Wear-Tyne derby: Newcastle United can walk taller, but must not get carried away by one win; Newcastle United head into Sunday's must-win Wear-Tyne derby boosted by the win over Norwich, but must taking nothing for granted.
Byline: John Gibson
Here we go again. A shuddering derby confrontation twixt Tyne and Wear that has bruised all Geordie souls of recent years.
Five successive defeats is akin to a good kicking where the sun doesn't shine. It hurts, it lasts, and it's cruel.
Yet those who have suffered at the will of noisy neighbours will walk with a jauntier step towards the Stadium of Light come Sunday lunch.
Why? Because Norwich City were hit for six last time out and suddenly black storm clouds have given away to royal blue. Geordies just need a little encouragement and we are heading for the promised land!
Where there was genuine fear that big bad Sam Allardyce, every Geordie's bogyman, was waiting to inflict more bitter pain upon the righteous there is now a belief that United have the forward power to rattle their opposition.
Of course that is the danger. The big danger. Too cocky, too much swagger, and all can fall flat on their faces.
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United aren't good enough to be anywhere near complacent. They have won but one football match.
I labelled Sunday the Desperation Derby before we were handed a Gin and tonic by Wijnaldum and of course it still is. Both sides are in a relegation position right now. That means defeat would be mightily costly. Lose and the switch would be pulled once again. Dark skies back. Doom and gloom.
United must build upon the Norwich victory, not allow it to become an island in a barren season.
They ought to have too much in their front four for a very suspect Mackem defence.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez look a blossoming partnership to worry most markers. They have youthful enthusiasm, have power and pace, and good movement.
What Steve McClaren has to do is keep them on the pitch free from injury and suspension because there is little back-up in their positions.
The goal eye of Wijnaldum and creativity of a strong running Moussa Sissoko, when in the mood, are both massive pluses offensively, but there are still problems at the back.
United don't close down quickly enough, track back regularly...
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