Newcastle can let their hair down

Another three points were banked against Aston Villa on Sunday in a dream debut for new number nine Papiss Demba Cisse. The first half was a fairly even affair with the Villains possibly having the better of the chances. Demba Ba lashed in just before the half hour mark to make it 1-0 only for Robbie Keane to grab an equaliser deep into first half time. To be honest, this was the least Villa deserved and one would feel a pretty fair score-line at the break.

The Toon looked dangerous for long spells in the second half, cranking up the pressure before Cisse scored with a magnificent strike. It was a goal to remember. The ball was crossed over to him on the edge of the 18 yard box by Guitierrez, Cisse chested it down and unleashed a sweet left footed half-volley which curved into the top left corner of the Gallowgate goal leaving Shay Given no chance. The goal sparked massive celebrations but it has to be said that the remaining minutes were an ‘edge of the seat’ job as Villa pressed on to try and get something out of the game.

We again have Tim Krul to thank for making a string of great saves throughout the game, arguably the most important one being the double save in the dying minutes keeping out Emile Heskey. I for one could see two points slipping away until the safest of hands seemed to appear from nowhere and grabbed the ball just as Heskey bumbled into the Newcastle ‘keeper. It has to be said that many factors have influenced United’s current league position and Tim Krul is absolutely one of them, the man is having an outstanding season.

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On the downside there were two casualties from the game, the most serious being Ryan Taylor being stretchered off after being clattered by Stephen Warnock as he let off a shot just before Ba’s goal. Although it looked like a possible break at the time, it appears to be only a badly brused shin. This was after Leon Best had already been taken off, being replaced by Cisse after landing awkwardly on his left ankle, apparently damaging medial ligaments. It has been said that Best could be out for up to six weeks.

After claiming the spoils against Aston Villa, United look forward to a tough test at Tottenham this coming Saturday. Alan Pardew must be delighted to be in 5th position at this stage of the campaign, the pressure is well and truly off as far as survival is concerned and the gaffer summed it up nicely after the game:

“We mustn’t get carried from the team ethic we have got here because the guys did brilliantly to get a result at Blackburn in the week and again we have put in a display here that has been strong.

Perch in midfield was brilliant. We had no Cheik (Tiote) today, no (Yohan) Cabaye, but we keep winning. That’s a great thing.

We can go to Tottenham and let our hair down. We will have a go and if we get beat, we get beat.”

Bring on Spurs!

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