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Back in Tyne: FA Cup third round classics
Ahead of Newcastle United's Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm GMT), we take a look at the Magpies' best victories in round three of the famous cup competition.
Ben Arfa's brilliance against Blackburn (2011/12)
Hatem Ben Arfa's sensational solo effort and Jonas Gutiérrez's stoppage-time winner saw United come from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers at St. James' Park.
Rovers took a half-time lead through David Goodwillie's close-range finish before the game came alive for the Magpies in the 70th minute through a moment of magic from Ben Arfa.
After picking the ball up near the halfway line, the Frenchman danced past a group of Blackburn defenders before rifling the ball into the roof of the net in front of a delighted Gallowgate End.
With the game heading towards a replay at Ewood Park, Gutiérrez sealed United's passage into the fourth round with a clever dinked finish, celebrating by unveiling a Spiderman mask to the delight of the home crowd.
First-half rampage downs Luton (2017/18)
United safely progressed into round four following a 3-1 win against Luton Town at St. James' Park which included three goals in nine first-half minutes.
The League Two leaders held firm before the floodgates opened as Ayoze Pérez broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark after pouncing on a goalkeeping error from Marek Stech before the Spaniard doubled United's advantage after netting a rebound from close range.
Jonjo Shelvey extended the hosts' lead before half-time after completing a neat attacking move which involved Pérez and Dwight Gayle.
Danny Hylton gave the 7,400 Luton supporters something to cheer after netting in the second half before the striker thought he had netted the Hatters' second but saw his goal ruled out for offside.
Spurs hit for six (1999/00)
Newcastle breezed in the fourth round after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 at St. James' Park - a repeat of the 1999 semi-final tie at Old Trafford.
After drawing 1-1 at White Hart Lane, goals from Gary Speed and Nikos Dabizas gave United a healthy lead in the replay and, despite former Magpie David Ginola halving the deficit for George Graham's side, Duncan Ferguson regained Newcastle's two-goal advantage on the stroke of half-time.
United, who had reached the previous two FA Cup finals, dominated the second half as Kieron Dyer netted a fourth before Alan Shearer's brace confirmed the rout against the North London outfit.
Newcastle would head to Wembley for a third successive year but unlike their past two ventures in the FA Cup, their road ended at the semi-final stage after losing to eventual winners Chelsea.
King Kev returns as United batter Stoke (2007/08)
Newcastle claimed a 4-1 win against Stoke City in their third round replay on the day Kevin Keegan returned for a second stint as Magpies manager.
Michael Owen opened the scoring under the lights of St. James' Park before the home side were reduced to ten men following Emre's dismissal after 30 minutes.
However, shortly after the red card, Newcastle doubled their lead through Brazilian defender Caçapa before second-half strikes from James Milner and Damien Duff put Newcastle in cruise control despite their disadvantage.
Despite the emphatic result, the evening was remembered for the anticipated return of Keegan, 11 years after his first spell as manager came to an end.
Dyer's double stuns Southampton (2003/04)
Kieron Dyer netted twice as Newcastle sent Southampton, the 2003 FA Cup finalists, crashing out at at the first hurdle with a 3-0 triumph at St. Mary's.
The Magpies dominated the opening 45 minutes as Dyer put the visitors ahead following Aaron Hughes' cross before a trademark left footed strike by Laurent Robert doubled the visitors' lead.
Dyer, who was yet to open his goalscoring account for the season before the cup tie, added further gloss to the scoreline as the England international scored a delightful individual effort in the second half.
