Lokeren - Daknam Stadium - 3,000
Given, Barton, Dabizas, Elliott, Hughes (S.Caldwell 62), Bassedas (McClen 82), Quinn, Solano, Speed, Ameobi (LuaLua 71), Bellamy.
Scorers: Ameobi (2), Quinn, Lua Lua
UNITED COAST TO WIN - Despite missing Shearer, Lee, Dyer and Cort, it is a very comfortable win in Belgium. Bellamy is excellent on his debut and Lua Lua seals the win with a spectacular overhead kick.
Lokeren - SJP - 29,021
Given, Barton, Elliott, Dabizas, Hughes, Quinn (Bernard 72), Solano, Bassedas (McClen 62), Speed, Bellamy (LuaLua 72), Ameobi
Scorers: Bellamy
With fans hoping for a goal-feast the attendance is a record for the competition. Although the Magpies dominate it is a methodical and at times frustrating display in which they have to wait an hour for a goal, Bellamy’s first. Mrzlecki is sent off nine minutes from time,
1860 Munich - Olympic Stadium - 15,000
Given, Barton, Elliott, Dabizas, Hughes, Quinn (Bernard 85), Solano, Bellamy, Ameobi (Lua Lua 85), Bassedas (S.Caldwell 85), Speed.
Scorers Solano (2 1p), Hughes - Agostino, Tapalovic
Solano nets a brace to put United in control only for the Germans to fight back and pull level. Then Hughes nets the winner eight minutes from time,
1860 Munich - SJP - 36,635
Given, Barton, Elliott, Hughes, Dabizas, Solano, Lee (S.Caldwell 81), Bellamy (Lua Lua 78), Ameobi, Quinn, Speed (Acuna 78)
Scorers: Speed, Lua Lua, Solano (p) - Scroth
LATE SHOW CONFIRMS FINAL SLOT - Although Speed scores after only five minutes, Newcastle’s play becomes sloppy and the Germans equalise just before the break. Consequently, the tie is in the balance until United score twice in the last ten minutes.
Troyes - 10,414
Given, Barton, Elliott, Dabizas, Solano, Quinn, Hughes, Lee, Bellamy (Lua Lua 88), Ameobi (Bassedas 90), Speed.
Scorers: Speed, Lua Lua, Solano (p) - Scroth
GIVEN KEEPS TROYES AT BAY - United have Shay Given to thank for keeping the hosts out as he makes a number of excellent saves.
Athletic Bilbao - SJP -18,189
Given (Harper 46), Barton (Griffin 46), Elliott (Bernard 83), Hughes (Marcelino 71), Dabizas (O'Brien 46), Solano, Lee (Acuna 71), Bellamy, Ameobi (LuaLua 46), Robert, Bassedas
Scorers: Guerrero
SEMI-FESTIVE DISPLAY DISAPPOINTS ROBSON - Lauren Robert is United’s star in a lackluster performance in Rob Lee’s testimonial.
Chelsea - Stamford Bridge - 40,124
Given, Barton, Elliott, Hughes, Dabizas, Acuna (O’Brien 82), Bassedas (Griffin 84), Lee, Ameobi (Lua Lua 71), Bellamy, Robert.
Scorers: Acuna - Zenden
Position: 10th
GIVEN AND DE GOEY IN COMEDY OF ERRORS - A bad day for keepers as Given allows a long-range Zenden shot to squirm through his grasp after only eight minutes and de Goey spills a Bassedas shot allowing Acuna to equalise thirteen minutes from time United finish the stronger side and deserve the draw.
Troyes - SJP - 36,577
Given; Barton (O'Brien 65), Hughes, Dabizas, Elliott, Solano (Lua Lua, 65), Lee, Speed, Quinn (Bernard, 65); Ameobi, Bellamy.
Scorers: Solano, Ameobi, Speed (p), Elliott - Boutal (2), Leroy, Gousse
Despite taking an early lead United cannot cope with the visitors swift attacks and are 4-1 behind with less than thirty minutes left. Although they battle back bravely to equalise they run out of time and lose on the away-goals rule.
