THE key stats and moments from the match against Newcastle.

BRAD FRIEDEL: Could have been more decisive in the build-up to Newcastle's goal when he failed to win a challenge with Alan Shearer 6

LUCAS NEILL: Got caught for pace by Craig Bellamy on a couple of occasions when the Newcastle striker drifted out wide 6

MICHAEL GRAY: Looks a class act at left-back. Calm and composed in possession and seems to spot danger quickly 7

ANDY TODD: Barely put a foot wrong. Read the game superbly at the back, which was essential in neutralising Bellamy's pace 8

MARKUS BABBEL: Did a fine job of containing Shearer but he'll be kicking himself for letting the ball bounce in the box for Bellamy's goal 7

JONATHAN DOUGLAS: He does a lot of unselfish work for the team in what is not his preferred position 7

GARRY FLITCROFT: Had to cover a lot of ground in midfield, especially in the second half when Newcastle took control in the engine room 7

TUGAY: Careless in possession at times and didn't stay with the runners from midfield as Newcastle became more dominant 6

BRETT EMERTON: A constant source of danger in the first half but an ankle injury slowed him down after the break 7

ANDY COLE: Nothing wrong with his work-rate up front but his finishing could have been sharper 7

JONATHAN STEAD: Two goals in two games is a fine return from a player still finding his feet at the top level 7

SUBS:

GALLAGHER (for Douglas, 69) Bright spark. 7

JOHANSSON (for Cole, 90).

NOT USED: YORKE, ANDRESEN, ENCKELMAN

OPPOSITION:

GIVEN: Safe hands 7

HUGHES: Steady 7

BERNARD: Vulnerable 6

O'BRIEN: No-nonsense 6

BRAMBLE: Suspect 6

SPEED: Quietly efficient 7

JENAS: Flashes 6

DYER: Better second half 7

ROBERT: Posed a threat 7

SHEARER: Always a handful 7

BELLAMY: Speed merchant 7

SUBS NOT USED: ELLIOTT, AMBROSE, AMEOBI, VIANA, HARPER