Newcastle controlled large periods of the game and were clinical in front of goal which will be a sigh of relief for fans and Alan Pardew as both strikers Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands got on the score sheet and powered United to victory.

It was Lovenkrands who got Newcastle off to a terrific start when he converted a good cross from Jonas Gutierrez on the half volley past Blues goalkeeper Ben Foster after just 2 minutes.

Gutierrez was once again the provider for the second goal as his great dummy allowed him time and space to pick out a splendid cross which Leon Best jumped over two defenders to score United’s second on the 50th minute mark and this allowed a bit of breathing space between the two sides.

Birmingham did have some half chances from set pieces. Most notably from a corner which Zigic headed the ball straight into Steve Harpers hands. However, throughout the game Newcastle were able to pass the ball around the on a poor pitch and in the end were too good defensively for Birmingham as the whole team limited the Blues chances.

All in all, a great three points, a great performance, a great start to a two week break for Newcastle.

Player Ratings:

Harper: 7 – Controlled his area a lot better tonight and was a lot quicker with his distribution.

Simpson: 7 - Apart of a solid back line which looked very safe. Also a great strong tackle in the second half.

Williamson: 7 - Started a bit shaky but then we all started to see the Big Mike that we know and love and the one who dominated Samba at Blackburn. Did another terrific good job on Zigic tonight.

Coloccini 7 - Similar to Williamson. Just an all around good performance apart from given the ball away a couple of times early on but thats just nit picking on my behalf.

Enrique 7 – Got caught out a couple of times with the ball, but was very solid defensively overall. Lacked the same attacking prowess we saw at Blackburn.

Barton 7 – Solid, workman like performance, nothing really to comment on other than some good wing play in this game.

Tiote 8 - Tiote, once again, bossed the midfield. His patience on the ball and drive and determination are a pleasure to watch. Great game.

Nolan 6 - I feel a bit harsh handing out a 6 here. Nolan didn’t make any mistakes but he wasn’t notable in the game either.

Gutierrez 8 - Set up both goals with astute crosses. Looked great running at the Birmingham back four. I like this Jonas.

Lovenkrands 7 - Got his goal, all you can ask. Threatened a couple of times after that too. Good game.

Best 8 – Five goals now in the Premier League for Leon. Took his goal well tonight and also dominated in the air.

Subs:

Ranger 6 - Wasn’t spectacular when he came on but did a job. Not enough time really.

Guthrie 6 – Similar to Ranger, filled a gap, completed a task, done a job.

Campbell 6 – Nice to see Sol back on the field and looking fit. Hardly on the pitch though so no rating is really realistic.

Overall, a good win. A two week rest for the lads now and they deserve it.

Newcastle are set to name an unchanged side from the weekend, consequently, this means the strike force of Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands is set to continue with other options such as Nile Ranger and Shefki Kuqi on the bench. Danny Simpson is also set to start after coming off at the end of the Blackburn game with cramp.

For Birmingham, Newcastle old boy Obafemi Martins is in contention to start after completing a six month loan deal to the Blues. Other old boys like Stephen Carr and Lee Bowyer are also set to feature. City are also a somewhat of draw specialists at home with 7 draws.

United can go into the game in high spirits not because of their recent good performances but due to their great record at St. Andrews having not lost any of their last 6 at the home of the Blues.

This rearranged game is that of high importance due to the consequence of a win for United, should it occur. Newcastle could end up overtaking Stoke into 9th and set up another big game against Bolton at home on the 26th February which could see United leap into 7th place if results go their way.

Many are expecting a close game with little goals, one can only hope that Newcastle can take the game and get three points. Howay the Lads!

Kuqi does come with previous Premier League experience with Blackburn and Fulham and has 7 goals to his name in the Premier League. The Flying Finn has also represented his country on 62 times and scored7 goals until he announced his retirement in November 2010.

Shefi Kuqi told the club website his thoughts on signing for the club:

“Not just for me, but for any footballer it is a dream club to play for,”

“It all came about quite quickly. As people know, I cancelled my contract with Swansea and had some other options.

“But then I heard this might be an opportunity, so as soon as I heard that I wanted everything else to just get pushed aside and wait for what was going to happen with this. And everything happened so quickly.