Sunderland (13th) - SJP - 52,021
Given, Barton, Elliott (O'Brien 39), Hughes, Dabizas, Solano, Lee, Speed (Acuna 42), Robert, Bellamy, Ameobi (Shearer 75)
Scorers: Bellamy - Phillips
Position: 14th
Phillips gives Sunderland the lead just after the half-hour and Bellamy equalises soon after. After the game Bobby Robson says “we should have won this game by a cup of tea” and certainly Solano, in particular, missed some excellent chances.
Middlesbrough (19th) - Riverside Stadium - 30,004
Given, Barton (O'Brien 79), Dabizas, Hughes, Elliott, Solano, Acuna, Lee, Robert, Shearer (Ameobi 81), Bellamy (Lua-Lua 81).
Scorers: Shearer (2 1p), Dabizas, Robert - Cooper
Position: 7th
It is a controversial victory on Teesside. Middlesbrough take an early lead and are reasonably comfortable until Schwarzer brings down Robert in the area. The Aussie keeper is sent-off and Shearer scores the penalty. A few minutes later Given brings down Ince in the area. The home fans are livid that he is only booked by Graham Poll and their anger notches up further when he saves the penalty. United make the extra man count after the break.
Brentford (D2:1st) - SJP -
Harper, Griffin, Quinn (Bellamy 90), O'Brien (LuaLua 118), Hughes (Elliott 45), Solano, Robert, Bassedas, Acuna, Shearer, Ameobi.
Scorers: Bellamy (3), Ameobi - Owusu
Steve Coppell’s team have won their last five games and give United a tough game. They lead until the hour mark and take the game into extra-time during which substitute Bellamy scores a twelve-minute hat-trick.
Man United (2nd) - SJP - 52,056
Given, Griffin, Elliott, O'Brien, Dabizas, Solano, Acuna, Lee (Barton 46), Robert, Shearer, Bellamy (Distin 90).
Scorers: Robert, Lee, Dabizas, Brown (og) - Van Nistelrooy, Giggs, Veron
Position: ##
NEWCASTLE STUN MAN UTD - There is a somber mood before the game as a minute's silence is held for the victims of the terrorist attacks in the US. But the mood has changed completely by the end of this rip-roaring match which marks Robson’s 100th game in charge. Highlights are Robert’s superb opening goal and Roy Keane’s sending-off just before the end for taking a swing at Shearer.
West Ham (20th) - Boleyn Ground - 24,810
Given, Barton (Distin 59), Elliott, O'Brien, Dabizas, Acuna, Solano (Ameobi 76), Lee, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy
Scorers: Hutchison, Di Canio, Kanoute
Position: 9th
Glenn Roeder’s side are bottom of the table, but once they take the lead half-way through the first period they are well in control. Newcastle are guilty of standing-off far too much.
Leicester (19th) - SJP - 49,185
Given, Griffin, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, Acuna, Lee, Robert, Shearer (Ameobi 87), Bellamy.
Scorers: Solano
Position: 5th
NEWCASTLE EDGE PAST LEICESTER - Despite dominating the game against struggling Leicester the Magpies are rarely at their fluent best and although they take the lead just after the half-hour they cannot make the game safe. Their approach play is adequate, but they are let down by the quality of the final ball and their finishing.
30/09 - Pr: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 2
Given, Griffin, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano (Ameobi 73), Acuna (Speed 57) , Lee, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Liverpool (10th) - SJP - 52,095
Scorers: Riise, Murphy
Position: 8th
REDS SEE OFF NEWCASTLE - Riise scores after three minutes and Murphy adds a second four minutes from time with Newcastle not offering a great deal of response inbetween. The ultra-efficient Reds work tirelessly throughout and the Magpies become more and more frustrated. “Their defence is so mean,” laments Robson “like four bloody oak trees”.
Barnsley (D1:20th) - 14,493.
