Hughton relief as Fab leaves it late

That Newcastle somehow managed to salvage a point and avoid the ignominy of three successive home defeats does little to mask what is turning out to be a worrying slide for Chris Hughton and his Premier League new boys.

Hughton, a former Republic of Ireland international, acknowledges that, if United are to preserve their top-flight status, they must pick up wins against teams such as Wigan.

Already, though, both Blackpool and Stoke City have emerged from St James’ with maximum points this season.