Glenn Roeder’s black and white army helped themselves to an opening day 2-1 victory against last season’s surpise outfit Wigan Athletic. In a rain-drenched St. James’ Park it was Shola Ameobi’s athletic second half winner that gave the Magpies three-points and their first home win of the season.

Glenn Roeder initially started the match with a 4-5-1 formation with Nicky Butt being handed the anchorman role in front of the defence following some fine pre-season form. Bramble and Moore started at centre-half and Damien Duff was handed his home Premiership debut. Wigan fielded a host of new players including ex-England striker Emile Heskey, Chris Kirkland and the impressive Ecuadorian Luis Valencia.

For the opening ten minutes Newcastle appeared to be somewhat disjointed and the 4-5-1 formation seemed to be heavily isolating Shola Ameobi up front and allowing Wigan to push-on.

However, on the 11-minute mark an injury forced Nicky Butt to depart and he was replaced by Charles N’Zogbia. This is turn allowed Roeder to revert back to a 4-4-2 formation with Damien Duff acting as support for Shola Ameobi.

The injury to Nicky Butt appeared to be a blessing in disguise. Newcastle’s football was more flowing and decisive although a combative Wigan always looked dangerous on the attack. Henri Camara standing out for his direct attitude which was a thorn in the Newcastle back line.

It was new captain Scott Parker who led the Newcastle charge, his ferocious shot bringing a superb save from recent England-debutant Chris Kirkland. However, Wigan had chances of their own and Shay Given was to thank for a few outstanding saves which kept the score level.

Seven minutes before half time and Shola Ameobi had the ball in the Wigan box. After some good close ball control he laid the ball into the path of Scott Parker who headed in to give Newcastle the lead (38 mins). Wigan almost hit back immediately, Henri Camara’s header hitting the post! But it was Newcastle who went in at the break leading 1-0.

Steven Taylor replaced Craig Moore at half time and Newcastle looked to kill the game off. However, on the hour mark, it was Wigan who fought back to claim an equaliser. Lee McCulloch cooly curled in a shot at the Leazes End and Wigan were level (60 mins). In fairness a deserved equaliser for the Latics.

Newcastle had been pegged back…what now? Well unlike under the management of him who we cannot mention (without feeling sick) the likelihood is we would have folded and could have quite easily lost this game. However, Glenn Roeder might not be the best manager in the world, but there is no doubt that he won’t stand for sh*te off his players.

Five minutes later and we were back in front. Damien Duff’s shrewd pass set Charles N’Zogbia away on a run at the heart of the Wigan defence. He burst his way through before unleashing a venomous low drive which Kirkland parried. Shola Ameobi’s un-orthdox, but classy finish sent St. James dancing in the rain! (65 mins)

The rest of the game festered out into a tough battle, Wigan never giving up hope. However, Newcastle always looked comfortable having regained the lead.

The rain eased and the St. James’ Park faithful rolled in the aisles as the PA announcer informed them that Sunderland were getting beaten away at Southend. Happy Days!

The 4-5-1 formation is maybe best left to away matches. I am not a fan and I think we played miles better without this formation. However, I feel this means omitting Emre from midfield to allow Parker freedom to bomb forward. If Roeder wants Gravesen then get him and put him at side of Parker.

Shola Ameobi needs help up front. A 4-5-1 isolates him and he does not have the change of gears to trouble a defence with his back to goal. He needs crosses and through balls as well as someone to play-off.

A striker is a must, we need a different outlet and some real pace injected into the side. Roeder knows this and I think he will get it right.

One thing that is already evident as we commence this season, the heart and passion is back. A never-say-die attitude was present and I for one was delighted with the way we played after Wigan had equalised; confident, controlled and committed.

A win is a win as they say and let’s hope this is one of many. New players are a must but the signs are there that we are getting close to becoming a damn good team in this league once more after a little while in the wilderness.

In closing, I would just like to wish Bobby Robson all the best and hope that he has a speedy recovery. I hope people will take part on the ‘Scarves to Salute Bobby’ idea on thursday night.