Harper, Barton, Distin, O'Brien, Bernard, Solano, Speed, Lee, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Bellamy
BELLAMY BRUSHES ASIDE SPIRITED BARNSLEY - Although the Tykes are struggling at the foot of Division 1, having won only 2 of their last 11 games, Newcastle make hard work of beating them with Bellamy’s winner coming 11 minutes from time.
Bolton (5th) - Reebok Stadium - 25,631
Given, Hughes, Dabizas (Distin 86), O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, Speed (Acuna 89), Lee, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy (Ameobi 86).
Scorers: Solano, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy
Position: 4th
MAGPIES CRUSH BOLTON - Bolton ‘keeper Jaaskelainen goes from hero to villain. In the first-half he keeps his team in the game with two one-on-one saves from Craig Bellamy, then on about the hour mark he is sent off for handling outside his area. The Trotters have no substitute keeper so winger Bo Hanson has to go in goal. United take advantage to add three more to Solano’s first-half goal.
Tottenham (12th) - SJP - 50,593
Given, Hughes (Ameobi 81), Dabizas, O'Brien, Distin, Acuna (Bassedas 75), Solano (Lua Lua 75) , Speed Robert, Shearer, Bellamy
Scorers: Speed (og), Poyet
Position: 10th
STYLISH SPURS SINK MAGPIES - Bobby Robson dispenses with his normal 4-4-2 formation and goes for 3-5-2 to try and disrupt Tottenham’s passing game. The plan rebounds, with Tottenham scoring two early goals as the players tried to adjust. Although Newcastle rally in the second half, Spurs defend resolutely and stay in control. Poyet has now scored five goals against United in the last eighteen months.
Everton (8th) - Goodison Park - 37,524
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Acuna, Solano (Lua Lua 89), Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Bellamy, Solano, Acuna - Weir
Position: 6th
EXCELLENCE IS A GIVEN - Everton dominate from start to finish in a game where United are very unimpressive. The Magpies win largely as a result of a tremendous performance from Given. In contrast, his opposite number Gerard has a nightmare particularly for the first goal when he completely misses his kick giving Bellamy the easiest of goals.
Aston Villa (1st) - SJP - 51,057
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas (Distin 75), Elliott, Solano (Lua Lua 77), Speed, Lee (Ameobi 90), Robert (Bernard 85), Bellamy, Shearer.
Scorers: Bellamy (2), Shearer
Position: 3rd
BELLAMY DOUBLE SINKS VILLA - Craig Bellamy stars as Newcastle move into third following a comfortable win over leaders Aston Villa. United dominate throughout and miss numerous chances to add to their tally. The combination of Shearer's physical presence and Bellamy's speed is proving very effective.
Fulham (12th) - Craven Cottage - 21,159
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, Lee, Speed, Robert (Lua Lua 89), Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Speed - Saha, Legwinsky, Hales
Position: 6th
FULHAM EXTEND MAGPIES JINX - Newcastle fail to win in London for the 27th time in succession with the smooth-passing Cottagers dominating once Saha puts them ahead with an excellent goal after twenty minutes. With the score at 3-1, Shearer’s penalty is brilliantly saved by van der Sar.
Derby (17th) - SJP - 50,070
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, Lee, Speed, Robert (Lua Lua 89), Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Shearer (p).
Position: 3rd
GIVEN THE HERO - Although Shearer’s penalty settles the game it is Given with three superb saves, including saving a Ravinelli penalty, who is the star.
Ipswich (20th) - SJP - 32,576
Harper, Hughes (O'Brien 46), Elliott, Dabizas, Distin, Solano, Lee (Acuna 71) , Speed, Robert (Lua Lua 89), Shearer, Ameobi.
Scorers: Shearer (2), Robert, Ameobi - Bent
NEWCASTLE CRUSH HAPLESS IPSWICH - Shearer reaches the 100-goal milestone for Newcastle as he grabs a brace in a very comfortable victory. It is 4-0 at the break.
Charlton (16th) - The Valley - 24,151
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, Lee, Speed, Robert (Lua Lua 87), Shearer, Bellamy (Ameobi 88).