“Yesterday my sat nav took me a little bit the wrong way, so it took me quite a while to drive here from Swansea. Normally if that happens to me – if I get lost or miss a turning – I get very annoyed, but yesterday I was really cool and calm because I knew I was coming here.

“You just need to look at the stadium and the crowd, and that tells you everything. It’s got everything that goes with a big club.”

Now, contray to London News reports stating that Kuqi is a replacement for Carroll, he’s not. With three fit strikers, not including young Phil Airey, a fourth man had to be found and his name is Shefti Kuqi.

Context is needed, its not like we have handed the Finn a five and and half year deal, a lot of others, we had gave him a deal in till the end of the season and we now have an extra experienced body who is a physical presence and will be able to help out with the workload and goal tallies that Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and Nile Ranger were facing.

No Ashley revolt, No not getting behind the lad, whilst he’s in black and white he’s ours. Howay the Lads.

Goals from Joey Barton (Pen x2), Leon Best, and finally a fabulous strike from my man of the match Cheik Tiote in the 87th minute sealed the draw for Newcastle.

Newcastle got off to the worst start possible when Theo Walcott broke through and he would not be caught as he slid the ball past Steve Harper with only 45 second gone.

It got worst for United when a free kick was headed home from Johan Djourou on the third minute mark and many knew we were in for a long day.

Joey Barton then went close with a long ranged effort but it was once again the Arsenal who would strike when Van Persie made it 3-0 after 10 minutes when he powerfully struck home a Theo Walcott cross.

St. James was then sent into disbelief in the 26th minute when Van Persie doubled his tally and put Arsenal 4-0 up. Little did many know that St. James would be in more disbelief later on in the day.

That’s how it ended after the first half with United leaving the field to a chorus of boo’s and a few fickle fans leaving the game at half time. Ridiculous.

Second half arrived and Newcastle looked as though they had something about them and looked a lot more potent in front of goal. Chances came and went for Williamson, Best and Nolan but the real turning point in the game came on the 50th minute when Diaby was correctly send off for initially grabbing Joey Barton by the kneck and throwing him down to the ground and then have a forceful push at Kevin Nolan which sealed his fate.

In his post match press conference Wenger states that Joey Barton should have been sent off for his initial challenge. Personally, if that was a sending off then Cheik Tiote didn’t score a 87th minute volley to win the game. Ridiculous excuses from Wenger, which he makes far to often. Its okay, I guess his young, talented side will finally develop into a great side next year huh?

After this, United had a period of time when they went close. Mike Williamson continued to cause havoc from corners and we looked dangerous. However, Arsenal then got a hold of the ball and started passing it about and it looked as though the game would fizzle out to a 4-0 victory for Arsenal.

Hold up, wait a minute. Leon Best gets fouled? Joey Barton steps up, 4-1. Ah well, least were winning the second half.

7 minutes passed until Leon Best got his fourth goal of the season to make it 4-2 on the 75 minute. By this point, the hole of St. James was fully enjoying the game and I was pleased we had a bit of momentum and would hopefully salvage some pride.

Fast forward to the 83rd minute and Mike Williamson is fouled in the box and United are given a dubious penalty. Joey Barton keep’s his cool and just, and boy do I just mean just, slots the penalty down the middle of the goal and to the disbelief to every person in Newcastle its 4-3.

The atmosphere at this point is second only to the 5-1 drubbing of Sunderland in October. The minutes keep
ticking, and then in the 87th minute, a free kick is given and Joey Barton trots over to take it. As the ball is whipped in, hearts are in mouths, the tension is unbearable. Then the ball is cleared. Ah.

To Cheik Tiote! Who for all of his Newcastle United career i’ve only every had one problem with. That’s his shooting. Who sweetly catches a into the bottom corner to send the footballing world, expect a pocket of North London, into hysteria. If your yet to see the goal. Wow, your in for a treat.

Some tense few moments were left, however, We looked more likely to get the winner that Arsenal after good hold up play from Nile Ranger left Kevin Nolan to send his half volley inches wide.

The emotional scene’s at the end were brilliant. Danny Simpson had head in hands. Kevin Nolan throws his bottle on the floor in elation and then goes and hugs the coaching staff. By hug I mean a very physical hug too.

Today, every man, woman and pet can be proud of Newcastle United. To quote a certain Alan Pardew. “Character” and more than I’ve ever saw in any other Newcastle team. Brilliant.

