It wasn't an all-encompassing performance from Newcastle United at home on Sunday, but they did enough to get the three points and sometimes, that's good enough.

Norwich started better that Newcastle, nearly taking an early lead thanks to Wes Hoolahan. The Norwich midfielder headed a shot straight at defender Steven Taylor after a quick bit of one-two play between Javier Garrido and Andrew Surman. Newcastle punished the wasted chance in the 19th minute when Hatem Ben Arfa sliced open the Norwich defense with a pinpoint pass to Demba Ba who finished the chance.

The Magpies squandered a chance to take a 2-0 lead right before halftime after Papiss Demba Cisse missed a penalty. In first half stoppage time, Norwich's Steve Morison barged into Michael Williamson in box, forcing match referee Neil Swarbrick's hand. After Cisse skied his attempt over the bar, Newcastle coach John Carver (Alan Pardew is still serving a touchline ban) was none to pleased with Ben Arfa apparently for allowing Cisse to take the penalty.

Norwich fought hard and had several chances to equalize but they were simply unable to unlock the Newcastle defense and goalkeeper Steven Harper.