Premiership leaders Manchester United started 2007 by dropping two points at St James Park. United, clear favourites going into this game, fell behind to a stunning shot by former Leeds winger James Milner in the 33rd minute.
Newcastle’s problems, as it has often been in recent times was with their defence. And 7 minutes later, Paul Scholes went past two home players and sent in a sublime 20 yard shot to equalise for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. Minutes after the second half had started, another similar effort from Scholes saw him double his tally as United took a deserved lead.
Newcastle have been dominated by the men from Old Trafford in recent years, and the Toons found it difficult to keep the rampaging United attack at bay. They gave away possession far too easily in the second half, and United were literally toying with them. Then against the run of play,19 year old David Edgar lashed home a shot, which could at best have been described as hopeful when it began its journey. The 25 yard shot took a deflection of Scholes, and Dutch keeper Edwin Van Der Sar could do little to stop the ball finding the bottom left corner. Glenn Roeder looked as shocked as Edgar himself, and to the shock of all United fans and delight of all Geordies, Newcastle had equalised.
Newcastle spent the last few minutes defending for their lives. United pressed hard for a winner, and Sir Alex brought on Carrick for Fletcher. Cristiano Ronaldo’s header from a Giggs corner was stopped on the line by Nolberto Solano, and the home side held on.