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| Gabriel Obertan slots home to clinch victory for Newcastle |
It is often said that the mark of a good team is having the ability to grind out victories when you aren't playing well. If that is indeed the case, then Newcastle United are a very good team.
Newcastle have become experienced in pulling off such a feat throughout the 2011-12 campaign, and they were able do so again, as they triumphed despite putting in a distinctly below par performance against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
The visitors took the lead inside 15 minutes, as Ryan Taylor's long range effort was deflected past Paul Robinson and into the net by defender Scott Dann.
Blackburn responded magnificently to going behind and should have been level when Gael Givet's effort was cleared off the line by Danny Simpson - whose presence in the game marked his 100th appearance for the club.
Rovers continued to enjoy the better of the play as they looked for a way to break down the impressive Newcastle defence. Martin Olsson and Anthony Modeste both went close for the home side, and Steve Kean's men were almost gifted an equaliser when Leon Best headed against his own crossbar from a Rovers' corner.
A first half flash-point came from Junior Hoilett, who incensed Ryan Taylor when the Canadian blatantly dived on the edge of the Newcastle area in a vain attempt to win his side a penalty. The incident produced a mini-melee which resulted in Taylor being booked for his over exuberant reaction.
Blackburn didn't have to wait long for a penalty however, as two minutes before Half-Time Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot after Danny Simpson fouled Anthony Modeste.
David Dunn stepped up to try and draw the teams level before the interval, but he was denied by Tim Krul, who produced a fine save before reacting quickly to block Givet's effort from the resulting rebound.
Blackburn continued their search for an equaliser after the break, and Newcastle - who brought on James Perch in place of Hatem Ben Arfa at the start of the half - persisted with their negligence in possession. Still Rovers were unable to breach the visitors' backline and when they did, they were met by the towering presence of Krul.
The Dutchman was in formidable form between the sticks, and although Formica, Dunn and Modeste all spurned chances, Blackburn never truly looked like scoring.
Rovers rapidly began to run out of ideas, and their hopes of taking something from the game were dashed when a through ball from Peter Lovenkrands put Gabriel Obertan free on the break. The winger, who has been heavily criticised by some sections of the Newcastle support, showed great composure to slot past Robinson and earn his side a vital three points.
The victory puts Newcastle up to fifth in the Premier League table, and also moves them within striking distance of a Champions League place. Pardew's side are now just three points behind fourth placed Chelsea, and with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse set to return for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, the Magpies' boss will be confident of catching the Blues, who face Manchester United at the weekend.
Newcastle's performance was one that lacked verve and attacking invention, however, the fact that they were able to pull off the result on the back of an impressive defensive display will be a shot in the arm for a rearguard that has endured a difficult couple of weeks.
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