Pardew’s boys claim all three points against the Champions Man Utd with a solid display from start to finish. Bet not many people had seen that result coming and boy should it feel good. A dedicated performance with 11 convicted players on the pitch battling for the cause which is something Fergie certainly cannot claim with lack lustre performances from the Red Devils which our boys really punished.

Straight to the races

The Toon Army looked dangerous right from the off with a cross to Ba within the first 5 minutes which he was unlucky to get on the end of but it was a real sign of intent.  Newcastle looked hungry after the loss to Liverpool and played some very good passes humbling Fergie’s midfield and defenders.

Defensively we were solid and when threatened people had the desire to make sure it was not Utd’s day, Simpson’s block on the line a perfect example of how together our defensive line-up. A clean sheet and a cheeky assist from Krul being there reward for the day.

The midfield was well worked and ran rings around Utd’s, Cabaye and Tiote proving once again a great combination in the middle dispossessing Utd with haste and then great distribution to the supporting cast around them. Another game though without Ben Arfa could build questions around his Newcastle future with Pardew seeming to prefer other players.

Man Utd were oddly off for most of the game and minus the minute of madness created by Nani’s ball into the box rarely looked liked scoring. Rooney going off before the end of the game was a sign of how little penetration the Red Devils were getting. Both Giggs and Ferdinand had awful games, Giggs constantly dispossessed by Tiote and Ferdinand could never cope with our main man up front.

I doubt Jones will feel much better than the two but I felt up till the own goal he and Lindegaard put in good performances and were only beaten by some wonderful strikes from our boys.

Man of the Match

I haven’t said his name yet but it’s impossible to talk about a Toon Army performance without talking about Demba Ba. A great physical presence, a continual influence and desire to get the ball meant he was always going to get on the score sheet today. What a goal as well, right in the corner! Dropping back when he needed to, holding off defenders, I think we are going to run out of things to say about Demba Ba before the end of the season.

It does worry me though that without him we may lack a target man who can get that number of goals. I hope that we U turn and at least get a striker in on loan until he is back to make sure we can kick on and keep the goals coming.

For today though, let’s just enjoy.