Newcastle go into tomorrows game against Arsenal with only three fit senior strikers and youngster Phil Airey expected to feature on the Bench.

Newcastle can welcome back Cheik Tiote after a three game suspension but Fabricio Collocini is a doubt and ex Arsenal Veteran Sol Campbell could deputise. United come into the game on the back of their first loss in 2011 when Newcastle went down 1-0 and the hands of ex-boy Damien Duff and Fulham.

Arsenal will have Wojciech Szczesny in goal but will be without key players Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen but Theo Walcott will play after initially being a doubt.

The game is looking like a sell out and Arsene Wenger has been stating how much of a tough test this will be for his title challenging side.

Apologies for the lack of in depth update. Enjoy the game.

Carver, returns to the club where he served as assistant manager to the late great Sir Bobby Robson, on a four month contract until the end of the season.

Pardew has implied that he would like to get to know John a bit better before signing him to a long term deal but negotiations will commence in the summer should Carver be deemed an asset.

Pardew gave his thoughts on the appointment to the official club website:

“I’m delighted to be bringing John on board, he has an excellent track record as a coach and of course knows this club very well.

“It was crucial for me that I brought in an assistant who I knew would work well with the current coaching team we have here. We’ve got a good solid set-up with some excellent staff and maintaining that stability is very important to me. John fitted the bill perfectly.

“It’s a short term deal at the moment in order that I can get to know John better and it gives us both the chance to see how the next four months pan out working together.

“That said, I’m very confident he’ll be a great addition to our coaching staff and hopefully, if things go well, we can make it a longer term appointment come the summer.”

Carver then gave his take on his new position:

“I am proud and honoured to be able to come back once again to my home town club.

“I have been lucky to be able to work around the world with some excellent people. However, I have always been a fan of this magnificent club and the years I spent working here were some of the happiest of my life.

“I am looking forward to working with Alan Pardew and building on the recent strides that the club has taken to get back to where we belong, at the top of English football.

“I understand how much the club and the results mean to these wonderful fans and I am delighted to be have the opportunity to assist Alan in delivering them the success they deserve.

“I would like to thank Mike, Derek and Alan for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

So… all very encouraging stuff for Newcastle as we now finally have an assistant manager. One things for sure, Pardew’s Ashley’s man. Hughton was often blocked from appointing an assistant manager but Pardew has got his way. A sign of Pardew’s negotiation skills with the board? Or just Ashley knowing he no longer wanted Hughton when was contemplating an assistant being appointed.

John Carver, however, is a terrific coach who aided Sir Bobby in our Champions League days. A man of great experience and a man of great dignity who loves the club.

A splendid appointment, in my opinion. Agree? Disagree? Tell me below.

Asamoah Gyan’s last gasp equaliser sent Steve Bruce running down the touchline like he’d just won the World Cup. The manager, who stated in previous press conferences that ‘A win is the only option’. Irony.

Newcastle took the lead through an instinctive back heel from Kevin Nolan as he latched onto a Shola Ameobi knock down. United, were better in all departments despite missing key players such as Chiek Tiote and Andrew Carroll.

The game started nervously as Newcastle had a couple of great chances namely a guilt edge chance from Shola Ameobi after 3 minutes followed by Fabricio Coloccini’s shot being cleared off the line by Kieran Richardson.

Sunderland then had a succession of comers and had a bit of pressure. The homes fans believed it was Christmas. It ultimately came to nothing.

The first half ended with Newcastle just shading the half.

The second half started similarly as the first. Newcastle continuing to mixed up there attack with direct balls and short build up play. Sunderland were reliant on the long ball over the top and let Bent and Gyan feed of scraps.

There was finally a breakthrough in the 52nd minute when Kevin Nolan scored with an instinctive back heel and set the away end into madness. A terrific sight.

United continued to go close with chances for Leon Best and Shola Ameobi as Sunderland struggled to pass the ball and once again hurled the ball over the top trying to use Darren Bent’s or Asamoha Gyan’s pace. If this was Sunderland’s main game plan, that Newcastle should have been so worried about then I’m laughing. Laughing a lot.

Newcastle looked to have the game in the page but when the forth official signalled 5 minutes  of stoppage time, nerves set in even further. Where or not 5 minutes was required one suspects not.