Scorers: Speed - MacDonald
Position: 4th
SHEARER’S CAPITAL OFFENCE - Alan Shearer is sent-off just before the end for use of his elbow as United once more fail to win in London. Robson brands the dismissal “a disgrace”. Speed gives them hope when he opens the scoring 17 minutes from time only for MacDonald to reply 10 minutes later.
Ipswich (20th) - Portman Road - 24,748
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano (Dyer 85), Lee, Speed, Robert (Bernard 60), Shearer, Bellamy .
Scorers: Solano
Position: ##
ROBSON’S PRAYING FOR IPSWICH - Bobby’s side inflicts more wounds on his old team who are marooned at the bottom. He says that he “prays they get the points”, but they will need to cut out the suicidal defending that gifts the moderate Magpies three points.
Chelsea (5th) - Stamford Bridge - 27,613
Given, Hughes, Elliott, Dabizas, O'Brien, Solano (Lua Lua 90), Lee (Ameobi 90), Speed, Bernard (Dyer 77), Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Hasselbaink
ADDED-TIME HEARTBREAK FOR UNITED - After a feisty encounter, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink scores in the first minute of added time to take the Londoners into the Worthington Cup Semi-Final.
Blackburn (14th) - SJP - 50,064
Given, Hughes, Elliott, Distin, O'Brien, Bernard, Solano, Lee (Dyer 45), Speed, Shearer, Ameobi (Lua-Lua 75).
Scorers: Bernard, Speed - Dunn
Position: 3rd
SPEED TRAP FOR ROVERS - With Robert and Bellamy absent the Magpies face a stern challenge in overcoming a stubborn Blackburn side. The visitors lead at the break and it isn’t until after the hour mark that Bernard makes the breakthrough. Bobby Robson is not getting carried away: “Yes, we have the best squad that we've had for some time, but it's doubtful if we have enough quality to win the title.”
Arsenal (2nd) - Highbury - 38,012
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas (Distin 45), Elliott (Robert 58), Bernard, Solano (Lua-Lua 58), Dyer (Distin 86), Speed, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: O'Brien, Shearer (p), Robert, Pires
Position: 1st
NEWCASTLE WIN AT THE POLLS - Finally, Newcastle win in London after a four-year wait and as a reward they take over at the top of the Premiership. There is controversy along the way though. Arsenal should have been winning by more than one in the first-half and just as it is coming to a close referee Graham Poll sends off Arsenal’s Ray Parlour despite the pleas of Shearer and other United players. United level on the hour, then Bellamy is sent off and with four minutes left Poll angers the home fans once more by awarding a penalty when Campbell seems to win the ball cleanly from Robert. Robson calls the result: "the best early Christmas present I have had for many, many years". After the final whistle Thierry Henry has to be physically restrained - by players from both sides and a policeman - from confronting Poll.
Leeds (3rd) - Elland Road - 40,287
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas (Distin 45), Elliott, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert (Bernard 78), Shearer, Bellamy (Lua-Lua 90).
Scorers: Bellamy, Elliott, Shearer, Sotano - Bowyer, Viduka, Harte
Position: 1st
TOON RALLY DENIES LEEDS - A thrilling game in which United come back from 3-1 down to win with three goals in the last half-hour. Bellamy opens the scoring after 38 minutes with Bowyer equalising a minute later. Viduka and Harte net in the first ten minutes of the second period with Elliot pulling one back a couple of minutes later. Shearer equalises from the penalty spot and Solano’s winner comes in the last minute.
Middlesbrough (16th) - SJP - 52,127
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Distin, Elliott, Solano (Lee 79), Dyer (Lua-Lua 84), Speed, Robert (Bernard 79), Shearer, Bellamy .
Scorers: Shearer, Speed, Bernard
Position: 1st
MIDDLESBROUGH GIFT-WRAP NEWCASTLE THE POINTS - Newcastle’s pace, power and mobility overwhelms a poor Middlesbrough in a very one-sided derby. After this fifth successive victory there is plenty of “self-belief” in the side, although there are some much sterner tests coming up.
