper then made an equally impressive stop to deny Rio Ferdinand from the corner.

But it was the Tyneside team with the opener. A Newcastle advance saw the ball make its way to ex-Red Devil Danny Simpson, who was able to play in Joey Barton. He was able to pick out Thygesen, who hit a low and powerful strike into the bottom corner.

The Dane, who won the September Goal of the Month for his spectacular strike at Chelsea a few weeks ago, showed off his impressive range of scoring achievements with another good strike here.

Newcastle were close moments after this when Damien Duff was picked out by Mario Mandzukic only to fail take advantage of the opportunity presented to him.

A poor opening half-hour for the away team then got worse when they lost Patrice Evra to injury, after the French full back went down and stayed down, and had to be removed from the field of play.

Despite this setback, the visitors still had an opportunity only for Dimitar Berbatov to fluff his lines.

Much closer was Kevin Nolan, with the Newcastle midfielder seeing a swerving effort punched away by Edwin van der Saar.

But Man United should've been level moments before half-time, with Krul making a flying stop to deny Ryan Giggs and Berbatov somehow wasting the rebound.

Although they would enter the half level, Newcastle fans wouldn't enter it that happy, with Mandzukic shown a yellow card for diving when he looked to have been fouled by Ferdinand.

Their mood was almost soured further, when Rooney was played clean through, only for the former Everton striker to dispatch his effort into the crowd.

Sebastien Bassong should've done better when he rose to meet Joey Barton's inswinging cross after the visitors had only half-cleared a corner, but Man United should have equalised when Berbatov picked up the ball only to somehow miss when it seemed easier to score.

John O'Shea then sent an effort wide, as did Simpson as both teams began to accumulate missed opportunities.

With a lull then occurring in proceedings, the away team were fuming when a hefty tackle from Barton left Rooney needing physio attention. This was punished with a yellow card, and not with the red cards that Newcastle seem to have a problem with receiving.

Giggs should've done better with a poor free-kick that sailed wide, while an effort from Duff was similarly inaccurate.

Closer then both was Rooney, but the England international's free-kick flew a smidgeon over the top and into the Gallowgate End.

Man United then felt a penalty should have been awarded for a challenge by Steven Taylor on Rooney, but they had to make do with the shot instead, only for Ji-Sung Park to get his strike over the top.

Jonas Gutierrez then blew two chances to wrap the game up late on, with his first deflected wide and his second halted by a fantastic stop from Edwin van der Saar.

But not even four minutes of second-half stoppage time could save them from slumping to a poor performance in defeat to the Magpies. This will suit the Magpies faithful, who were toasting a good success against the highly rated Red Devils as they seek to prove they can challenge for European football this season.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Nolan (Smith 70), Duff (Edgar 90) - Thygesen - Mandzukic (Carroll 82)
Subs not used: Harper, Ryan Taylor, Kvist, Ameobi
Booked: Nolan, Mandzukic

Scorer: Thygesen (14)

Manchester United: van der Saar - O'Shea (Brown 89), Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra (Evans 29) - Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs (Scholes 89) - Berbatov, Rooney
Subs not used: Foster, Hargreaves, Welbeck, Owen
Booked: Carrick

Referee: Stuart Tanner
Attendance: 56,387

Robin van Persie scored the only goal as Arsenal edged out Newcastle and ended the visitors' unbeaten record.

The Dutchman's strike 11 minutes from time was the only goal of the highly anticipated clash between a Gunners team aiming for a return to the Champions League and the previously-unbeaten Magpies.

This strike ultimately settled the contest between the two teams, which meant Arsenal went home avoiding a third defeat of the season, and instead inflicted a first Premier League defeat on Sven-Goran Eriksson's visitors.

The Magpies had begun the weekend top of the table, and had hoped the return of their top scorer Adel Taarabt would help them secure their first win away at Arsenal since 2001.

They did have the game's first opportunity when Mikkel Thygesen saw a fizzing free-kick well denied by Manuel Almunia.

But Arsenal then began curating a series of attempts to find a way through. They weren't having too much luck with it, with last-ditch defending from David Edgar denying van Persie from reaching an Andrey Arshavin cross, while Samir Nasri and Phillipe Senderos were both unable to find the target with efforts.

Much closer was Jakub Blaszczykowski, who sent in a strong half-volley that was well saved by Tim Krul.

