NEWCASTLE United climbed out of their comfort zone against Birmingham City without hitting top gear.
Reaching Premier League safety has been a mixed blessing.
Realising they were in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle their first season back in the top flight did not deserve, the Magpies frightened themselves into the 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers that effectively secured it, even if it took until Saturday to cross the ‘i’s and dot the ‘t’s.
They followed it with a spell of four games containing just one goal and no wins. This latest wobble was not put to bed in anything like the same style, but it was reassuring because of the source of its inspiration.
It is probably no coincidence Joey Barton has been a subdued figure during the downturn. His performance was unlike many of his best this term, where his right-wing deliveries have been a fruitful source of goals.
On Saturday he caught the eye by dropping deep and spraying some glorious passes. All were wasted, so he reverted to his strength and served up the corners from which Newcastle scored both their goals.
José Enrique looked perkier than for a while and when the Spaniard is in the mood, Jonás Gutiérrez instantly looks better.
Perhaps most importantly, Steven Taylor met the challenge thrown down by manager Alan Pardew.
The centre-back scored what turned out to be the winner, but his work at the other end is what he should be judged on.
Given his opportunity by Mike Williamson’s freak broken arm, more of this and Taylor will bring the quality Pardew will largely rely on Mike Ashley’s chequebook to supply this summer – competition for places.
A sliding tackle as Lee Bowyer threatened to equalise 10 minutes into the second half was the highlight.
Taylor blotted his copybook early on with an elbow in the face of Cameron Jerome much more heinous than the handball which saw Liam Ridgewell sent off, but both players were able to continue.
The former Middlesbrough striker looked the more likely beneficiary at the start. He perhaps should have anticipated Jean Beausejour’s early whipped-in cross, and was wild when cutting in on his left foot.
Gradually, though, Barton began to stamp his authority. A shot from 30 yards looked optimistic, but forced Ben Foster into the first of a string of good saves.
Minutes later he threaded a sumptuous ball Shola Ameobi tried to be too clever with.
When the striker lost it to former Newcastle right-back Stephen Carr, the groans rang around St James’ Park.
