Obertan's rare goal has Newcastle boss Pardew smiling
Newcastle Utd 1 Leicester City 0
Newcastle player Gabriel Obertan (c) celebrates his goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City
Newcastle player Gabriel Obertan (l) in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City
Newcastle player Gabriel Obertan (r) scores the opening goal past Kasper Schmeichel during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City
Newcastle player Gabriel Obertan (l) scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City
They say that patience is a virtue and, sure enough, Newcastle United fans were rewarded for a frustrating hour-long delay to kick-off with their team's first league win of the season.
Secured by a rare goal from Gabriel Obertan this victory was not always convincing but at least offers Alan Pardew a little respite as he endeavours to keep his job. "I've been a manager for 700 games now and I've never used the word desperate before but today we were desperate to win," said Pardew. "We were under enormous pressure but this gives us a chance to build some confidence."
There were times when both sides looked as shaky as St James' Park's new big screen before it received emergency underpinnings. The hiatus prompted by the need to refasten Mike Ashley's latest toy to its moorings can hardly have helped settle nerves. Yet amid much slapdash, shapeless, helter-skelter stuff - for prolonged spells it seemed more like a Championship game - Fabricio Coloccini should really have given Newcastle an early lead.
After that, Newcastle piled on the second-half pressure. Making it count was the issue and Cisse cursed after missing a sitter following his interception of Paul Konchesky's appalling backpass. The Senegal striker swiftly compensated by creating Obertan's winner.
Having initiated a rapid counterattack Cisse slid the ball to the Frenchman. Dodging defenders, Obertan slalomed to the edge of the area from where he beat Kasper Schmeichel with a shot into the bottom corner. It was the former Manchester United winger's first goal for more than two years. "For once," said Pardew. "I can watch Match of the Day with a smile."
Observer
