NEWCASTLE, England -- How fitting it was that Jonas Gutierrez lashed home the crucial second goal that put beyond doubt the protection of Newcastle United's Premier League status. In a year without too many positives for the club, his astonishing fight against testicular cancer has been an inspiration. On a day when a hero was needed he was, in retrospect, the obvious candidate.
The Argentine's strike sealed the win but there was something else on display at St. James' Park: A glimpse of what life could be like for Newcastle if they were, well, united.
This match began after a pledge of commitment from the owner, it opened with a period of coruscating effort, it was won with a thumping header and it was celebrated by supporters who were delighted, and rather surprised, with the work rate of their players, most notably in the cases of Gutierrez and the outstanding Vurnon Anita.