Five pictures that sum up Newcastle v Manchester United
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In a game full of incident, Manchester United kept their top four bandwagon rolling with a rather fortunate 1-0 victory over a resurgent Newcastle United.
From penalty claims and spitting incidents to dodgy displays from big money signings and a rather fortunate last-gasp winner, it was an encounter that seemingly had it all.
Here are five of the best images, courtesy of Getty, that sum up proceedings aptly.
United pay no penalty
The first major talking point of the opening half came when Magpies forward Emmanuel Riviere went down in the penalty area following what appeared to be a trip from Chris Smalling.
While the referee waved away such claims, the reaction of the French forward says it all.
Spitting Images
As the first half drew to a close arguably the biggest talking point of the game took place involving United defender Jonny Evans and Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse.
Though it remains debateable as to whether Evans initially intended to spit on the Toon striker, there can be little doubt about the Senegal international’s intent, as this close up shot of the pair demonstrates.
Di Maria misery
Another major talking point of the match involved the substitution of Manchester United’s record-signing Angel Di Maria early in the second half.
The Argentine attacker had completed just 63.6 per cent of his passes against Newcastle and made way for forgotten man Adnan Januzaj.
Great to see Gutierrez
While one South American received a lukewarm reception after being taken off, it was a different story for compatriot Jonas Gutierrez.
The midfielder was substituted on to rapturous applause from all inside St James’ Park in what was his first appearance since being treated for testicular cancer.
Krul twist
With the game heading towards a damaging 0-0 draw, Manchester United were going all out for a late winner when a slice of luck came their way.
With Mehdi Abeid under pressure from Wayne Rooney the midfielder played a suicidal back pass to Tim Krul who then panicked, clearing the ball away to the waiting Ashley Young. The Dutchman could then only look on as he scored.
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