Newcastle's Dutch goalkeeper was also on hand to deny Nasri, while William Gallas headed wide as the Gunners had the vast majority of opportunities and chance creation.

But with Arsenal racking up a series of missed opportunities, the home crowd began to feel paranoid of the sucker punch and it almost came when Taarabt was picked out and tried his luck with a chance that just touched the top of the bar on its way into the crowd.

Having survived that, Arsenal then began the second half continuing to be in charge. A swift curler from van Persie saw him just dab the top of the bar on the way over.

The game however soon ran out of steam, which allowed Newcastle firstly to neutralise Arsenal's attacking threat and then begin to construct a few attempts of their own.

A superb fingertip stop from Almunia denied Kevin Nolan when Newcastle broke through, and they were again unlucky when the goalkeeper denied Jonas Gutierrez.

But then, Arsenal constructed themselves a goal. A foul by Danny Simpson on Gael Clichy gave the hosts a free-kick, and the delivery was deflected off Joey Barton to van Persie, who tapped the ball beyond his compatriot Krul and into the goal.

The sight of the ball in the net sent the home crowd into raptures, and they almost had more to cheer moments later when Krul denied Alex Song a fine solo effort.

But the visitors provided a warning they were not out of it, with Mario Mandzukic playing in Thygesen only for the Dane to be denied by Almunia.

However, Arsenal were still creating chances. But they weren't taking them, with Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky wasting some decent chances.

The closest that they did get saw Eduardo head a poor effort straight at Krul.

The closest Newcastle came to a late equaliser came when Shola Ameobi cue up fellow sub William Kvist, who beat Almunia but could only see his effort dab the top of the bar on its way into the stands.

This was the end of the road for the Magpies, who return to the North East beaten in the league for the first time this season. By contrast, Arsenal will be relieved to have secured a good three point haul against tough opponents, and will be hopeful to build up their campaign from here.

Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy - Nasri (Rosicky 70), Song, Fabregas - Blaszczykowski (Eduardo 77), van Persie, Arshavin
Subs not used: Fabianski, Eboue, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela
Booked: Fabregas

Scorer: van Persie (69)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Jose Enrique - Thygesen (Kvist 86), Barton, Nolan (Carroll 86), Jonas - Taarabt (Ameobi 78) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Bassong, Kadar, Duff
Booked: Simpson, Steven Taylor, Nolan

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,361

An early strike from Carlos Tevez saw Manchester City edge out Newcastle in the Carling Cup Third Round.

The Argentine international grabbed an early strike inside the opening ten minutes to settle the game at St. James' Park, although in truth City had the majority of the ball and chances, and on another day could have had further strikes on target.

Nevertheless, Mark Hughes will be relieved to have avoided a banana skin against the Premier League leaders, as his team seek to win the trophy.

City had made the game's early running, and missed one early chance when Emmanuel Adebayor headed one wide. Even before the ten minute mark was out, City created another chance and made the most of it.

Stephen Ireland received a pass from the back and laid it off for Kolo Toure. The defender played it through for Tevez, who held off David Edgar before smashing a strike home from 25 yards.

Tevez then missed a strike from similar range, but Newcastle then almost surprised City with their first effort, which saw Adel Taarabt have a powerful shot tipped onto the post by ex-Magpie Shay Given.

City then returned to having control, but being unable to do much with it. Joleon Lescott and Robinho were both unable to direct headers on target, Darijo Srna saw a free-kick deflected narrowly wide, another Srna effort was denied by Steve Harper and Robinho sent the rebound into the side-netting.

Newcastle's best chance fell to Danny Simpson, who was first to a half-cleared corner but unable to keep his rebound on target.

City were still having the majority of chances but remained unable to do much with it, with Tevez and Ireland both missing efforts.

This trend continued when a chance eventually occurred in the second half, but it was wasted by Adebayor.

But for the St. James' Park crowd, their heroes' attempts to get back into the contest were proving frustrating, with the team providing little evidence of a return into the contest.

Knowing Newcastle were doing little to threaten them, City begun to take things easy, with the men from Manchester able to soak up Newcastle pressure without requiring to find another goal.

A poor second half saw what little chances created fall the way of the visitors, with Adebayor heading one over and Ireland denied by Harper.

