it's important to keep in mind that Newcastle were really quite poor...
the quick response to their opening goal, courtesy of the monumentally incompetent Titus Bramble, was important, but from pulling it back to 1-1, we looked very confident and dangerous.
i enjoyed the third goal immensely, and not so much Baros rounding Given to finish, but Kewell's wicked little cut in this own half and the slide-rule, defense splitting pass he played into Baros's run.
the talent is still there, we just need to stay behind Harry to try to bring it out consistently.
a huge three points, both because Everton dropped two yesterday, and also because Boro are still four points in front of us.
we have a run of very winnable games coming up: West Brom, Soton, Chelsea at home, then Norwich. three points today sets us up to make a move in the table over the crowded holiday period.
Alonso's range of passing and accuracy are phenomenal; i'm convinced that this is an area of the game in which he is Stevie G.'s superior.
Enjoyed the switch to 4-4-2, and thought Mellor's finish was class; he didn't do a whole lot else, but took his chance with a simple, well-placed finish.
And Sinama looked wonderfully lively as Mellor's sub, a bright, skillful and entertaining performance.
We played well, and caught Newcastle at a time when they are very vulnerable. West Brom are in the same state, if we can get three points away from that match, that would put us in a very good state for both Soton and Chelsea.
Seven days to enjoy a good win over Newcastle and the holidays. the upcoming stretch of matches will be crucial in determining how the rest of our season plays itself out...
