Newcastle United’s games against Spurs and Manchester City over the festive period were looked at as something of a bonus if we got anything from them. However, the games against Wigan, and tomorrow’s game against West Ham are definitely games we should be looking to win. Staying in the Premier League is vital for this club. Beating the likes of Arsenal is a bonus, but if we can’t beat the teams around or below us, then serious questions need to be asked.

Fortunately, thanks in part to the magnificent vocal support by the NUFC fans at the DW Stadium, Newcastle were able to record a vital win over a feisty Wigan side. Newcastle had chances to put the game beyond Wigan, but the rustiness of Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi was plain to see. Ameobi should have put Newcastle a goal up in the first three minutes after a fine cross from Danny Simpson, but managed to head wide – in what was arguably the best chance of the match.

Amoebi did manage to grab the vital goal though as a close range finish after a scrappy interchange in the box, and fine work from Joey Barton. Both Coloccini and Steven Taylor saw efforts denied by the crossbar as the Toon asserted themselves in the second-half. Without star man Charles N’Zogbia Wigan look a side destined for the drop – they very rarely tested Newcastle’s goal and ‘Keeper Steve Harper had little to do. There was even a sighting for Leon Best as he was given a chance late on in the game and almost could have cemented the win.

Victory for the Toon managed to take us into 10th spot and pull further away from the relegation mire. We have a chance to complete our first double as West Ham bring their band of merry cockneys to St. James’s Park tomorrow. Another crucial game against an inform Hammers side with three points being vital for NUFC’s future.

Newcastle United’s first game of 2011 against Wigan Athletic could go a long way in seeing the Toon stay in the Premier League. While not quite a relegation six-pointer, it’s a game you would hope Newcastle could get something from. Although that task has been made that little bit more difficult due to Andy Carroll’s absence with a thigh-injury – there is also news that the NUFC number nine could miss out on more games.

Everton’s defeat to Stoke City today meant that Newcastle moved up one place to 12th in the Premier League.

With Carroll missing from the lineup, it’s a chance for Shola Ameobi to prove himself to new boss Alan Pardew. With murmurings of Newcastle wanting to add to their attacking options, one can only wonder how long Ameobi has left at the club. Who would you rather have – Shola Ameobi or Robbie Keane? Thankfully, Kevin Nolan is available again after serving a one match suspension, and we can only hope that Nolan picks up where he left off – the Toon could surely do with a couple of goals from Nolan tomorrow.

Wigan will be without the suspended Charles N’Zogbia after the winger was given a straight red card for a so called headbutt (replays show N’Zogbia merely pushing his head in the opponents direction). Considering that N’Zogbia scored both of Wigan’s goals against us at St. James’s earlier in the season, our defenders should be thankful.

As has been pointed out by pundits across the country, NUFC have as many points at this point in the season as they did when they were relegated. The major difference this time around is the spirit and togetherness within the camp – there are no mercenaries now, it seems every player wants to play and fight for the cause.

No doubt about it, the next two games against Wigan and West Ham are crucial, and they may look easy on paper. However, we all know that everyone is beating everyone in the Premier League this season, and that’s why I’d settle for 4 points against those two sides.

Strong rumours coming out today linking the Toon with Kevin Nolan from Bolton and Ryan Taylor from Wigan. In my eyes, both would be welcome additions to the depleted Newcastle squad. Hopefully Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo will also put pen to paper before the end of the transfer window.

Our being linked with Veloso of Sporting Lisbon seems like agent talk to drum up further offers. He’s a good player, but at this point in time we need fighters, a midfielder not used to playing in the Premier League when we’re in a relegation scrap is not what we need right now.

Man City’s derisory offer for Shay Given was given all the credence it needed and laughed off by Mike Ashley. I think if we get an offer of 8 million or above we should take it, but only if that money gets invested in new players.

A thoroughly dejected Newcastle United trapsed out of the JJB yesterday having not won a game on Boxing Day for the past seven years.

Ryan Taylor continued his uncanny escapade of scoring against us, the opener being the third time in succession. However, it was Lee Cattermole who incurred the wrath of the Toon fans when his wreckless challenge on Habib Beye saw the full-back leave the game and Steven ‘Oops’ Taylor take his place.

A performance worthy of the stage was done by Emile Heskey who was clearly fouled outside of the box but managed to tip-toe his way in and promptly fall over. The referee gave the penalty even though the linesman had flagged for the free-kick.

With Bassong’s sending off you would think that Newcastle were on the rocks and would succumb. But no, they actually made a meal of it in the last fifteen minutes. Andy Carroll was felled in the box and a penalty was awarded by Mike ‘Respect my Authority’ Dean. Guthrie stepped up and slotted the ball away. In the dying minutes Newcastle had a penalty claim turned down, even though it was more of a penalty than the one that was actually given, and Damien Duff managed to miss a sitter from 12 yards. It’s never boring supporting the Toon is it?

The referees shockingly bad performance only papers over the cracks. The fact of the matter is we should be beating the likes of Wigan hands down. No disrespect to them because they got the job done, but putting in such a classless stint on the pitch should be a wake up call for all Toon fans. We’re not out of danger yet, and, until JFK spends a good few bob in the transfer window next month, we’ll be looking over our shoulders all the way until May.

Next up? The small fixture of league leaders Liverpool coming to St James’s tomorrow…