Newcastle United 1-0 Queen's Park Rangers - Match Report
Newcastle United secured a narrow 1-0 win over a hapless Queen’s Park Rangers, courtesy of a Leon Best goal.
Newcastle United secured a narrow 1-0 win over a hapless Queens Park Rangers, courtesy of a Leon Best goal. A far from entertaining game and though Mark Hughes first game brought him no points, with Tony Fernandes millions behind him its unlikely well be seeing such a toothless display from the Hoops in future games. Newcastle United welcomed Queens Park Rangers to the Sports Direct Arena or St. James Park to everyone apart from Mike Ashley; in the hope of proving they are not a one man team. However, its not just top scorer Demba Ba who has departed for Englands least favourite international tournament - the African Cup of Nations, but also the indefatigable presence of Cheick Tiote who was incidentally sent off in the Ivory Coasts last friendly with Tunisia. The Magpies are not the only ones with players departing to the tournament though; the Super Hoops were without Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore, though their major concerns were undoubtedly their weakened centre of midfield Joey Bartons impact was restricted to inspirational tweets as he was serving a three match suspension. Not only that, but Alejandro Faurlin is out until the end of the season. The Rs are also bottom of the form table with just two points from their last eight (!) This all diverts attention from the fact that the Rs have appointed Mark Hughes as manager perhaps judging Neil Warnock to be a tad mild mannered for the relegation dogfight. Sparky loves a draw, and indeed a point away at Newcastle wouldnt be a bad start to his managerial reign. Without Ba and Tiote it was a good time to play them. So with injuries and departures aplenty, Alan Pardews 4-4-2 line-up was led by Leon Best and Shola Ameobi with Danny Guthrie replacing the utterly irreplaceable Tiote. Hughes also went with a 4-4-2, and forgotten man Akos Buzsaky started alongside Shaun Derry. Clint Hill started in left back, but his lack of pace didnt look to be tested too much with Ryan Taylor starting on the right wing for the hosts. The visitors started brightly, and Jay Bothroyds delightful back heel found Heidar Helguson, whose shot struck the shoulder/arm/chest of Danny Simpson. Whatever it hit it wasnt a penalty but Rangers appealed wildly before Shaun Wright-Phillips unleashed a dreadful effort that went nowhere near the keeper. Tim Krul was tested moments later though by Jamie Mackie, whose effort from around 30 years was straight at the Dutchman. However, with perhaps one eye on potential Premiership suitors, Krul made a meal of it, palming it straight out into play, but luckily no-one was around. Its always a risk to play a supposedly wantaway goalie. Terrific effort from Wright-Phillips, well struck on the half volley from the edge of the area. Krul was beaten but it clipped the top of the bar and went behind. Newcastle were struggling to get into the game, often resorting to hoofed long balls towards Ameobi and Best. Bit of drama in the 20th minute. Shaun Derry went in late on Yohan Cabaye, who went down, sprang immediately to his feet, pushed Derry in the back before realising he was hurt after all and not only went down, but allegedly needed a stretcher as well. Hatem Ben Arfa replaced him not a bad replacement, he received a rapturous reception. 
Newcastle were starting to take control of the game. Ryan Taylors beautifully taken free kick swung into the area towards Jonas Gutierrez, who beat Luke Young in the air but ultimately headed over by some distance. Disappointing for all those eager to see the wingers all-too-rare Spiderman celebration - just 8 goals in 124 games for him. The Rs were giving away far too many free kicks. Clint Hill joined Shaun Derry in the book for a late challenge on Danny Simpson, and from the resulting free kick Paddy Kenny flapped at Ryan Taylors delivery but the visitors scrambled it away. Taylor then tried from distance himself but his powerful effort flew just past the post. A goal had been coming, and it finally arrived in the 37th minute. A great move from the Magpies, Gutierrez found Shola Ameobi, who held it up, laid it off to Taylor who played the killer pass to Leon Best. Onside, the striker cut inside and stroked it into the bottom corner Paddy Kenny could only flop uselessly to the floor. Ryan Taylor was having a fantastic game his deliveries from out wide and his general distribution were causing the visitors all sorts of trouble. As the two sides went in for the interval, Newcastle were looking good value for their lead and were dominating possession. Cue Mark Hughes first team talk as QPR manager. HALF TIME QPR started this half brightly too a lovely through ball from Jamie Mackie found Bothroyd, who struck it towards the near post but Krul managed to turn it behind. The following corner was wasted by Buzsaky. It could have gotten worse for the Rs on the hour mark. Danny Simpsons pathetic header went nowhere near Kennys goal, but in bringing the ball down Akos Buzsaky seemed to have used his arm quite blatantly. Chris Foy waved play on however a let off for Hughes men, though replays were rather inconclusive. Like their opponents in the first half, Newcastle were giving the ball away at every opportunity. There was an unfamiliar and unnerving hush over St James Park, and though Rangers had looked anything other than impressive hitherto, they were, courtesy of a lack of cutting edge from the home side, very much in this game. In a moment of madness, Paddy Kenny came racing out of his area, miscontrolling the ball which went out for a throw-in. Ben Arfa reacted quickly, throwing it to Gutierrez, who attempted to curl it over the keeper who was trundling back to his goal in what appeared to be slow motion. Luckily however, the Rs had men back to cover Kenny and Danny Gabbidon was able to head it clear. The Magpies intentions were clear with the introduction of James Perch for Leon Best 15 minutes or so to shut out their opposition, who had looked incapable of creating anything much in the second half. The home side had managed just one shot on target luckily it went in though. A far cry from Keegans entertainers though. So that was that. 3 points for Newcastle... Not really too much more you can say about this one. Referee: Chris Foy Newcastle United (4-4-2): Krul, Simpson, Williams, Coloccini, Santon, R. Taylor (Gosling, 82), Cabaye (Ben Arfa, 24), Guthrie, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Best (Perch, 77) Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): Kenny, Young, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Hill, Mackie, Buzsaky (Macheda, 76), Derry, Wright-Phillips, Helguson (Smith, 65), Bothroyd