Newcastle United secured their first three points in the Europa League group stages with victory over Bordeaux at the Sports Direct Arena tonight.
Goals from Shola Ameobi and Papiss Cisse, as well as an own goal by Bordeaux's Henrique, helped the Magpies to overcome Francis Gillot's men.
Here, Sports Mole takes a close look to see if the result was fair.
Match statistics
Newcastle United
Shots: 9
On Target: 5
Possession: 52%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 7
Bordeaux
Shots: 10
On Target: 6
Possession: 48%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 5
Was the result fair?
Yes. Bordeaux started better and were unfortunate to go a goal behind. However, once the second goal went in they were beaten. There was little resistance from them in the second half as Newcastle comfortably saw out victory.
Newcastle's performance
They didn't seem too up for it in the first half, despite going in 2-0 up at half-time. The second half was a much more assured performance. When Papiss Cisse netted the third goal, they were in full cruise control. Alan Pardew was able to withdraw Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote before the end in order to rest them ahead of Manchester United's visit on Sunday.
Bordeaux's performance
They started brightly, but had the fight totally knocked out of them by the own goal five minutes before half-time. They were forced to chase the ball in the second half and resigned themselves to defeat when Cisse made it 3-0 on 50 minutes.
Referee's performance
Antonio Lahoz had a quiet game. There were no real talking points.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Shane Ferguson was brilliant today, laying on two goals for his team.
Biggest gaffe
Ludovic Obraniak missed a gilt-edged chance early in the game that should have put Bordeaux in front. David Bellion also should have done better when he found himself in acres in the second half. Both should have done better.
What's next?
Newcastle: Newcastle welcome Club Brugge to the Sports Direct Arena in the Europa League, but face Manchester United at home on Sunday in the meantime.
Bordeaux: Bordeaux travel to Maritimo in this competition, but will also be in domestic action on Sunday against Brest.
Michael Penkman
