LuaLua strikes twice as Magpies get off to a flier

Newcastle United 4 West Ham 0

The 21-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo frontman struck twice within 12 second-half minutes as the Londoners finally wilted under intense pressure, leaving it to strike partner Alan Shearer and Nolberto Solano to cement the points and take their team top of the table.

It was a night of many landmarks for Bobby Robson’s side - it was the 50th Premiership win of the manager’s reign, the club’s 100th clean sheet since they returned to the top flight and, remarkably, the first time Shearer had scored for his home town club on opening day. But, perhaps more importantly, it demonstrated that last season’s fourth-place finish was no fluke, and that the £18 million the manager has invested in youngsters Jermaine Jenas, Hugo Viana and Titus Bramble has been well spent.