Gutierrez (90 +5)
Sports Direct Arena
The FA Cup
(Attendance: 30,876)
Newcastle 2 Blackburn 1
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Sports Direct Arena
Newcastle United 2 (Ben Arfa 70, Gutierrez 90)
Blackburn Rovers 1 (Goodwillie 35)
An injury-time strike from Jonas Gutierrez put Newcastle United into the fourth round of the FA Cup, with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Sports Direct Arena.
The tie looked to be heading for a replay until the Argentine international popped up in the dying seconds with a superb individual goal.
Earlier, in a match which United dominated from start to finish, David Goodwillie had given Blackburn a shock lead when he stabbed home from close range ten minutes before half-time.
But a wonder goal from Hatem Ben Arfa drew the Magpies level after the break. The French international, making his first start since 3rd December, danced his way past a handful of challenges as he sped from the halfway line into the area, and then finished powerfully at the near post.
And Gutierrez had the last laugh with a brilliant chipped finish to put Newcastle in the hat for the next stage.
Leon Best drew a save out of Rovers keeper Mark Bunn inside the first minute. As the visitors failed to make any distance with a throw-in down their right, Newcastle won possession, and Best out-muscled Grant Hanley before seeing his shot tipped away by the stopper.
Ben Arfa - direct from a corner - and centre-back Mike Williamson also threatened as United looked for an early breakthrough, before Gutierrez forced Bunn into another fine stop on seven minutes.
It was a lively opening from the Magpies and they should have finally opened the scoring three minutes later. Ben Arfa strode unchallenged from the halfway line before slipping in Yohan Cabaye to his right.
The French international midfielder took a touch and, from eight yards out, every Toon fan was waiting for net to inevitably ripple, but he blazed well off target instead.
It took 17 minutes for Blackburn to carve out their first chance, which came courtesy of a free-kick conceded by Williamson for a foul on Goodwillie. Winger Morten Gamst Pedersen stepped up from 30 yards but came closer to finding the corner flag rather than Tim Krul's goal.
A long range effort from Ruben Rochina on 27 minutes was a little closer, but still failed to force Krul into action as the home side continued to dominate proceedings.
Gutierrez was inches away when he latched on to a headed clearance, cut inside and curled goalwards, but still the Rovers goal somehow remained in tact.
And the visitors took the lead completely against the run of play in the 35th minute. Pedersen's corner was met by Hanley, who had risen highest above the Newcastle defence.
His effort was on target, and Krul could only parry it on to the boot of Goodwillie, who wasn't going to miss from a yard out.
That was it for the first half, but minutes after the restart Steven Nzonzi tried his luck from 20 yards, only to fire off target, as Blackburn looked to double their advantage.
Newcastle hit back in search of an equaliser and Best thought he had it when excellent work from Ben Arfa unlocked the visiting defence. The Frenchman eventually side-footed right across the heart of the six yard box, and although Best connected, a fantastic last-ditch block from Martin Olsson prevented him from finding the back of the net.
United boss Alan Pardew introduced Shola Ameobi and Ryan Taylor from the bench, and the latter almost had an immediate impact - sending in a delightful cross which the unmarked Gutierrez somehow missed completely.
Ameobi then blazed wastefully into the Gallowgate End after Blackburn had given away possession on the edge of their own area
A couple of tame efforts from Rovers midfielder Simon Vukcevic aside, it was all Newcastle, but they were unable to turn their dominance into goals.
Never more so was it summed up than on 68 minutes when Taylor swung in a free-kick which Ameobi nodded across goal. Best tried to force it home at the far post, but the ball ended back across at Ameobi, who only had to touch home from a couple of yards. Somehow though Nzonzi got himself in the way to stop the striker's effort, and Blackburn cleared their lines.
The Magpies were crying out for a moment of magic and got that two minutes later courtesy of Ben Arfa. Picking up the ball almost on the halfway line, the French forward tricked his way past six challenges, striding into the box in the process before slamming home a strike into the roof of the net.
It was a goal of brilliance, and the home side quickly went in search of a second, with captain Fabricio Coloccini heading Taylor's corner narrowly over the top, before Williamson connected with another - sending his effort onto the crossbar.
With time running out, a move straight off the training pitch almost edged Newcastle in front. Taylor pinged a corner to the edge, where Cabaye met it on the volley, and although it wasn't the cleanest strike you'll ever see, Williamson prodded it on and almost stabbed it home, only to be denied on the goalline.