Adebayor then wasted two more opportunities in second half added time, but City had done enough. The away men will feel they should have done more with their possession and opportunities, but progress to a Round Four tie against Birmingham City as they seek to prove the Arab billions are finally making an impact.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Kadar - Kvist, Barton, Thygesen, Duff (Jonas 85) - Taarabt (Mandzukic 67) - Ameobi (Carroll 67)
Subs not used: Krul, Ryan Taylor, Tozer, Nolan
Booked: Steven Taylor, Kadar, Barton

Man City: Given - Srna (Jovetic 88), Toure, Lescott, Bridge - Wright-Phillips (Barry 57), Ireland, de Jong, Robinho (Richards 72) - Adebayor, Tevez
Subs not used: Carrizo, Zabaleta, Onuoha, Gharbi

Scorer: Tevez (9)

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 56,387

Surely if they did then that France kit just posted would have blue shorts, or the England kit would have white shorts.

Seems like some idiocy from adidas.

Shola Ameobi came off the bench to score the only goal as Newcastle survived yet another red card to see off Blackburn.

Newcastle's longest serving outfield player came off the bench to net the only goal of the game 13 minutes from the end of a niggly contest at St. James' Park to preserve the Magpies' unbeaten Premier League record and keep them top of the table.

But the Magpies' disciplinary problem reared its head again, with Jose Enrique shown a red card in second half stoppage time to blot the copybook on what had been a good afternoon.

Nevertheless, victory was still in the bag for the home team, who now have five wins from their opening six league games.

The home team had some of the early running, with David Edgar heading over from a free-kick.

Nicola Kalinic fired Blackburn's first chance over, while at the other end Paul Robinson made a decent stop to deny Jonas Gutierrez.

Despite the Magpies making the early running, Blackburn then began to keep their attackers quiet. They then began to construct a few opportunities as the half progressed only for Reid and Kalinic to miss them.

Newcastle were still closer, with Robinson making a slick stop to deny Mario Mandzukic and Edgar seeing a header fly a few inches over.

But Blackburn were still having chances, with Kalinic forcing a firm stop out of Tim Krul.

Alan Smith's search for a first Newcastle goal saw him blast one wide, while a decent Robinson stop denied Mandzukic.

Neither side however were close in the end of the half, and profligacy remained in the early stages of the second half as Robinson denied Jonas.

Mandzukic then fired into the crowd, while Christopher Samba was also unable to get his own header on target.

Robinson was able to make a decent stop to deny Tamas Kadar, and then a better one to deny Mandzukic as the home team began to turn the heat up on the away team.

The breakthrough then came soon enough. The ball was picked up by Mikkel Thygesen, who held the ball up for Joey Barton. His ball forward was collected by home sub Ameobi, who was unmarked and able to finish the strike home for his first goal of the Premier League season.

Robinson then denied Ameobi as Blackburn attempted not to fold and see their chances of a point fully disappear.

With second half injury time ongoing, Blackburn then got a further reprieve when Newcastle had yet another sending off. A foul by Jose Enrique on visiting sub Alan Judge was his second bookable offence, which had a follow up card as inevitable as it has been predictable for Newcastle recently.

Despite this, Blackburn were unable to find a way back into the affair and lost out yet again. Meanwhile, the Magpies remain top of the Premier League table as well as the table of poor discipline, and their status will give them confidence ahead of upcoming games with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Edgar, Kadar, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Smith (Barton 45), Thygesen, Duff - Nolan (Ameobi 66) - Mandzukic (Ryan Taylor 90)
Subs not used: Harper, Tozer, Kvist, Carroll
Booked: Jose Enrique, Jonas, Smith, Nolan
Sent Off: Jose Enrique (90+2)

Scorer: Ameobi (77)

Blackburn: Robinson - Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Givet - Grindheim, N'Zonzi (Khizanishvilli 84), Reid - Diouf, Kalinic (McCarthy 66), Gamst Pedersen (Judge 78)
Subs not used: van Fessem, Jacobsen, Pernia, Flynn
Booked: Samba, N'Zonzi

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 54,437

We're now up to 13 for the series, and having played a few months in advance, you can be safely assured there's still a few more red cards to follow.

I think I should be worried.

That was amazing - we had two centre backs dismissed, another injured, a right back in the middle of the back four and having to use wingers as full backs, so after all that I thought the last half hour would see Chelsea rip us to shreds. But apparently not.