Chelsea (6th) - SJP - 52,123
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Distin, Elliott (Bernard 63), Solano (Lua-Lua 73), Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Shearer - Gudjohnsen (2)
Position: 2nd
ICEMAN SHATTERS MAGPIES - In a match of great endeavour, rather than quality football, all the goals are scored in a ten-minute period just before the break. Icelandic Striker Gudjohnsen cooly scores twice with Shearer netting in between, but although Newcastle have chances to equalise, Cudicini is in excellent form.
Man United (5th) - Old Trafford - 67,646
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, Distin, Elliott, Solano (Bernard 81), Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy (Ameobi 81).
Scorers: Shearer - Scholes (2), Van Nistelrooy
Position: 4th
RAMPANT MAN. UNITED BRUSH ASIDE TOON - The Red Devil’s record a sixth successive victory as they outplay Newcastle at Old Trafford. Shearer’s consolation prompts a bit of a fight back, but the contest is already over.
Crystal Palace (D1:9th) - SJP - 38,089
Given, Hughes, Distin, Dabizas, Elliott, Solano (Lua-Lua 84), Dyer (O'Brien 84), Speed (Acuna 54), Bernard, Bellamy, Shearer
Scorers: Shearer, Acuna
NEWCASTLE SEE OFF PALACE - After Given makes a brilliant save in the first few minutes the Magpies take control for a deserved victory over First Division Palace. One of the highlights is a save from Latvian keeper Kolinko who chases the ball into the corner before sprinting back into the middle and making a flying save from Bernard’s shot.
Leeds (1st) - SJP - 52,130
Given, Hughes, O’Brien (Distin 86), Dabizas, Elliott, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Bellamy, Shearer
Scorers: Duberry (og), Dyer, Bellamy - Smith
Position: 1st
DIRTY LEEDS WIPED FROM TOP SPOT - The Magpies replace the leaders at the top. Leeds are incredibly dirty and have Danny Mills sent-off twenty minutes from time. Newcastle are simply magnificent and a delighted Robson enthuses: "We gave a performance that had everything. We had great desire, resolve, skill, pace, everything." Star of the show was Kieran Dyer who Robson calls “a will-o'-the-wisp, a little genius”.
Leicester (20th) - 21,354
Given, Hughes, Distin, Dabizas, Elliott, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Bellamy, Shearer
Position: 2nd
FOXES FRUSTRATION FOR THE MAGPIES - Struggling Leicester are well worth a point as they outplay United for long periods. Robson admits their first-half performance was “probably the worst 45-minute performance of the season”.
Peterborough (D2:16th) - London Road -13,841
Given, Hughes, Distin, O'Brien, Elliott, Solano, McClen (Kerr 90), Acuna, Bernard (Quinn 78), Bellamy, Shearer
Scorers: O'Brien, McClen, Shearer (p), Hughes - O'Brien (og), Farrell
MAGPIES EDGE PAST POSH - All the ingredients are there for a shock as United take on the Division 2 side on a glue-pot pitch and it turns into a rip-roaring tie. Newcastle lead 2-0 at the break, then Posh fight back to equalise with 11 minutes remaining. Shay Given has to save superbly to prevent them taking the lead before goals from Shearer and Hughes see United through.
Tottenham (8th) - White Hart Lane - 35.798
Given, O'Brien, Elliott (Robert 46), Dabizas, Distin, Solano, Acuna, Hughes, McClen, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Acuna, Shearer, Bellamy - Iversen
Position: 3rd
NEWCASTLE COMEBACK STUNS SPURS - With United trailing at half-time Robson replaces defender Elliot with attacker Robert and is rewarded for his positive thinking with three goals in eleven minutes between the 67th and 78th minute..
Bolton (18th) - SJP - 52,094
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Distin, Solano, McClen (Acuna 81), Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Shearer (2), Bellamy - Gardner, Southall
Position: 2nd
TOON ADD TO BOLTON’S WOES - Although Bolton are in the relegation zone having failed to win in their last eleven matches they make a real game of it and the Magpies have to come from behind twice in the first-half before Bellamy scores a late winner.