Ameobi lashed a drive just wide and United, before Gutierrez finally grabbed the win they deserved with the last kick of the game. The Argentine drove down the left flank, exchanged passes with Best and then lifted an inch-perfect finish over Bunn to seal the victory.
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson (Ryan Taylor 59), Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Gabriel Obertan (Shola Ameobi 56), Mehdi Abeid (Dan Gosling 86), Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez; Hatem Ben Arfa; Leon Best
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-1-1): Mark Bunn; Adam Henley, Grant Hanley, Gael Givet (c), Martin Olsson (Jason Lowe 75); Simon Vukcevic, Steven Nzonzi, Radosav Petrovic, Morten Gamst Pedersen; Ruben Rochina (Mauro Formica 56); David Goodwillie (Jordan Slew 82)
Substitutes: Jake Kean, Josh Morris, Nick Blackman, Yakubu
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Attendance: 30,876 (357 Blackburn)
Goal by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) lobbed left-footed (low centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Newcastle 2-1 Blackburn. Assist (pass) by Leon Best(Newcastle) from right side of six-yard box.
Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to centre, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Floated corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, shot by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Mark Bunn(Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
Floated corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, Newcastle substitution: Mehdi Abeid replaced by Dan Gosling (tactical). Clearance by Gael Givet(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (blocked) by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Jason Lowe(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Radosav Petrovic(Blackburn) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Floated corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) volleyed right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Blackburn substitution: David Goodwillie replaced by Jordan Slew (tactical).
Shot by Mauro Formica(Blackburn) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by Simon Vukcevic(Blackburn) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Jason Lowe(Blackburn).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, header by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), hit bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Blackburn substitution: Martin Olsson replaced by Jason Lowe (injury).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, header by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
David Goodwillie(Blackburn) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Shot by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) left-footed (high centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Newcastle 1-1 Blackburn. Assist (pass) by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half.
Shot by David Goodwillie(Blackburn) right-footed from left channel (35+ yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Simon Vukcevic(Blackburn).
Foul by Radosav Petrovic(Blackburn) on Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Shot by Simon Vukcevic(Blackburn) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Shot by Simon Vukcevic(Blackburn) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Adam Henley(Blackburn).
Foul by Steven Nzonzi(Blackburn) on Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Newcastle substitution: Danny Simpson replaced by Ryan Taylor (injury).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Foul by Simon Vukcevic(Blackburn) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Shola Ameobi (tactical).Blackburn substitution: Ruben Rochina replaced by Mauro Formica (injury).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to near post, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Grant Hanley(Blackburn) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Ruben Rochina(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Steven Nzonzi(Blackburn) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn).
Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Foul by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) on Martin Olsson(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Bunn(Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Mehdi Abeid(Newcastle) on Ruben Rochina(Blackburn). Free kick crossed left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) from left channel, resulting in ball out of play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Gael Givet(Blackburn).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to centre, resulting in open play.
David Goodwillie(Blackburn) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Foul by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) on Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Adam Henley(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Adam Henley(Blackburn).
Floated corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) to centre, goal by David Goodwillie(Blackburn) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Newcastle 0-1 Blackburn. Assist (header) by Grant Hanley(Blackburn) from centre of penalty area.
Mark Bunn(Blackburn) booked for time wasting.
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Floated corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) to centre, foul by Grant Hanley(Blackburn) on Tim Krul(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Shot by Ruben Rochina(Blackburn) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Gael Givet(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) to near post, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Shot by Ruben Rochina(Blackburn) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Ruben Rochina(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Martin Olsson(Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Radosav Petrovic(Blackburn).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on David Goodwillie(Blackburn). Mike Williamson(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen(Blackburn) from left channel (35 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Ruben Rochina(Blackburn) on Mehdi Abeid(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Foul by Mehdi Abeid(Newcastle) on Martin Olsson(Blackburn). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Gael Givet(Blackburn) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Attacking throw-in by Martin Olsson(Blackburn).
Weak shot by Mehdi Abeid(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (parried) by Mark Bunn(Blackburn). Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Shot by Leon Best(Newcastle) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (parried) by Mark Bunn(Blackburn). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Radosav Petrovic(Blackburn). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Radosav Petrovic(Blackburn). Shot by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn(Blackburn).
Defending throw-in by Grant Hanley(Blackburn).