Funny old game innit?

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has said Fabricio Coloccini will spend time out of the first team following his second red card of the season.

The Argentine defender was one of two players dismissed during Newcastle's victory at Chelsea, but Coloccini has already been dismissed once this season after he was sent off during Newcastle's victory over Wolves in mid-August.

Eriksson has previously called for his team to improve their discipline, which saw them deliver ten red cards in all competitions last season, and has said players with multiple red cards can expect time out of the first team.

Following his offence, Eriksson said he will indeed spend time out of the first team.

He said: "Earlier this season, when we as a team met up, I said I would not tolerate another season of ill-discipline.

"If we are to finish as high as we can in the league, we cannot afford to continuously receive red cards, no matter what if we feel they are unwarranted or not.

"I said players that receive multiple red cards will have to spend time out of the first team so we can work on what the hell is going on. Fabricio's first red card against Wolves was harsh, but this was a stupid challenge today, and I think he will be taken out of the first team for a little while. He may come back at some point but for the moment, we will wait and see.

"Steven (Taylor, who was also dismissed) knows the score and if he receives another red card, he will be subject to a similar period out of first team duties. We cannot go on like this and at some point we have to address this issue."

Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 thanks to first half strikes from Mario Mandzukic and Mikkel Thygesen, despite the visitors only managing five efforts to Chelsea's 23, and Sven said he was very impressed with the strikes.

He said: "The stats will say Chelsea had more efforts but the fact is we defended very well, even with players missing. Plus ultimately the ball has to go in. We scored two beautiful goals that are goal of the month contenders, while Chelsea did not get past Tim Krul. Therefore, on that basis, we got a fine victory.

"We have made a good start to the campaign, and I am hopeful we can continue this."

Superb Mario Mandzukic and Mikkel Thygesen strikes helped nine man Newcastle secure a surprise victory at Chelsea.

The Croatian hit a fine individual effort on the counter-attack early into the game, and then a flying long-range effort from Thygesen scored a second goal later in the first half.

Newcastle's second half was hit when they saw Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini both sent off but they held out during the final half an hour of play to secure their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1986, and ensured a quick return to the top of the Premier League.

The Magpies arrived in London missing the injured Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton, but nevertheless the visitors secured the opening goal in the early stages. Thygesen cleared a corner out to Damien Duff, who sprayed a 40 yard ball forward up top to Mandzukic. The Croatian was one-on-one with John Obi Mikel, but ran rings around the Nigerian to reach the penalty box. He then rounded Petr Cech and scored a slick effort into the bottom corner to conclude a magnificent solo strike.

Didier Drogba missed an effort shortly after to equalise when he headed over, while Thygesen was similarly inaccurate at the other end of the pitch.

Cech had to make a straight forward stop to deny Mandzukic, but Dider Drogba and Demba Ba were both unable to get equalisers.

Chelsea were still having problems with accuracy, with Elano and Michael Ballack both unable to get strikes away as the Blues were unable place strikes on target.

A poor effort from Drogba then flew off target, while Ba was denied by Tim Krul as the home side had strong pressure. But then the visitors surprised their hosts with a second sucker-punch from 30 yards.

The ball was played out wide to Duff, who was able to keep the ball up for Jose Enrique. The Spanish full-back kept the ball moving down the left flank of the pitch before laying the ball off for Thygesen. The Danish midfielder then hit a magnificent curling strike from 30 yards into the top corner.

This took the sting out of Chelsea's attacking capability, with very little in the way of opportunities created as the half came to a close. The only real chances fell to Ba, who saw one denied by Krul and another land in the Shed End, as Chelsea knew they had to drastically improve for the second half.

Chelsea did have an early chance in the second half when Frank Lampard was denied by Krul, but they were presented a man advantage. Two silly challenges by Taylor on Drogba in the first six minutes of the second half duly earned him a red card six minutes into the second half.

Newcastle modified their system with Coloccini introduced instead of Jose Enrique and Duff being deployed at left back, and Chelsea almost came back into it when Deco was denied by Krul.

But ten minutes after his introduction, Coloccini's afternoon was ended. An awful challenge by the Argentine defender on Ba left the Senegal striker on a stretcher and Coloccini earning a dismissal, thus reducing Newcastle even further to nine men.

