All 21 Of Newcastle's Premier League Opening Day Fixtures

Date: 14 August 2005

Venue: Highbury

Result: 2-0

Starting XI: Given; Carr, Boumsong, S. Taylor, Babayaro; Emre, Jenas, Dyer (N'Zogbia), Parker (A.Faye), Bowyer; Shearer (Milner).

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Boumsong Red Cards: Jenas

Debuts: Emre, Parker, N'Zogbia

Manager: Graeme Souness

What Happened?

It was a disaster as Jermaine Jenas was shown a straight red card, later to be rescinded, by referee Steve Bennett in the 32nd minute for a supposed lunge on Gilberto Silva. Newcastle defended stoutly for an hour before Thierry Henry broke the deadlock after Freddie Ljungberg was tripped by Charles N'Zogbia. Robin Van Persie wrapped up the win three minutes from time as Newcastle's final visit to Highbury ended sourly.

League Position: 19th

Was It A Sign Of Things To Come?

Relegation was already a forgone conclusion has Souness remained at the reins, but luckily Freddie Shepherd had the good sense to take action before the situation became critical. Former Magpies captain Glenn Roeder was drafted in, despite not having the proper credentials, and calmed an agitated dressing room, whilst a dramatic upturn in results ended with Newcastle in a fight for a European place. But it's a season best remembered for the moment Shearer broke Jackie Milburn's goal scoring record and laying to rest the ghosts of his penalty miss against Sunderland by scoring from the spot at the Stadium of Light - his final match and final goal. 206 and out.

Final League Position: 7th