Well it wasn’t the best game this season but Newcastle fans should be very pleased with today’s performance and most importantly the result. A combination of our own game, the Liverpool/Stoke draw and Arsenal’s defeat puts Newcastle joint 5^th. The dream of European football is certainly alive.

For me the game took a giant dip in expectations when the co-commentator was identified as Ray Wilkins, who spoilt the game with his classic clichés and over exaggerations. Newcastle seemed to mimic Ray and started poorly. QPR dominated the first 20 minutes as Newcastle were flat, the midfield couldn’t get the ball forward and our direct approach was giving QPR the ball back far too often.

Tactical Reshuffle

Both teams lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation but QPRs midfield seemed more willing to run forward and combine with their strikers. Things seemed to get worse when Yohan Cabaye was stretchered off the pitch. I’m a massive fan of Cabaye and with no Tiote, he was more key than ever.

However the injury seemed to lift the magpies. Now I’m not suggesting losing Cabaye was a good thing, but Alan Pardew used this opportunity to change the teams shape.

When Ben Arfa was being prepared I was delighted to see the manager had not opted for a conservative player such as Perch. However I couldn’t help wondering where he was gonna play? There is no way I can accept Ben Arfa as a centre midfielder, and a position on the wing in a flat 4 doesn’t seem to appeal to Pardew. The solution was a 4-2-3-1. The change of shape may of had more tactical reasons than to just accommodate Ben Arfa, but the two did coincide. The obvious position for the French playmaker would of been behind the striker, however Pardew surprised many by playing Ben Arfa and Best in wide positions and Jonas through the centre.

The switch to 4-2-3-1 gave Newcastle an extra man in midfield, with Gutierrez popping up on both wings and in a central position. Ryan Taylor and Guthrie provided a calming influence deep in midfield, something that was lacking for the first 20 minutes. Guthrie was a stand out performer and seems to be up to the challenge of covering Tiote.

For me Gutierrez was exceptional in his new role. He made more passes than any QPR player (47) and still managed a 91% pass accuracy. He always works hard and was constantly moving across the pitch to cover defensively and to link up with the wingers.

Leon Best successfully adapted to his new left sided role and it was his positioning on that side that led to his goal. He showed great ability to bypass Luke Young and finished it off with a good finish. The goal oozed class and if it had been scored by someone like Demba Ba it probably would have prompted more replays. Leon Best looks the best candidate to provide the goals whilst Ba is away. Ameobi was a good target man but never looked dangerous in and around the box.

First Goal Wins

Once Newcastle took the lead I was confident a win would follow. The Magpies have only dropped points in 1 of the previous 10 games where they scored first. The importance to score before your opponent has never been truer than it is for Newcastle. In the 7 games where our opponents have scored first, we have never won. We are 1 of only 2 teams in the league not to win when conceding first but when you know the other team is Manchester United it doesn’t seem so bad does it?

The game seemed to play out in our favour. Ben Arfa was another who impressed me in this game. When he takes players on he looks like a real talent and his passing ability seemed to be the most likely provider of a chance to double our lead.

Newcastle only had 1 shot on target, but they dominated possession for most of the second half and had a few half chances. It may not have been an exciting display but the 3 points are what is important.

Newcastle fans should appreciate the tactical decisions made by Pardew in this game. We weathered the early storm, grabbed that important first goal and as the stats show, this is when we are at our best. Only Liverpool have come back to beat us. We were disciplined and the fans should be proud of the team for seeing the game through. I don’t know about you, but I'd rather the team won than worry about playing eye catching football.