Southampton (13th) - SJP - 51,857
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Distin (Elliot 82), Solano, McClen (Jenas 76), Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Shearer (2-1p), Robert - Pahars
Position: 2nd
Troubled Bellamy earns Robson’s praise after a high-octane display which helps United to a relatively comfortable victory, although the livewire Pahars keeps the United defence on their toes. All the goals come in the first-half
Man. City (D1: 1st) - SJP - 51,020
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Distin, Elliott, Solano, McClen (Acuna 66), Speed, Robert (Lua-Lua 85), Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Solano
MAGPIES BEAT BRAVE CITY - Kevin Keegan gets a rapturous reception as he returns to St. James’ with the Division 1 leaders. And although they are reduced to ten men after only 28 minutes, when Richard Dunne is sent-off, they make the Magpies fight all the way.
Man. City (D1: 1st) - SJP - 51,020
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Distin, Elliott, Solano, McClen (Acuna 66), Speed, Robert (Lua-Lua 85), Shearer, Bellamy.
Scorers: Solano
GIVEN TAKE KEEPS NEWCASTLE ON THE BOIL - It is a pulsating derby in which both sides play their part. After being denied by the bar and Sorensen, Dabizas finally finds the net just after the hour mark to send the toon fans wild. Equally important is a fantastic save by Given from a Phillips shot just before the end.
Arsenal (4rd) - SJP - 52,067
Given, Hughes, Distin, O'Brien, Dabizas, Solano, Jenas, Speed, Robert, Ameobi (Lua Lua 64) , Shearer
Scorers: Bergkamp, Campbell
Position: 4th
GUNNING FOR IT - The Londoners are unbeaten away from home in the Premiership and give a performance of all-round quality and resilience. Newcastle badly miss Bellamy.
Liverpool (3rd) - Anfield - 44,204
Given, Hughes, Distin, O'Brien, Dabizas, Solano, Jenas, Speed (Acuna 37), Robert, Cort (Bernard 76) , Shearer
Scorers: Murphy (2), Hamann
Position: 4th
MURPHY’S DOUBLE LIGHTS UP LIVERPOOL - A floodlight failure delays the start of the game and a comprehensive defeat appears to have put the lights out on United’s Premiership dreams. Whilst the Merseysider’s performance is full of fluid, high-octane attacking, United are low-key and unimpressive.
Arsenal (2nd) - SJP - 51,027
Given, Hughes, Distin, O'Brien, Dabizas, Solano, McClen, Acuna, Robert, Cort (Ameobi 70) , Shearer
Scorers: Robert - Edu
MAGPIES ARE MAGNIFICENT BUT ARSENAL NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE - United are unlucky to win after a barnstorming display against a very resilient Gunners side. Special mention for Acuna and McClen who deputise magnificently for Speed and Jenas. Edu gives the Gunners the lead in the first-half and Robert equalises in the second.
Ipswich (17th) - SJP - 51,115
Given, Hughes, Dabizas, O'Brien, Distin, Solano (Lua-Lua 76), Jenas (Dyer 65), Acuna, Robert, Shearer, Cort (Ameobi 76).
Scorers: Robert, Shearer - Bent (2).
Position: 4th
Scorers: Robert - Edu
SHEARER SHOCKER AS STRUGGLING IPSWICH HOLD MAGPIES - All the goals come in the second-half. Marcus Bent puts Ipswich ahead twice and it takes a Shearer goal two-minutes from time to secure a point. United’s Number 9 then misses a stoppage-time penalty.
Arsenal (2nd) - Highbury - 38,073
Given, Hughes, Distin (Elliott 84), O'Brien, Dabizas, Solano, Dyer, Acuna (Kerr 84), Robert, Cort (Lua Lua 84) , Shearer.
Scorers: Edu, Bergkamp, Campbell
Within ten minutes the Gunners race into a two-goal lead and although United show commendable spirit a third just after the break extinguishes any hope of a comeback. Robson sums it up in one sentence: “Some of our fans got up at four in the morning to get here - sadly we woke up fifteen minutes too late.”
