2. Steven Taylor Is Like A New Signing
Though Newcastle have been linked with defensive reinforcements for the entire summer, with one already signed in the shape of Curtis Good and another rumoured to be close, with long-term target Erik Pieters present at the game yesterday, the re-emergence of Steven Taylor from injury is a major boost to the squad. Last year Taylor was excellent, and was once more being suggested as a potential England player before an injury against Chelsea ended his season, and yesterday the adopted Geordie took up exactly where he left off. He is arguably the finest header of the ball at the club, especially in defensive situations, and despite his injury is still very happy to put his body on the line for the cause. Though he is still occasionally accused of lacking the intelligence of team-mate Fabricio Coloccini, Taylor is an invaluable player and a leader on the pitch, imperious when he is on form and strong enough to keep most opponents in check. His return to the team is worth more than a new signing because he knows the club and the fans, and once captain Coloccini returns, Newcastle will once again have one of the strongest centre-back pairing in the Premier League, despite the lazy punditry that still says the Magpies weakness is in defence.