Newcastle United moved up to third place in the Premiership this afternoon thanks to a narrow home win over strugglers Derby County.
Alan Shearer bagged the only goal of the game after half an hour, when he smashed home a penalty kick. Fabrizio Ravanelli had an opportunity in the second half to do likewise, but Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given saved his spotkick brilliantly.
Only two other teams claimed victories in the Premiership, both by 1-0. Southampton got their first league win at their new St. Mary’s Stadium, thanks to Latvian international Maria Pahars, who netted in the 59th minute to put paid to Chalrton’s challenge.
Meanwhile at Upton Park, Les Ferdinand hit a second half goal to help Tottenham Hotpsur triumph over West Ham.
The three other matches - between Bolton and Fulham, Leicester and Everton, and Chelsea and Blackburn - all ended 0-0.