A 2-0 away win for the magpies would suggest a comfortable result and 3 points picked up yet again, but this was far from the case. In truth, the difference was the clinical finishing brought by January signing Papiss Cissé whereas Swansea were wasteful with the incredible dominance of possession they enjoyed (68%).
As is usually the case at the Liberty Stadium, the home side were in total control of play and made Newcastle work to even get the ball let alone do anything with it. They managed just 5 shots to the Swans' 19 and Brendan Rogers will be extremely frustrated to have come away with nothing. His decision to rest leading scorers Sinclair and Graham left his side looking far from threatening when in the final third, with in form loanee Sigurdsson creating their best chances. This was in sharp contrast to Newcastle, who possess great attacking quality and with Ben Arfa, Ba and Cissé, their fans will always be confident of goals no matter how few chances are created. Cissé's finishes, benefitting from smart through balls from Cabaye, were very different but both equally full of class, the 2nd in particular was an outrageous lob that most wouldn't have even attempted. Demba has seemingly sacrificed his own goals tally for the good of the team and although ineffectual today, his recent performances have been key to his compatriot's 3 consecutive braces. Having been at St James' Park for the 9 in 8 man's debut, I've been hoping to see him succeed and he has done just this and more.
Whilst Swansea played the better football, it was the gulf in quality between the two sides' attackers that proved the difference as Newcastle continue to impress. Pardew can try to play down Champions League expectations as much as he wants but picking up 3 points at such a tough ground is a big achievement, Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal have all dropped points on the trip to Wales.
Sri Lanka vs England
The 4th day was the most even yet as the Sri Lankan batsman toiled away to frustrate England, but two late strikes from Graeme Swann just about turned the equation in the away side's favour when it looked like Sri Lanka had done enough to suggest a draw was the most likely result.
Sri Lanka's intentions were clear throughout the day as few chances were taken and the run rate never threatened 3 an over and ended at 2.39, given their 1-0 lead and position in the match this was hardly a surprise. All members of the top order got starts, even nightwatchman Prasad who added 34 and took up 59 balls, but none went on and this kept the tourists in the game. The 5th partnership between Jayawardene (55*), the thorn in England's side throughout the series, and Samaraweera (47) had taken Sri Lanka from a potentially perilous 125/4 to 225/4 but this was the point England wrestled back the momentum going into the final day. Swann, with his happy knack for taking wickets in his first over of a spell, got a couple to turn and bounce through the gates of, first Samaraweera, and two balls later Randiv, all in the penultimate over of the day, leaving Sri Lanka 218/6 at the close.
Sri Lanka will know they can still save this test as the use of 2 nightwatchmen in the innings gives the score of 218/6 a deceptive look. Much will depend on Mahela, who always looks classy and in control, but England will still fancy themselves to bowl the home side out and chase down the total inside a day, with Sri Lanka just 33 runs ahead. Could well be a cracker, particularly bearing in mind England's recent failed chase of a small target against Pakistan.
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