April 20, 2005

The Pink Un: Martin Olsson, second right, enjoys the moment Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdMartin Olsson, second right, enjoys the moment Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

City 2 Newcastle 1

There was a time when goals scored by Norwich City players with shots from outside the box were as rare as hen's teeth.

This was a game when even the drama of two goals in the final two minutes will arguably be forever overshadowed by Youssef Safri's thunderbolt.

The Moroccan was some 40 yards from goal - extremely safe territory if you were a visiting keeper - and decided to do the unthinkable, and 'have a go'. His shot rose gradually, hit the bar and went into the top right corner, out of reach of Shay Given.

The Pink Un: Grant Holt after scoring City's second goal Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdGrant Holt after scoring City's second goal Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

The rocket once featured on a list of the best 'forgotten' Premier League goals - which says as much about its quality as the snobbery of the game.

It was a magnificent way to score your first league goal for Norwich - and for such a likable player too.

It had been 68 minutes in coming - and until Patrick Kluivert levelled it with a minute to go, City had looked safe.

But then Dean Ashton headed home Thomas Helveg's perfect cross to grab a last-gasp winner. City remained bottom of the table, level on points with Crystal Palace. In the end they were both relegated, along with bottom side Southampton.

The Pink Un: Grant Holt in familiar pose Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdGrant Holt in familiar pose Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +44814 482222)

April 2, 2016

City 3 Newcastle 2

Another April game meant more relegation issues - and another late goal,

The Pink Un: Gary Doherty levels the score at Newcastle in August, 2004 Picture: Andrew Unwin/Sportsbeat ImagesGary Doherty levels the score at Newcastle in August, 2004 Picture: Andrew Unwin/Sportsbeat Images (Image: Andrew Unwin)

Victory meant City remained 17th, six points clear of Newcastle one off the bottom, but with a game in hand. Again, Norwich were relegated - but this time they took Newcastle with them.

Timm Klose header City into the lead just on half-time, Aleksandar Mitrovic levelling it on 71 minutes and then equalised again from the penalty spot after a great strike from Dieumerci Mbokani.

Martin Olsson had the final say, three minutes into added time, when he rifled in a low, angled winner.

Mbokani was City's best player - and there was relief he was there, having been at Brussels' Zaventem Airport during terrorists attacks on March 22 which killed 32 people.

The Pink Un: Dieumerci Mbokani of Norwich and Vurnon Anita of Newcastle United in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, NorwichPicture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 64026702/04/2016Dieumerci Mbokani of Norwich and Vurnon Anita of Newcastle United in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, NorwichPicture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 64026702/04/2016 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

December 10, 2011

City 4 Newcastle 2

Bit topsy-turvey this one in a season when both clubs could look back at a job well done.

City were on the road to recovery after their relegation to League One in 2009 and consecutive promotions back into the big time - their 12th-place finish was excellent, while the Geordies were fifth.

Wes Hoolahan set the ball rolling six minutes before half-time, although Demba Ba levelled by the break. Grant Holt put City ahead on 59 minutes and then Steve Morison gave City a two-goal cushion four minutes later.

Dan Gosling was then sent off for a foul on Russell Martin and City looked good for the points, although Ba grabbed a second on 71 minutes to make for a nervy ending. Holt doesn't like that sort of thing, and on 82 minutes scored the insurance goal with his second header of the night.

Interesting facts time: It was the first time City had scored four goals in a Premier League match since THAT 4-4 home draw with Middlesbrough in January, 2005. And Morison's goal made it five in six Premier League matches.

August 25, 2004

Newcastle 2 City 2

The background noise to this game was that Newcastle were looking to throw money at solving a problem - Wayne Rooney was heavily rumoured to be moving to St James' Park.

On this showing, they needed him.

The hosts had been two goals up, thanks to goals from ex-City player Craig Bellamy five minutes before half-time, and Aaron Hughes, five minutes after it.

But City were a good, organised side on Tyneside and were back in it when David Bentley's shot crept past Shay Given before the Ginger Pele himself, Gary Doherty, fired in an equaliser with 16 minutes to go - his first goal for Norwich.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson's job was in danger: Bellamy did little to help when he said he would consider his future at the club if Rooney joined. His manager's reaction? "What Craig should do is honour his contract. At the moment he is doing too much talking."

MANAGER

Vacant

Until a few days ago this piece would have been about the trials and tribulations of Rafael Benitez, but the Spaniard is to leave Newcastle at the end of the month.

The failed takeover, the tainted ownership of Mike Ashley and the financial handcuffs were all too much for a man who had many admirers among the club's supporter base - admirers it was easy to come by given the dislike for Ashley. Saint and sinner and all that. So, moving swiftly on...

Last season

The Magpies had a horrible start to the campaign- it took them until November to get their first league win, after seven losses in 10 games.

The Christmas and New Year period was pretty bad too and United flirted with relegation. However, they managed to steady the ship sufficiently - including a 2-1 win over champions Manchester City - and ended the season winning 4-0 at already-relegated Fulham. It left them in 13th position with 45 points - a point better than the previous season, albeit three places lower. The huge fanbase expects more.

New season

Back to Rafa or, more accurately, post-Rafa. Some of the names supposedly looking to step into the hot-seat at St James' Park will fill most supporters with dread.

Whilst still awaiting the "I'd quite fancy the job" line from Sam Allardyce, the potential replacements apparently include Jose Mourinho, Claudio Ranieri, David Moyes, Avram Grant and Chris Hughton. Garry Monk and Mikel Arteta seem a little more realistic. So while Ashley tries to sell the club, either with or without a manager, summer plans are perhaps up in the air. For example, what happens to Salomon Rondon, such a key player last season while on loan from West Brom and one Benitez was desperate to sign on a permanent basis? West Ham are coming in for him, that's what has happened. Newcastle fans will try and keep the faith, but this could be a very trying season for them. They are Norwich's first home opponents - the hope is they are still in disarray by August 17.

HEAD TO HEAD

NW D NUW

League 15 16 23

League Cup 0 0 1

FA Cup 1 0 0

Total 16 16 24

Last 10 league games

2016/2017

CHAMPIONSHIP

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Norwich 2 Newcastle 2

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Newcastle 4 Norwich 3

2015/2016

PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Norwich 3 Newcastle 2

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Newcastle 6 Norwich 2

2013/2014

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Norwich 0 Newcastle 0

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Newcastle 2 Norwich 1

2012/2013

PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Norwich 0 Newcastle 0

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Newcastle 1 Norwich 0

2011/2012

PREMIER LEAGUE

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Newcastle 1 Norwich 0

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Norwich 4 Newcastle 2