Thiaw shows his worth - and then some

THERE were many things to admire about Newcastle United's 3-0 win over Benfica last night at St James' Park as Euro fever shook the famous old stadium to its foundations.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

Before the game, the club's owners celebrated United's European heritage with a flag display for the boys of 1969 and Joe Harvey's triumphant Fairs Cup-winning side.

Up in the stands was club legend Bob Moncur, as the iconic former club captain of that side watched on as Jose Mourinho's side were dismantled on a mild autumn night.

Putting aside Euro nostalgia though, this was a much-needed win for Newcastle after the 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

On the back of an international fortnight and not much preparation time, perhaps you have to give Howe's side the benefit of the doubt a little.

Yet one recurring theme of late seems to be slipping up in the Premier League and then turning it on for a European night. It's happened twice now - against Union SG and now Benfica after topflight defeats.