Fresh from warm weather training in Portugal, Lambert made two changes to the side that played Cardiff twelve days ago with Weimann and El Ahmadi starting in place of Bennett and Albrighton.
The home side showed intent from the off, with Sissoko’s strike deflected wide before Baker had to come to the rescue when Guzan spilled Cisse’s shot. The Magpies’ leading scorer, Remy, then dragged his effort off target.
The Villans settled relatively quickly and showed that they were not afraid to attack either. Agbonlahor had an early chance to put the visitors ahead but was unable to keep his shot on target and soon after shot wide from twenty-five yards.
Keeping Pardew’s players on their toes, the Villans had the best of the chances in the first half and El Ahmadi’s hard work made life difficult for Newcastle’s left-back Dummett and almost paid dividends when the Moroccan flashed a dangerous cross over the bar and shot from the right, surprising Newcastle’s defence.
Bacuna tried his luck with two free kicks, sending his first shot off target and then aiming the second straight at the waiting Krul.
Remy then outwitted Vlaar with some fancy foot work, earning a free kick that bowed narrowly wide.
Just before the break, Cisse was given a golden opportunity to put his side in front but managed to blaze the ball wide from ten yards out.
The boos that greeted the half time whistle showed the Toon Army’s dissatisfaction and the travelling Villans cranked up the noise level in response.
The Magpies began the second half determined to dictate the play but were frustrated by Lambert’s Lions’ solidity.
An angled drive from Gouffran went wide before Baker had to make a crucial headed interception to clear Debuchy’s cracking cross from the right. Tiote sent his shot straight at Guzan and Sissoko then smashed the ball just past the post.
After an hour, Lambert was forced to make a substitution as Westwood, who had been the liveliest of the Villans, hobbled off and was replaced by Sylla.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, it really came to life.
Remy escaped down the left and forced a save from Guzan.
The Magpies then appealed, in vain, for a penalty when the ball seemed to hit Bacuna’s outstretched hand.
Vlaar, who had put in a solid performance, almost gifted Pardew’s side a goal when he was robbed by de Jong. As the substitute slid the ball to Remy, the French player shot low and could only watch in frustration as it hit the inside of the post and sprang back to safety.
In a game in which chances were at a premium, Remy popped up in injury time to steal a late winner and end the Magpies’ recent goal drought.
Speaking post-match, Lambert seemed rather deflated, stating:
“I thought we deserved at least a point, especially after the first half showing.
I thought we were excellent in that first half. Second half Newcastle came out stronger but I don’t think either team deserved to win the game, but we made an error with thirty seconds to go.”
Well the weeks holiday in Portugal worked wonders. This moronic manager and useless players are taking us down. Worst thing is I cannot see us beating Norwich.
All Bennett had to do was stick his laces through the ball and send to row Z. Why try and play a infield pass from where he was which led to the goal. BASICS
Lambert proves week in week out that he is totally out of his depth. Why did he leave Albrighton out? the one player who is shining at the moment. Lambos signings have been championship quality at best and thats being kind. Tactically inept is Lambert. Last 10 minutes although playing shite, we had a point in the bag. He should (as other managers would have done) have shut up shop and protect what we had. After all Newcastle were just as bad as us. And what really sticks with me is that he’s signed a 5 year contract. What is Learner thinking ??? We will be playing in Short Heath next season Oh GOD NO !