However, we did not take those chances, and Newcastle came out the brighter after the restart. They got themselves into the ascendancy and looked far more threatening. The Gilberto red card effectively ended all hopes we had of winning the game, as we hung on looking for a point.
It was not to be, as with just eight minutes left to play Solano hit a sweet right footed strike past Lehmann to consign us to our 5th. away defeat of the season.
With Chelsea up next, I feel that we will need a win to spark our season.
Jens Lehmann (6) He gave us the highlight of the day, when he knocked Scott Parker over deliberately, then proceeded to throw the ball out of play and call for the physio! Top stuff!
Lauren (6) It was somewhat ironic that despite Cygan being dropped, the Newcastle goal still came from our left side when Lauren got sucked in.
Sol Campbell (7) Strong defending saw us through some tough spells.
Philippe Senderos (6) His tackling was great, but his passing left a lot to be desired.
Kolo Toure (8) His display will surely cement this back fours place for the next few games.
Alexander Hleb (6) He was influential in the first half but faded away in the second.
Gilberto (5) He wasn't at his best before he was harshly sent off midway through the second half.
Cesc Fabregas (6) He saw plenty of the ball and linked the play.
Freddie Ljungberg (7) He looked up for this one, and his early running saw us create two presentable opportunities.
Robin Van Persie (6) Found it hard to get into the game, but still set up some forward play when he dropped deep.
Thierry Henry (6) I'm beginning to get very frustrated with Tel. His inability to finish chances the simple way is becoming too frequent an occurrence. In this game he went through on goal. In previous years he would have curled it with the outside of his right foot beyond the keeper and into the net; a standard Henry finish. This time he decided to let the defenders catch up, and then try and beat them with a "Maradona Moonwalk" That is not want any away fan wanted to see! He seems to believe that he is above criticism as captain, and that he can do what he wants as he is holding the club to ransom. Not the case – I'm not the only one feeling like this.
Subs:
Mathieu Flamini (6) Got stuck into the midfield.
Robert Pires (5) Not the time to bring on a flare player who can't deal with the physical aspect of the game.
Quincy (5) One quick run followed by nothing.