Deco then hit the side netting as Chelsea fans begun to sense that they had a window of opportunity back into the contest. A diving header from the Portugal midfielder was then denied by a wonderful Krul save, and Mikel saw two efforts fly off target as the Blues tried to search for the goal back.

But the nine men were holding firm, even after another defensive readjustment after Sebastien Bassong picked up an injury. This led to Jonas and Duff as full-backs, while an unorthodox centre back pairing of Danny Simpson and David Edgar was called upon to keep Chelsea out.

Chelsea were still not looking like scoring, with Deco hitting an effort off target and Ricardo Carvalho heading one effort straight at Krul as Newcastle dug deeper and deeper.

Krul was again equal to a flying strike from Deco, who had hit one wide a few moments earlier, while John Terry headed over and Frank Lampard hit one wide as Chelsea began to realise their efforts were going to go unrewarded.

Sure enough, they were and Chelsea will be fuming they did not do enough with their two man advantage, as the side ultimately failed to recover from two spectacular first half sucker punches.

Despite a return of their ill-discipline, Newcastle were nevertheless happy to secure a fine victory in London.

Chelsea: Cech - Bosingwa, Geromel (Carvalho 45), Terry, Cole - Mikel - Elano (Deco 51), Ballack - Lampard - Drogba, Ba (Anelka 61)
Subs not used: Hilario, Zhirkov, Buonanotte, Donovan
Booked: Bosingwa

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong (Lovenkrands 73), Jose Enrique (Coloccini 52) - Jonas, Smith (Edgar 62), Thygesen, Duff - Nolan - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Kvist, Ameobi, Carroll
Booked: Steven Taylor, Jonas, Duff, Smith
Sent Off: Steven Taylor (51), Coloccini (61)

Scorer: Mandzukic (5), Thygesen (33)

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 40,907

Adel Taarabt scored the only goal as Newcastle squeezed past West Ham at St. James' Park.

The Moroccan's fourth goal in as many games since moving to the North East ultimately proved the difference in a closely-thought contest, and ensured Newcastle sit top of the league going into the international break.

This is in stark contrast to a West Ham side that are currently without a win in the Premier League this season, and defeat here will not help end speculation over manager Gianfranco Zola's future.

A largely poor Hammers side should have been down to ten men inside five minutes, when Radoslav Kovac somehow received only a booking for a reckless two-footed lunge on Newcastle's Steven Taylor.

The home team were creating chances but not taking them. A deflection took William Kvist's effort on target, while Sebastien Bassong was denied by Matt Murray at the resulting corner.

Kvist and Taylor both flung chances wide of the mark, and West Ham almost made them pay, only for Tim Krul to make a superb stop to deny Carlton Cole from close range.

A quiet half saw Newcastle have most of the ball, and they almost got reward with five minutes of the half remaining, when Mario Mandzukic saw a firm header rattle the bar and Kvist fire wide from the rebound.

Julien Faubert saw a free-kick deflected wide as West Ham then had some pressure, and Cole got close when his header struck the bar. He was certainly closer than the hapless Kovac, whose last act before his removal at half-time was to fire a rebound volley out for a Newcastle throw-in.

The opening part of the second half saw Newcastle angered by the referee, after Damien Duff was taken out in the area by Jonathan Spector and ended up requiring treatment on the sidelines.

Both sides were creating opportunities, but were failing to take them. Matt Murray had to make routine stops to deny Taarabt and Mandzukic, while Krul was on hand to deny Mark Noble and Jack Collison saw a strike deflected wide.

Newcastle then came very close to the advantage when Murray elected to punch away Jonas Gutierrez's strike and only last gasp defending from Matt Upson denied Andy Carroll a seemingly nailed on goal. Then, with their next attack, only a superb Murray stop denied Carroll's fizzing strike from finding the net.

But if it was a warning for the Hammers, they didn't heed it. Joey Barton found Carroll, who laid the ball off out wide for Jose Enrique. The Spanish full back's cross flew across the goal to Taarabt, who struck a superb first-time volley into the top corner.

Taarabt is continuing to provide vindication for the surprise move to bring him to St. James' Park after he was released by Spurs, and his fourth goal of the season was the vital breakthrough Newcastle needed.

Accuracy proved a problem for both teams, with Collison and Taylor both wasting chances.

But ultimately West Ham offered little response and could've fallen further behind in second-half stoppage time had Coloccini not headed over the bar.

