A few easy away days before a massive clash with Chelsea, good luck!
Newcastle United on the brink of qualification after 1-0 win at St James Park
Newcastle United moved into top spot in Champions League Group C as Remy Cabella scored the only goal in a straight forward win over Napoli at St James Park.
The French midfielder, 25, turned in Grenier's flick-on after the hosts dominated the opening 30 minutes. Gonzalo Higuain squandered a fine, and rare, chance to equalise for Napoli as he miscued when one-on-one soon after.
Newcastle United should have increased their winning margin, with Perez and Anita guilty of particularly glaring misses.
Newcastle United should have increased their winning margin, with Perez and Anita guilty of particularly glaring misses.
In the build-up to their group game, David Ginola had called on his side to be more ruthless in front of goal.
While United again created plenty of chances, particularly in the first 15 minutes, they failed to capitalise.
Tiote and Moussa Sissoko had both shot wide before Cabella bundled the ball into the net at the far post after Grenier rose unchallenged to flick Ryan Taylor's corner through the six-yard box.
While United again created plenty of chances, particularly in the first 15 minutes, they failed to capitalise.
Tiote and Moussa Sissoko had both shot wide before Cabella bundled the ball into the net at the far post after Grenier rose unchallenged to flick Ryan Taylor's corner through the six-yard box.
Ginola had also insisted that Newcastle's concession of two goals their previous three matches was down to bad luck rather than poor defending.
Newcastle continued to create and waste chances, with Coloccini's header pushed over the top by Rafael before Cheick Tiote volleyed wide from the edge of the box.
But they still looked vulnerable at the back when their Italian opponents, albeit infrequently, attacked.
Eduardo Vargas's pot-shot from 25 yards fizzed off target after he had shrugged off Balanta's attention.
But they still looked vulnerable at the back when their Italian opponents, albeit infrequently, attacked.
Eduardo Vargas's pot-shot from 25 yards fizzed off target after he had shrugged off Balanta's attention.
The hosts were in enough control to see out the match and claim there third straight win in the group, a feat they were not expected to achieve at all
Match Overview
UEFA Champions League groupstage
those double-header victories have put us well and truly in control of this group, we only need a draw in our final two matches to progress, noone expected this when the groups were drawn as we were heavily tipped to finish bottom