Then in the 94th minute, a flooky goal, a lucky goal, but a goal for Sunderland as Gyan scores to level the game in the dying seconds. Steve Bruce screams like a baby and thinks the 5-1 drubbing is all forgotten. Shame.

The game ends 1-1-. Defiantly two points dropped. However a good performance by many. Match ratings below:

Harper: 7 – The only thing stopping this being an 8 is the last shot which lead to Sunderland’s goal. Could Harper have held it? Potentially. However he did make some important saves in the game.

Simpson: 7 – Never really troubled much, some good covering for his centre half’s. A solid game. Despite playing everyone onside for Sunderland’s goal. Not that it was his fault.

Williamson: 6 – Can some please let Coloccini show Big Mike how to distribute. His distribution is one of the worst for the centre half I’ve ever saw. He’s a good tackler and plays the scary offside trap well but please learn to pass and not just clear the ball out which gives the opposition throw in’s in dangerous positions.

Coloccini: 8 – Some fantastic tackles in the first half. Little less to do in the second. Unlucky not to score today too. Well played, good game.

Enrique: 7 – Gave the ball away on a couple of occasions, don’t let that dampen a solid performance however. If you don’t know why he’s the bull then just watch his sheppard the ball out. Thanks.

Barton: 8 – How did Barton get given a yellow card? Ridiculous decision for Howard Webb. Played some great passes. Especially in the opening minutes to set Shola clear. Set pieces great all game.

Nolan: 8 – Battled, fought, a good midfield position and stopped by fears of Newcastle getting overran in the centre of the park. Great goal. Maybe he does come alive in the box?

Smith: 6 - Boisterous as expected. Gave the ball away a couple of times but unfairly punished a couple of times. Subbed due to injury.

Jonas: 7 – First 10 minutes he was missing. I was very scared he’d continue to do so for the rest of the game however Jonas proved me wrong with a solid performance. Well done.

Shola: 9 – Deserved a goal for his efforts today. Great hold up play. Great running the channels. Great game. Shola showed why he is so unplayable when he puts his mind to it. Titus Bramble may have nightmares tonight.

Best: 7 – Won a good few flick ons and held the ball up well. Unlucky not to score from his great shot which just went wide into the side netting.

Subs

Guthrie: 6 – When he came on for Smith he didn’t really add much or do anything poor. Went missing for a bit but was solid enough. Not too bad.

Lovenkrands: 6 – Not really enough time to do anything. A couple of occasions could have held the ball up better but nothing really to comment on.

Gosling: 6 – Came on, played in an unfamiliar position of left wing. Made a couple of nice runs but nothing really to comment on here either.

Managers

Pardew: 8 – Played the right team. Good pick up at half time and was unlucky not to get a win. Seemed like he cared which is more than can be said for managers in the past. Cough JFK cough.

Bruce: 5 – Pre match press conference: A win is the only option. 94th minute equaliser. Wow I’m a great manager. I signed that Gyan kid too. Played his team up, big game plan, big response, seeking revenge. If that was revenge, then talk about a small time attitude.

Referee:

Howard Webb: 6- Stupid yellow card on Barton. Could have sent Bramble off for raising hands to Smith.Kept his head but not to many weird decisions. Only a few.

That’s the derbies over then for the rest of the season. Now time to push on and look for top eight finish. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading.

The reverse fixture of this match was the famous 5-1 drubbing the Magpies handed Sunderland on Halloween at St. James Park. That day Sunderland were overpowered by Newcastle’s mixture of direct and short build up play and ultimately fell short of the huge occasion leaving many of their fans heading for the exits and half time.

Consequently, Bruce has had numerous press conferences in which he has stated the days left to the derby and sarcastically commented with ‘not that I’m counting or anything’. Bruce may also take his very nervous self to new levels when announcing that Newcastle lacked class for playing a rendition of ‘Cheer up sleepy Jean’ at the end of the game when United won but then ironically stated he would be doing a similar thing if Sunderland win. 

Bruce’s pre-match press conferences have  put a lot of onus on his side to gain all three points on Sunday, however is this pressure justified? Sunderland come into the game on the back of two wins in a row in the Premier League however did have a set back when being defeated by Nott’s County at home in the FA Cup.