It was poor from the Hammers, who must do better if they are going to avoid a relegation battle, and Zola looked visibly irritated at the end.

The home side, on the other hand, will be pleased with their night's work, and will be pleased to see their team occupy a lofty position, even at this early stage.

Newcastle: Krul - Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Kvist, Duff (Carroll 60) - Taarabt (Ameobi 84) - Mandzukic (Edgar 90)
Subs not used: Harper, Kadar, Nolan, Thygesen
Booked: Jose Enrique

Scorer: Taarabt (67)

West Ham: Murray - Spector, Radoi (Tomkins 73), Upson, Ball - Kovac (Noble 45) - Faubert (Behrami 79), Collison - Parker - Cole, Diamanti
Subs not used: Bouzanis, Gabbidon, Cook, Zalayeta
Booked: Kovac

Referee: Phil Crossley
Attendance: 53,253

An early goal from Mikkel Thygesen was enough for Newcastle to edge out Walsall in the Carling Cup second round.

A poor game at St. James' Park was ultimately settled by the Dane's second minute strike, although Newcastle fans will feel that the Premier League side could have given them more opportunities to cheer.

Ultimately, however, Sven-Goran Eriksson will be pleased to avoid an upset and have progressed into Round Three. It was disappointing though for Walsall, who managed no shots on target in the whole game and take a notable scalp.

The vital goal ultimately came within 120 seconds of kick-off. Alan Smith received a pass from the back and laid the ball off for Kevin Nolan, who played it up top to Andy Carroll. The giant Geordie striker played a low ball on the floor to Thygesen, who hit a crisp shot into the bottom corner.

Walsall almost stunned St. James' Park a few moments later when full back Netan Sansara hit a swerving free-kick that beat Steve Harper but hit the bar and went out.

By contrast, the closest the home crowd had to seeing a second saw Carroll head over.

For the most part, the visitors from the West Midlands were doing well to keep the much-changed Newcastle side quiet, but they were almost breached just shy of the half hour and it took a flying stop from away goalkeeper Joe Anyon to deny him.

Anyon also made a firm stop to deny Peter Lovenkrands, who also sent two efforts off target, and Kevin Nolan was also unable to turn a good solo run into a goal when he shot wide.

Walsall almost paid their hosts pay but blew their chance when Cillian Sherdian hit the post.

Sansara came close with another free-kick that went marginally off target, while Fabricio Coloccini was similarly inaccurate at the other end.

Despite the visitors hinting at promise, it was Anyon who was first into action in the second half, when the keeper made a flying stop to deny a piledriver from Smith.

However, neither side was able to create anything resembling an attack for vast swathes of the half.

Indeed, the game somehow managed half an hour without a clear cut opportunity. When one did come with only nine minutes to go, it was wasted by Mark Bradley.

Kazenga LuaLua wasted a chance late on to give Newcastle a second but in the end they did just enough to make progression, and will take on Manchester City in Round 3.

Newcastle: Harper - Ryan Taylor (Steven Taylor 53), Coloccini, Edgar, Kadar - Thygesen, Smith, Nolan (Barton 74), LuaLua (Duff 89) - Carroll, Lovenkrands
Subs not used: Krul, Tozer, Taarabt, Mandzukic
Booked: Nolan

Scorer: Thygesen (2)

Walsall: Anyon - Weston, Smith, Hughes, Sansara - Nicholls (Adomah 72), Taundrey, Bradley, Mattis, Richards - Sherdian
Subs not used: Beattie, Westlake, Grandison, Carlisle, Fernandez, Grigg

Referee: Andy Penn
Attendance: 31,280

I'm really not sure why it has white shorts, or why Spain have red shorts with their strip now. Is there some form of FIFA decree or adidas fuck-up or... what's the deal?

Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone

Its like the principle from St. James' Park being renamed the Sports Direct Arena only for nobody to call it that, or at least seriously.

Kevin Kilbane scored a late deflected equaliser to give Hull a share of the points against Newcastle at the KC Stadium.

It had looked as though Newcastle were set to take home a third win from three this season after Adel Taarabt's second-half strike.

Kamel Ghilas had equalised a first half effort from Jonas Gutierrez, but it looked as though the points would be travelling back up the North East coast until Kilbane's late intervention.

It was a second good point in a row for the Tigers, who drew at Manchester United in midweek and provides a good platform from a tricky run of fixtures.

