Hat-trick hero Nolan helps boss Hughton look the part

MAYBE it’s down to the new ‘whistle’ he’s been sporting of late.

Whatever the reason, with this kind of stunning victory which leaves his side well entrenched in the top half of the Premier League, Chris Hughton is certainly making it difficult for the Newcastle hierarchy, who continue to stall on opening talks on a new contract with their increasingly popular manager.

The only Geordie with a cloud hanging over him on Tyneside last night was Steve Bruce, who had seen his Sunderland side utterly outplayed and fortunate to escape with just a four-goal deficit.