Nicky Butt Back To His Man Utd Best!
Subs Not Used: Given, Faye.
WEST HAM: Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble, Mullins (Ljungberg 62), Etherington (Spector 80), Cole (Camara 68), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins.
Att: 50,104
Mark Viduka announced his arrival on Tyneside with a first-half double as Newcastle saw off West Ham, and it could be argued he did the most difficult thing on the pitch - scoring goals - very well.
But Nicky Butt and Charles N'Zogbia produced the grit and spark that won the match, and I'm sure Viduka would admit it.
The Australian got his side off to the perfect start with a second-minute bullet header, and he then converted Charles N'Zogbia's cross four minutes before half-time.
The Australian got his side off to the perfect start with a second-minute bullet header, and he then converted Charles N'Zogbia's cross four minutes before half-time.
In the meantime, Dean Ashton had dragged the visitors back into it with his second goal in as many games since his return from injury, and the Hammers spent a period when Steve Harper was under a lot of pressure.
Harper had to produce excellent one-handed saves to deny first Mark Noble and then former team-mate Lee Bowyer, but the Magpies dominated the second half and were rewarded when N'Zogbia slotted home their third goal after 76 minutes.
Butt was like a man-mountain. Rock steady and involved in everything.
While Charlie did the job of two men, tracking back down the left flank and moving into dangerous territory up front at every opportunity.
With Charlie obviously eager to play in his rightful position, and Alan Smith looking a bit lost out wide on the right, it was hardly surprising that Newcastle looked at the threatening best late in the game when every player on the pitch reverted to their rightful positions.
We've seen Steven Taylor at right-back, Oba Martins out wide on the wing, Smith playing everywhere but the position he likes best, and no wonder we haven't seen the best of the team this season.
But with the new boys starting to find their feet, and Big Sam winning his battle with the 'want away brigade' who have no passion or desire to play for the Magpies (Luque, Emre and Babayaro), the future looks bright.