For many years, football referees have complained of being silenced. But if the card sharps are not to be blunted entirely, it is becoming increasingly clear that the gags must stay on.

Robin van Persie restored order to Manchester United’s troubled pre-season by grabbing the goals that brought David Moyes his first trophy as manager, while Irish international James McClean proved his worth during his first game for the club.

Newcastle have been given permission to speak to Wigan striker Arouna Kone.

Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6

West Brom 1 Newcastle 1

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany was amongst the scorers as the Blues recorded their biggest Premier League win since November.

Anzhi Makhachkala 0 Newcastle 0

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is out of tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Anzhi Makhachkala with a virus.

Winger Hatem Ben Arfa was on the plane when Newcastle headed for Moscow today ahead of the Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Anzhi Makhachkala.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has resisted the temptation to throw Hatem Ben Arfa back into Europa League action in Kharkiv tomorrow night.

Newcastle 3 Chelsea 2

Newcastle 1 Reading 2

Norwich 0 Newcastle 0

Brighton 2 Newcastle 0

Brighton 2 Newcastle 0

Alan Pardew is hoping striker Papiss Cisse will return to last season’s form to fire Newcastle out of trouble.

In answer to the question on a myriad of Geordie lips, Demba Ba probably was watching.

Newcastle 1 Everton 2

Everton manager David Moyes admits he is having to become more creative to keep his side winning going into the second half of the season.

Alex Ferguson faces an anxious wait to see whether referee Mike Dean reports his half-time rant at Old Trafford yesterday.

Anything the noisy neighbours, and defending champions, from across the city can do, Manchester United can do just as effectively, as Newcastle discovered to their cost, losing a pulsating game which they had led on no fewer than three occasions.

Manchester United 4 Newcastle 3

Newcastle utility man James Perch is manager Alan Pardew’s only new concern ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with QPR.

Newcastle United 1 Manchester City 3

Newcastle 1 Man City 3

Striker Mario Balotelli was conspicuous by his absence at Newcastle as Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini looked for a reaction to their derby day defeat.

Bordeaux 2 Newcastle 0

Two goals in the final nine minutes from Jonathan Walters and Cameron Jerome handed Stoke their third consecutive home victory in the Barclays Premier League and condemned injury-hit Newcastle to a fourth defeat in a row.

Newcastle were today still awaiting news of Papiss Cisse’s situation with Senegal threatening to demand he does not play against Swansea tomorrow.

Forgotten man Xisco was among a 20-strong Newcastle party which arrived in Belgium today ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Club Brugge.

Liverpool 1 Newcastle 1

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea is confident a consistent run of games will help Sunderland's flair players rediscover their form and spark a push up the Premier League table.

Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1

Reading 2 Newcastle 2

Newcastle 1 Norwich 0

Tim Krul is out of Newcastle’s Barclays Premier League trip to Everton on Monday night after suffering an elbow injury on international duty.

Vurnon Anita is ready to continue as Newcastle’s emergency right-back as manager Alan Pardew attempts to deal with a developing injury crisis.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was today awaiting news of skipper Fabricio Coloccini after it emerged he has suffered an injury on international duty.

Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1

Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor is out of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa after suffering a knee injury.

Newcastle 1 Atromitos 0

Newcastle 1 Atromitos 0 (Newcastle win 2-1 on aggregate)

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew made nine changes as he attempted to secure a Europa League first-leg advantage over Atromitos.

Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1