Reebok Stadium
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 26,080)
Ba (71)
Bolton Wanderers 0 Newcastle United 2
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Reebok Stadium
Bolton Wanderers 0
Newcastle United 2 (Ben Arfa 69, Ba 71)
Two goals in as many second half minutes handed Newcastle United the perfect late Christmas present at Bolton on Boxing Day - three Premier League points.
It was the Magpies' first win in seven attempts, and came courtesy of efforts from substitute Hatem Ben Arfa and leading scorer Demba Ba.
Both sides had failed to make any real impression in the final third during an uninspiring contest, but that was until Ben Arfa stepped off the bench midway through the second half, and broke the deadlock just eight minutes later.
Ba then added a close-range second almost immediately after - his 14th of the campaign - and United were home and dry, keeping their second clean sheet in three games in the process.
Following a quiet opening spell the game finally saw some action on 13 minutes. Yohan Cabaye - back in the United line-up after sevring a one-game ban - made space for himself in the middle of the park before being upended by Fabrice Muamba as he tried to get a shot away.
And up stepped Taylor to curl a free-kick around the wall, which was parried away by Bolton stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen with the visitors unable to profit on the rebound.
Jonas Gutierrez then had a shot blocked on the edge of the box, but chances at either end were few and far between.
In fact, it took 38 minutes for the first corner of the match, which Bolton failed to take advantage of. But as the ball got cleared, Cabaye was penalised for a foul and suddenly the Trotters were withing striking distance, 25 yards out.
Winger Martin Petrov took on free-kick responsibilities and thumped a low left-footed strike which looked destined for the bottom right-hand corner until a full-length Tim Krul managed to connect with a finger tip out and claw it to safety.
With half-time approaching, Leon Best tried his luck from distance but had his shot deflected behind, while seconds later the same player drifted in unmarked only to glance wide Taylor's corner.
Into the second half, and both sides came out looking to carry a much greater threat than they did before the break. Krul had to be quick off his line to punch clear Petrov's left-wing delivery under pressure, before David Ngog sent a cross-cum-shot right across the face of goal.
And at the other end Gabriel Obertan turned ex-Watford full-back Paul Robinson inside out before firing straight at Jaaskelainen at his near post.
Just past the hour mark United boss Alan Pardew introduced Ben Arfa from the bench in place of Best, hoping the French international forward would give his side a different attacking dimension.
The next chance fell Bolton's way in the 66th minute - Petrov finding a yard of space before drilling a low effort just wide of the far post - but it wasn't long before Ben Arfa justified his manager's switch.
Gutierrez and Taylor combined down the left flank, and the latter's low cross picked out Ben Arfa lurking unmarked around the penalty spot. And the former Marseille man didn't need asking twice as he lashed home a first-time shot to send the travelling supporters behind the goal into raptures.
Having got one, Newcastle doubled their lead less than two minutes later as Demba Ba grabbed goal number 14 of a remarkable first season on Tyneside. Wanderers left-back Robinson lost possession to Cheick Tiote, and he fed Oberan who duly delivered a low cross into the heart of the danger zone.
Ba did the rest, getting ahead of his marker and sticking out a boot to flick home into the top corner.
The Magpies weren't done there and went in search of goal number three against their shell-shocked opponents. Taylor wasn't far away with a free-kick, while substitute Shola Ameobi used his first touch to meet a corner but head just off target.
Bolton applied pressure in the dying moments as they attempted to get back into the contest, but United held firm for all three points.
Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): Jussi Jaaskelainen; Dedryck Boyata, Zat Knight, Gary Cahill, Paul Robinson; Mark Davies, Fabrice Muamba (Chris Eagles 66), Nigel Reo-Coker, Martin Petrov; Ivan Klasnic (Kevin Davies 76), David Ngog (Tuncay 76)
Subs not used: Adam Bogdan, Sam Ricketts, David Wheater, Darren Pratley
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan (Shola Ameobi 85), Yohan Cabaye (James Perch 88), Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez; Leon Best (Hatem Ben Arfa 61), Demba Ba
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Attendance: 26,080
Cross by Martin Petrov(Bolton), resulting in open play.
Cross by Martin Petrov(Bolton), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Chris Eagles(Bolton) to centre, save (punched) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Shot by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (punched) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Martin Petrov(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Newcastle substitution: Yohan Cabaye replaced by James Perch (tactical).
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Tuncay Sanli(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Shola Ameobi (tactical). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, header by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Chris Eagles(Bolton), resulting in ball out of play.
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Cross by Tuncay Sanli(Bolton), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Tuncay Sanli(Bolton).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Chris Eagles(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Kevin Davies(Bolton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Bolton substitution: David Ngog replaced by Kevin Davies (tactical).Bolton substitution: Ivan Klasnic replaced by Tuncay Sanli (tactical).
Foul by Gary Cahill(Bolton) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left channel (25 yards), missed right.
Foul by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) on Paul Robinson(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal by Demba Ba(Newcastle) right-footed (top-left of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Bolton 0-2 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area.
Goal by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Bolton 0-1 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area.
Foul by Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Bolton substitution: Fabrice Muamba replaced by Chris Eagles (tactical).
Shot by Martin Petrov(Bolton) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Gary Cahill(Bolton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Cross by Mark Davies(Bolton), clearance by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Mark Davies(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Foul by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) on Martin Petrov(Bolton). Newcastle substitution: Leon Best replaced by Hatem Ben Arfa (injury). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from right channel, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
David Ngog(Bolton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play. Shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (parried) by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton). Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by David Ngog(Bolton), resulting in open play.
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Free kick crossed left-footed by Martin Petrov(Bolton) from right channel, clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by David Ngog(Bolton), resulting in ball out of play.
Cross by Martin Petrov(Bolton), save (punched) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Gary Cahill(Bolton) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) from left channel, blocked by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Martin Petrov(Bolton), resulting in ball out of play.
Defending throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Bolton) to near post, clearance by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Bolton) to centre, clearance by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, header by Leon Best(Newcastle) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Gary Cahill(Bolton).
Shot by Leon Best(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Foul by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Free kick crossed left-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, clearance by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Shot by Martin Petrov(Bolton) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Davies(Bolton) from right channel, passed.
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Bolton) to far post, resulting in open play.
Cross by Martin Petrov(Bolton), blocked by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Martin Petrov(Bolton).
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Foul by Ivan Klasnic(Bolton) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Ivan Klasnic(Bolton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by David Ngog(Bolton) on Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on David Ngog(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton) from left channel, passed.
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from right channel, passed.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Zat Knight(Bolton) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Fabrice Muamba(Bolton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) left-footed from right channel (18 yards), blocked by Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton).
David Ngog(Bolton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Paul Robinson(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken short by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Foul by Fabrice Muamba(Bolton) on Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle). Free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right channel (30 yards), save (parried) by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right channel (30 yards), save (parried) by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton). David Ngog(Bolton) caught offside.
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed left.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), blocked by Mark Davies(Bolton).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton), resulting in ball out of play.
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gary Cahill(Bolton) from right channel, passed.
Foul by Gary Cahill(Bolton) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Dedryck Boyata(Bolton).
Attacking throw-in by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jussi Jaaskelainen(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play.
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Nigel Reo-Coker(Bolton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson(Bolton) from own half, resulting in open play.