Newcastle United 2-1 Everton
There were fireworks of the right kind at St James’ Park on Saturday, as Newcastle United maintained their place in the top three of the Premier League with a workmanlike victory against Everton.
An own-goal from Johnny Heitinga gave the home side the lead before Ryan Taylor’s sparkler put them 2-0 up. Jack Rodwell threatened to drag Everton back into the game on the stroke of half-time but it was Taylor’s effort which won the points for the Toon.
The Magpies are now unbeaten in 14 games going back to the tail-end of last season and are on the coattails of the two Manchester clubs.
Since taking up the reins Pardew has gone about stamping his own authority on the club in a quiet, but nevertheless impressive manner and one of the most startling statistics that United possess is their form at St James’ Park. Since Pardew’s arrival last December, the team has lost just twice in 17 Premier League games at SJP, highlighting how hard they are to beat on their own patch.
David Moyes’ men found this out the hard way and after Heitinga put through his own net early on, Ryan Taylor soon followed up with a scorcher to add to his repertoire of impressive goals.
United held on for the three points, despite Rodwell’s goal, but did so via some solid defending, especially in the second-half.
Despite the departure of a number of high-profile players in the summer, United have the look of a well-organised outfit, with a defence marshalled by the increasingly impressive Fabricio Collocini, once again at his best against the men from Merseyside.
Behind the backline sits young Tim Krul, who is finally starting to realise his potential now that he has wrestled the number one jersey from the ever-reliable Steve Harper.
Many questions were posed after the non-arrival of a big-money replacement for Andy Carroll in the last transfer window. However, the basement bargain duo of Demba Ba and Leon Best have more than made up for that particular shortfall, with a combined total of 11 goals so far.
All of this combined with the likes of Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye in midfield, adds up to a healthy situation on Tyneside.
There is no doubting that there are tougher times to come for Pardew’s troops with two trips to Manchester on the immediate horizon.
However, they can take solace from the fact that they currently sit on 25 points after just 11 games: Last season it took them until the New Year to reach such a total, before eventually finishing on 46.
After such a start this time round, there are few who doubt they can surpass that total this season.
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