Crystal clear it was Magpies’ lucky day
SEVENTIES super strikers Malcolm Macdonald and John Tudor, reunited again, were afforded a halftime walk on the St James’ Park turf they once graced so well.
SuperMac and King John shot United to Wembley and the FA Cup final of 1974.
How their finishing ability was required in a dire match against rock-bottom Crystal Palace.
Even the winner, thankfully netted four minutes from time, carried a huge slice of luck as a defensive header from James McArthur cannoned off substitute Mikel Merino’s forehead and high into the net.
Maybe it was more than fortunate, but we will take it.
If you can win when not having played well then it is a mark of survivors.
That, lest we forget amid the heady atmosphere of top-half residency, is the No1 priority this first season back in the Premier League – and, so far, United are doing it at a canter.
Such is the consistency installed from the dug-out and replicated on the pitch that United have lost only one of their 10 Premier League home matches under Rafa Benitez – the opening-day reversal for 10 men against Spurs.
Merino was on the shoulder of his marker from Matt Ritchie’s corner and, as the ball bulged the net behind Julian Speroni, the relief of 50,000 Geordies echoed on the dank evening air.
There had been few efforts of note on goal from either side.
Mo Diame had tried an acceptable curler second-half and Jonjo Shelvey saw a decent effort parried away – but there was little more to protect against the steady rain.
However, United deserved to return to winning ways after two draws because their overall level of performance so far this campaign has been excellent – if not quite so in this latest 90 minutes.
In truth, United’s normal creativity is provided by Shelvey, Ritchie and, when played, Merino, but none of the trio found their range on the day, which was reflected in the overall display.
There was more huff and puff than sleek and smooth.
Andros Townsend, booed throughout for deserting a relegated Newcastle, was much more inventive – though hardly appreciated.
Neither was Yohan Cabaye, who could easily have seen red for an agricultural attack on DeAndre Yedlin. He deserved to go, in my book.
Super attackers Macdonald and Tudor were brought together because Tudor was paying us a fleeting visit from his home in America.
Two other members of the 1974 Cup final side, Bob Moncur and Paddy Howard, also shared bread in the Moncur Suite, while across the directors’ box were Geordie showbiz friends Sting and Jimmy Nail.
Quite an audience if not quite a performance.
Then look at the result, though, that is what really matters.
Ask Palace, bottom of the pile and sunk by a late strike beneath the waterline.