Everton (13th) - SJP - 51,921
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Distin, Solano, Jenas, Dyer (Acuna 79), Robert (Bernard 73), Shearer, Cort (Lua Lua 73).
Scorers: Solano (2), Shearer, Cort, O'Brien - Ferguson, Alexandersson
Position: 4th
DAZZLING DYER SINKS EVERTON - It is 2-2 at the break after an even first-half, but then Dyer’s rapier thrusts and Shearer’s broadsword attack bludgeons the Toffees.
Aston Villa (9th) - Villa Park - 36,597
Newcastle United:
Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Distin, Solano, Jenas, Dyer, Robert (Bernard 83), Shearer, Cort (Acuna 83).
Scorers: Shearer - Crouch
Position: 4th
Although Shearer nets within three minutes, Crouch, making his home debut, equalises twenty-minutes later and the home side do most of the pressing.
Fulham (16th) - SJP - 50,017
Given, Hughes, O'Brien (Dabizas 90), Distin, Elliott, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Cort (Jenas 68).
Scorers: Dyer - Saha
Position: 4th
FULHAM FIGHT BACK FOR CRUCIAL POINT - After a scrappy start Dyer gives the Magpies the lead. However Fulham are always in the match and Given twice has to stop Saha after he breaks through before he finally deflects a ball in with his knee.
Derby (19th) - 31,031
Given, Hughes, O'Brien (Bernard 66), Dabizas, Distin, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer (Jenas 73), Cort (Lua-Lua 59).
Scorers: Robert, Dyer, Lua Lua - Christie, Morris
Position: 4th
LUA LUA AT THE LAST - Robert Lee and Warren Barton are both in the Derby side who need a win to retain any hope of Premiership survival. With only 17 minutes remaining they lead 2-0, then Newcastle score three times with the winner from Lua Lua coming in the last minute.
Charlton (12th) - SJP - 51.360
Given, Hughes, O'Brien (Dabizas 70), Distin, Elliott, Solano (Jenas 78), Dyer, Speed, Robert (Bernard 78), Shearer, Lua-Lua.
Scorers: Speed, Lua Lua, Shearer
Position: 4th
SHEARER REACHES 200 AS UNITED CLOSE IN ON EUROPE - Alan Shearer grabs his 200th Premiership goal in a pretty comfortable victory. With Manchester United beating Chelsea, the Magpies now have a six-point cushion over the fifth-placed Pensioners.
Blackburn (16th) - Ewood Park - 26,712
Given, Hughes, Distin, Dabizas, Elliott (Bernard 46), Robert, Dyer, Solano, Speed, LuaLua (Bellamy 72), Shearer
Scorers: Shearer (2) - Gillespie, Cole
Position: 4th
NEWCASTLE CLINCH EURO SPOT - Alan Shearer grabs a brace against his old club to secure a point and ensure that United qualify for the Champions League. Andy Cole and Keith Gillespie also score against their former employees.
West Ham (7th) - SJP - 52,127
Given, Hughes, O'Brien (Distin 45), Dabizas, Bernard, Solano, Dyer (Jenas 83), Speed, Robert, LuaLua (Cort 83), Shearer.
Scorers: Shearer, Lua Lua, Robert - Defoe
Position: 4th
UNITED TOO HOT FOR HAMMERS - Although the Londoners dominate in the first-half against a lackluster Newcastle it is all-square at the break. United are transformed after a half-time Robson rocket.
Southampton (15th) - The Dell - 31,973
Given, Hughes, Distin, Dabizas, Bernard, Solano, Dyer (Jenas 59), Speed, Robert, LuaLua, Shearer.
Scorers: Shearer - Svensson, Beattie (p), Telfer
Position: 4th
DYER FOR NEWCASTLE AND KEIRAN - United are awful in the first-half and deservedly trail by two goals. They improve after the break, but the game is already lost. Dyer’s World Cup hopes are in the balance after a bad challenge. Even the official Southampton website was open in its condemnation. “El Khalej was rightly sent off for an awful sliding, scything, sideways tackle on Dyer who was stretchered off with a badly jarred knee and now faces a scan to determine whether he will be able to make the finals”.