A David Dunn strike on the hour mark was the difference between the sides, though Blues could have increased their lead against a lacklustre Newcastle.
Steve Bruce had been hinting throughout the week that he may use Dunn as a second striker, just behind one of the more conventional forwards, and this is exactly what he did. Stan Lazaridis replaced Geoff Horsfield in the starting eleven, which meant Dunn was free to occupy a roving role behind Stern John. Aliou Cisse returned to the bench whilst Robbie Savage made what could well be his last appearance in a Blues shirt prior to a pre-transfer window move to Everton.
Both teams started sluggishly, with the home side possibly suffering a hangover from their disastrous Champions League showing against Partizan Belgrade, whilst Blues just looked all at sea with the new formation that they had adopted. Indeed, chances were at a minimum early on.
Once Dunn began to get involved a little more, Blues began to show. Twice the former Blackburn man set up John who fired over the bar on the first occasion, and wide on the second. Dunn himself stung Shay Given's fingertips with a rising drive following some confusion in the Newcastle defence. At the other end, Alan Shearer headed wide from a Shola Ameobi knock-down, and Ameobi went close himself with a low drive moments after Maik Taylor had comfortably dealt with a Nolberto Solano free-kick.
At half-time 0-0 was probably a fair reflection on a game with two sides turning out distinctly average performances. Obviously it was the Blues fans who were happier with the score, whilst the natives were getting restless.
As you would expect, Newcastle came out in the second half with more of a spring in their step, and won several corners, yet still failed to really trouble Taylor in the Blues goal. Then, after 59 minutes, Blues got their breakthrough. Damien Johnson had been played in by Dunn before a mistimed Gary Speed challenge sent the Northern Ireland international sprawling in the box. The home side had no arguments about Matt Messias' award of the penalty, and Dunn subsequently collected the ball to take his second spot kick of the campaign. What ensued was one of the worst penalties you will ever see, and Given had no problem in saving it. However, the rebound fell kindly for Dunn who pounced to make it 1-0.
Newcastle now needed something special to raise the spirits of their increasingly frustrated support. Bobby Robson made his token triple substitution when things are going badly (who said Barry Fry wasn't a managerial pioneer?) and one of the substitutes, former Blues target Lee Bowyer, forced Taylor into just about his only save of the game. Solano again went close, hitting the side netting with a volley.
Blues though could have made things easier for themselves as they were able to mount counter-attack after counter-attack. Lazaridis was foiled by Given when one-on-one with the Irish 'keeper, and Dunn and Horsfield (on for John) both took some strange options late on when in advanced positions. In the end though, Blues were happy to settle for 1-0, as highlighted by throwing Cisse and Olivier Tebily into midfield to tighten things up - and very successfully too. Meanwhile Kenny Cunningham just continued to get better at the back. His performances so far this season have been nothing short of magnificent.
All in all a very successful day, with 3 points gained at one of the toughest places to go in Europe. Although Newcastle are struggling at the moment, this result shouldn't be overlooked, as it was built on good, solid tactics, and more to the point, was thoroughly deserved - although Blues themselves weren't in top gear. However, the whole feeling of jubilation at such a good result could be dampened significantly tomorrow if Robbie Savage does complete his move to Everton. Personally, I think that the sale of Savage would be a disaster and a backward step. After taking the giant strides that we have done in the past 20 months, to sell the player who is clearly the heartbeat of the side and epitomises how far we've come would be nothing short of lunacy. However, who am I to doubt Steve Bruce? Everything he's touched so far has turned to gold (except Clinton Morrison...). I just hope the powers that be that may have taken the decision to sell Savage know what they are doing.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Taylor - Another clean sheet
Kenna - As dependable as ever
Clapham - Hasn't started the season as well as he finished last
Upson - Some shaky moments, but generally sound
Cunningham - Absolutely magnificent
Johnson - Worked hard and won vital penalty
Lazaridis - In and out of the game, but often a threat... should have scored
Savage - Quieter than usual, perhaps with good reason
Clemence - Effective after poor start
Dunn - Creative
John - Struggled as a lone striker
SUBS:
Horsfield - Not his best substitute performance
Cisse - Looked fit and eager and certainly did a lot of running and made a few useful passes - good to have him back
Tebily - Brief appearance to shore up the rearguard