1. You beat Arsenal 3-1 and are now at the top of the table, level on points with Liverpool. Life is sweet at Newcastle just at the moment?

Yes, it was a perfect evening. Even when we were losing, our heads never went down. We believed we could do it right til the end and made the break in the last few minutes. We had trouble getting started once again, but I'm not carping, it is a great night. We knew Arsenal's qualities and knew we had to get the ball down and pass it around as much as possible. I was on the bench at the start and could see a few spaces. The lads got the ball to me and I profited from it. I'm very happy with my return.

2. You replaced Elliott and a few minutes later, Newcastle had equalised, then you won a penalty that Shearer converted and scored yourself a few minutes later.

The main thing is that we got three points. I was on the bench because I still have a bit of pain in my hip and the manager thought that having missed two weeks, it would be better if I came on later and gave my all. I should get my place back on Saturday against Leeds and I should be fitter by then.

3. That was your first victory in London for ages?

Yes. It's 3 and a half years since we've won there, that's why I'm so happy - also, Arsenal are a big team.

4. Thirteen points from 5 games. You're really going strong?

Yes, we are finding our form. There were some injured players who are coming back, like Kieron Dyer who adds to the team enormously as last night showed. We need to retain the form and carry on now.

5. Is it a day off today?

The lads are having a day off but I'm doing some work on my hip.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Answers

he's a good lad isn't he ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Merci for the translation dougal. Always appreciated.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

At least he didn't say, "we were sh*t until I came on" .

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Thankyou Dougal. These translations of yours are a tour of force , the piece of resistance of this forum. Merci my little cauliflower.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

I just love the way he seems to enjoy being part of our club - now if only he can get fully fit and back into the form he was in at the start of the season.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Also it's great that he now says "we" instead of "they" like he did for the first few weeks after he joined

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

When feeling frustrated with him right now, just remember the way Robert took that 3rd goal yesterday - sh*t off a shovel!

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Ive watched that 3rd goal over+over again! Absolute perfection from Luas first touch, inch perect pass, Roberts 1st touch to carry the ball on at full speed+the rear camera replay of him stroking the ball just inside the post- a contender for goal of the season, on top of one of the most important Toon goals for many years!

Was watching RObert carefully last night- he was hogging the line far too much and didnt presnt himself for the ball enough as usual- although he made a hash of 1 or 2 passes, the other few times he got the ball he actually played some very fine passes.

Id like to see him fill in for Bellamy- hes not really producing the crosses from the left so why not see how he fares alongside Shearer- at least he(almost)has Bellamys pace and will stick away more one on ones. He was at one stage holding his left hip near the end of the game- he also left a free kick for Bernard but not sure if that was just after he hurt his lower leg in the penalty incident (Campbell DID catch his ankle though got the ball 1st- the 2nd replay showed it more clearly)

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

I think he'd be a bit wasted up front. He's too lazy for one thing (compare to Bellamy's work rate for example) plus one of his strengths seems to be the balls he plays to the forwards. I'd rather keep him on the left or in a wnandering role behind the front men.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

i think opta stated Robert has made more crosses into the box than any other team

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

Nice one dougs...

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

Screach may have posted this elsewhere (he was so p*ssed yesterday, he may have posted anything) but Lolo apparently came right up to the fans and chuked his shirt at them (which for a lad who hates the cold is brave at this time of year).

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

He was wearing a vest underneath though, Dougal, so it's wasn't that much of a hardship. The post match celebrations were good though - a very relieved, happy bunch of players.

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

Thanks for the translation :-) Robert's goal was brilliantly taken...with aplomb, isn't it? Perhaps the Gus-vision tape of that class finish should be sent Bellamy - you see lad, that's how you beat the keeper! :-)

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001