Newcastle also faced a set back in the FA Cup, losing to League Two side Stevenage in a fixture which also proved costly as it meant Chiek Tiote would miss tomorrows game due to suspension. However, United are also coming into the game on good form in the Premier League with a 1-0 away victory against Wigan Athletic and a 5-0 drubbing of West Ham United.

Newcastle, as mentioned above, will be missing midfield phenom Chiek Tiote and also missing talisman and number 9 Andy Carroll due to a thigh injury. News also emerged that Steven Taylor wont be able to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the Derby either. Mike Williamson is expected to deputise. Rested for the cup ties Shola Ameobi, Jose Enrique and Jonas Gutierrez are reported to be available. Reports in the Daily Mail claiming that Shola twisted his ankle yesterday in training and may be doubtful and still to be confirmed. Danny Gosling is also in contention after coming through 70 minutes of a reserve game against Hibs.

Sunderland are also facing a depleted line up on Sunday. They will be missing Lee Cattermole, Nedum Onuoha , David Meyler, Michael Turner,Jordan Cook, John Mensah, Frazier Campbell,  and Danny Welbeck. Bruce stated in an earlier press conference that Cattermole, Welbeck and Onuoha had a chance of being fit. However,Welbeck was giving a three week return date last week so seems unlikely and Cattermole is also expect to be a week or so away. Onuoha ,however, may be able to pull through.

Sunderland, are desperate to win, they want revenge. Newcastle, on the other hand, are keeping calm, collected and not making huge promises. The latter being the better pre-match tactic, in my opinion.

Likely line up’s:

Newcastle: Harper; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Smith, Nolan, Jonas; Best, Ameobi.

Sunderland: Gordon, Onouha, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Bramble, Henderson, Elmohamady, Richardson, Malbranque, Bent, Gyan.

Enjoy the game.

After initial hope of a recovery from United’s number 9, Carroll will be unable to lead the line at the Stadium of Light on Sunday come 12pm.

Carroll was instrumental in United’s 5-1 home victory against Sunderland back in October and will be a huge miss as Newcastle look to do the double over Sunderland.
Pardew broke the news in his latest press conference:

“He’s got absolutely no chance for Sunday, and possibly an outside chance for Spurs.”

This is all disappointing news for Magpies fans however this now leaves Pardew to choose between Shola Ameobi, Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands or Nile Ranger to lead the line.

Carroll had been on a trip to Dubai to hopefully relax and Carroll’s personal plan was to be back for the Sunderland but this was far from possible due to the extent of his injury.

Pardew, already had a set back earlier in the week when it was found out that the FA would not resind Cheik Tiote’s red card and a three match ban would remain in place.

So with both sides having depleted sides due to injuries, many will be expected to step up and be accountable in such as massive game.

So it looks ominously as though Alan Pardew may well by our next manager, with some reports saying that he’d met with Mike Ashley as long as 10 days ago to discuss taking over.

It’s also come to light that he is a friend of Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, as they all know each other from a London Casino managed by Llambias! Oh dear god…

What do I make of this? Well I’m disctinctly underwhelmed. Alan Pardew may have 11 years of management experience (apart from the bits when he’s been out of a job) but is hardly going to set pulses racing. He’s managed at Reading, West Ham, Charlton Athletic and Southampton, with his most notable achievements being at West Ham where he won promotion and reached an FA Cup Final.

He was also in charge at the Hammers when they dubiously staved off relegation thanks to Carlos Tevez and his highly suspect loan signing.

Frankly I fail to see how Pardew would be an upgrade on what we already had with Chris Hughton. Yes he has more experience, but mostly at the wrong end of the league table. He may prove to be wonderful and should be given the chance to show that, but if he does get the job he will face an uphil lbattle from day one thanks to his mates in the Director’s box.

His friendship with Ashley and Llambias will ensure his unpopularity from the off, and it’s unthinkable that the next few games won’t feature sustained abuse of the owner and chairman, and a returen to the calls for the “fat cockney bastard” to get out of our club.

Mike Ashley seems to have reverted to his previously failed formula of appointing people he’s mates with – Dennis Wise ring any bells? That went well didn’t it?

Perhaps I’m overreacting, but I simply fail to see the point in removing Hughton to appoint Pardew. There may be trouble ahead…