So I come back from an extended weekend in Philly, and I learn that Newcastle upset Aston Villa on Monday, 2-nil. A clean sheet against Villa? Amazing! And everyone performed well, even the midfielders.

Goalkeeper Shay Given credits interim manager Joe Kinnear with improving the club's chemistry and confidence. They need to keep it up and play well again on Sunday, when they will be on the road against Fulham. They will be going for three consecutive wins.

The game will be shown live at 11am at Nevada Smiths on Sunday. Be there.