All 21 Of Newcastle's Premier League Opening Day Fixtures

Date: 18 August 2012

Venue: St James' Park

Result: 2-1

Starting XI: Krul; Simpson, Perch, S. Taylor, Santon; Ben Arfa, Cabaye (Anita), Tiote, Gutierrez; Ba (Obertan), Cisse.

Goals: Ba (54), Ben Arfa (80, pen)

Yellow Cards: Simpson, Cabaye

Debuts: Anita

Manager: Alan Pardew

What Happened?

This was a match overshadowed by Alan Pardew's dismissal to the stands after pushing linesman Peter Kirkup.  Even then the result was never in doubt as a confident Newcastle side took the lead through Demba Ba wonderful curling effort. Jermaine Defoe levelled proceedings in the 76th minute but the Magpies regained the lead and secured victory when Hatem Ben Arfa scored from the spot with 10 minutes remaining after he was fouled by Aaron Lennon. 

League Position: 6th

Was It A Sign Of Things To Come?

Definitely not. Newcastle won just twice in the proceeding 13 matches as European football took its toll on a paper-thin squad, boosted only by the signing of Ajax midfielder Vernon Anita. The Magpies began to slide down the Premier League table, leading Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias to take action by financing the signing for five French players in the January window. It didn't make much difference and top-flight safety was only assured with victory over QPR in the penultimate game of the season.

Final League Position: 16th