This was also the first meeting of the two since Newcastle stayed up on the final day in 2009 at Hull's expense, despite Hull taking four points off Newcastle during the campaign and even knocking the Magpies out of the FA Cup.

The visiting supporters arrived in fine voice mocking the circumstances of their team's survival and almost had more to cheer, but for a fine stop from Boaz Myhill to deny Mario Mandzukic.

Newcastle lost Danny Guthrie to an early injury, and almost lost their level status, only for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to fire over and former Magpie defender Abdoluaye Faye to see a header just skim the top of the bar on its way into the stand.

Hull then came even closer when Vennegoor of Hesselink rose to a cross with a powerful header, only to be denied by Tim Krul. Within moments of this, they duly fell behind.

A ball from the back by Ryan Taylor picked out substitute Kevin Nolan, who was able to hold the ball up before playing in Taarabt. The Moroccan was able to lay it off for Jonas, who advanced before picking his spot and kicking the ball into it.

Kamil Zayatte looked incensed as he felt the Argentine winger had strayed beyond the last man, but his one man protest couldn't inspire the referee changing his mind.

The Magpies were even closer to a second within the following moments, with William Kvist denied by Myhill and Steven Taylor heading over from the following corner.

Jimmy Bullard and Vennegoor of Hesselink both blew opportunities, while Nolan was similarly profligate at the other end of the pitch.

But just as the seconds ending the half were ticking past, the Tigers got level. Nathan Doyle played the ball down the flank for Bernard Mendy, who advanced and was able to cue the ball up for Ghilas. The striker was able to receive possession and place a firm shot beyond the grasp of Krul.

This inspired Hull fans, who felt their team could strike a decisive blow in the opening stages of the half, but to their surprise, Newcastle grabbed a goal of their own seven minutes into the second half.

Ryan Taylor was again allowed to go on an unchecked run with the ball down the right hand side, and he was able to play a forward pass for Mandzukic. The Croatian played in a good pass for Taarabt to run onto, where he proceeded to fire a strike past Myhill and into the corner.

Newcastle were close again moments later, when Joey Barton's superb curler struck a post and Myhill made a great rearguard stop to deny Jonas.

Myhill was still needed to make the stops, with the goalkeeper making a good double stop to deny Jonas and Ryan Taylor as Newcastle searched for a goal to kill the game off.

They thought they had it with 27 minutes to go when William Kvist turned home Jonas' cross, only for the Dane to be denied his first Newcastle goal by the offside flag.

A flying Myhill stop to deny Mandzukic was also required as Newcastle continued to look the likelier to find the net, and Sebastien Bassong headed over from the following corner as the pressure continued.

But Hull came close to surprising the visitors, when Craig Fagan burst free in the penalty box only to hit the post.

Myhill then had to be called upon to deny Taarabt as Hull looked to avoid being put out of the contest, and he was needed again moments later to make a flying stop to deny Ryan Taylor.

It looked as though Newcastle had run out of steam in their quest for a third, but it also looked like Hull would be unable to find an equaliser until they struck with 89 minutes on the clock.

A free-kick was awarded for a foul by Nolan on Dean Marney, which was flung in by substitute Andy Dawson. The free-kick was cleared back to the full-back, who was able to pass the ball along to Kilbane. His long-range effort travelled towards goal and went in via a deflection off Jose Enrique on the line.

Newcastle searched for a third goal but could not find in the closing stages of the contest, and were frustrated against the Tigers yet again.

But Hull will be delighted to have secured their first home Premier League point since returning to the top flight, and will be especially pleased to have secured it despite having been on the end of pressure for the most part of the contest.

Hull: Myhill - Doyle, Faye, Zayatte, Easton (Dawson 58) - Mendy, Boateng, Bullard (Marney 72), Kilbane - Vennegoor of Hesselink (Fagan 67), Ghilas
Subs not used: Walker, Diba, Jenner, Garcia
Booked: Faye, Boateng

Scorer: Ghilas (45+1), Kilbane (88)

Newcastle: Krul - Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Kvist (Edgar 70), Barton, Guthrie (Nolan 11), Jonas - Taarabt (Duff 88) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Kadar, Ameobi, Carroll
Booked: Nolan

Scorer: Jonas (29), Taarabt (52)

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 25,404

Racist... don't know. Stupid, yes.

Guessing he'll be in charge by Christmas.

Tbh I think if the expansion hadn't gone ahead I would've had the budget to sign Luis Suarez.

Maybe next year, eh? See if we can get Europe... could happen. I hope.

Thanks. Let's hope we can continue the good time...

Mario Mandzukic scored twice as ten man Newcastle beat Wolves to make it two wins from two.

An edgy first half eventually saw Newcastle make the breakthrough when Jonas Gutierrez scored the first goal at the newly-expanded St. James' Park, to the delight of the home supporters.

Mandzukic added a second but it wasn't plain sailing for home supporters, after Fabricio Coloccini was sent off with 20 minutes of the contest to go.

But any hope Wolves had of taking an unlikely point home with them were dashed when Mandzukic scored a stunning second four minutes from time.

It was heartache for the travelling Wolves fans, whose team earned a lot of praise after their spirited fightback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Manchester United in their opening clash.

Seeking to avoid repeating a first half where the Red Devils tore them to pieces, Wolves began defensively and despite niggling injuries, held on until Mandzukic ran onto Joey Barton's through ball and slotted home.

Mercifully for the visitors, the offside flag had risen against the Croatian striker, so the goal didn't stand.

Newcastle were further annoyed by the refereeing when a penalty wasn't awarded for what looked to be a foul by Nenad Milijas on Mandzukic, and Wolves almost hit them with a sucker punch, only for Martin Olsson to fluff his lines.

Stefan Maeirhofer was similarly unable to find the target, as was Mandzukic, but Wolves had the first chance on target when Tim Krul was forced into a stop to deny Maeirhofer.

Wolves' keeper Wayne Hennessey was forced into a save of his own moments later when Mandzukic let fly, but the visitors had a blow when Mark Randall pulled up injured and had to be subbed off.

Things then got worse for the visitors when Newcastle scored the game's opening goal four minutes before half-time.

Tal Ben-Haim's clearance from an initial cross only went out to Sebastien Bassong, who laid the ball off for Jonas to chase. The Argentine got there first and then drilled the ball home for his first goal of the new season.

He almost had a second just before half time when his firm effort was denied by Hennessey, while Danny Guthrie saw a shot deflected wide as Newcastle began to have most of the ball.

A quieter second half eventually saw Newcastle grab themselves a second. Steven Taylor's ball down the flank picked out Jonas, who teed up Mandzukic. The Croatian needed no second invitation to run free of his marker and fire a slick strike into the bottom corner.

Mandzukic scored 20 Premier League goals in his first season on Tyneside, and this goal opened his league account for the new season.

However, Wolves were not out of it. Sub Andy Keogh hit one that Krul halted, while Andrew Surman was unlucky to see his effort go wide. The visitors then felt they had a way back when Newcastle received yet another red card.

Coloccini had already been booked when he tripped up Maeirhofer, and he was duly given a second yellow and with it, his marching orders.

This necessitated a reshuffle for the Toon, who then began to face Wolves pressure when Maeirhofer and Keogh hit efforts wide.

Having survived a penalty appeal for an alleged foul by Steven Taylor on Christophe Berra, Krul then bailed his team out with a superb shot to tip Keogh's strike onto the bar and out of play.

But Wolves simply couldn't get a foothold, and duly conceded a third four minutes from time.

Guthrie hit a pass out wide to Jose Enrique, who played it down the line for Jonas. He teed up Mandzukic, who broke free before hitting a superb angled effort into the top corner to secure the three points in style.

Wolves had no answer to this. They knew the game was up and that once again, they would be returning from the North East on the back of a 3-0 hiding. But it was delight for the home crowd, who christened the newly expanded St. James' Park in style with a good display and victory.

Newcastle: Krul - Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton (Nolan 58), Guthrie, Duff (Kvist 69) - Taarabt (Ryan Taylor 69) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Harper, Kadar, Ameobi, Carroll
Booked: Barton, Coloccini
Sent Off: Coloccini (69)

Scorer: Jonas (41), Mandzukic (59, 86)

Wolves: Hennessey - Foley, Ben-Haim, Berra, Elokobi - Halford (Keogh 60), Randall (Surman 47), Zubar (Stearman 66), Milijas, Olsson - Maeirhofer
Subs not used: Dudek, Mouyokolo, Little, Edwards

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 56,304