United must rule Britannia

As expected, Alan Shearer's arrival has uplifted the city and clearly boosted moral within the team. The players responded well to the new boss against Chelsea and positives can be drawn from the game. Shearer passed his first test as a manager - and it's incredible the amount of managers who fail this - applying common sense to his team selection. Ryan Taylor slotted in at right back, his natural position, and the athletic Habib Beye moved into centre- half and put in a solid display, especially in his secondary position.

Ironically, it was the only predominant centre half in Newcastle's line up, Fabricio Coloccini, who put in a poor shift. The Argentinean was casual all afternoon and his attitude will have to improve in time for Saturday's relegation clash; when concentration and an aggressive spirit is imperative. When Sebastien Bassong and Steven Taylor regain fitness, don't be surprised to find Beye return to right back with Coloccini and Ryan Taylor, who has been underwhelming since his arrival, dropped to the bench.

Shearer the player relied a lot on good wingers and the legendary number nine will be very much aware that the current wide men at the club are failing to provide the forwards with anything remotely close to quality service. Noticeably, Shearer had the wingers on their 'natural' sides, although unsurprisingly they did switch at times.

By playing Gutierrez on the right side, on his favoured foot, it means the Argentine international can apply the old fashioned wing work of getting to the dead ball line and supplying a cross. The same applied to Damien Duff who was on his favoured left side - although, once again, neither winger really threatened and were at large ineffective.

The boss went with Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins upfront, proving he believes in the style of play that the Geordie faithful desire; a quick, slick passing game played on the floor and dependent on clever movement. Owen again played in a deeper role, first implemented under Kevin Keegan last season, to collect the ball and work as playmaker. All in all, the Newcastle number ten had a decent game against a very organised Chelsea side. Yet, Owen's strike partner Martins again appeared a frustrated figure and failed to get a grip on the game. Shearer moved to replace the Nigerian with Andy Carroll to give the team something different after the current number nine had been subdued by the Chelsea defence.

The innovative thinking of Keegan last year to play a three of Mark Viduka, Owen and Martins may be worth taking into consideration again this term with Carroll in place of the unfit Aussie. With the midfield struggling to create chances for the forwards, a system that offers a more varied attacking threat and can adapt defensively when needed has already proved workable with the players available.

Owen off Carroll with Martins in an advanced left wing role gives the opposition something to think about. A solid two in the middle and a player inside right, with instructions to push on when necessary, adds balance to the side. The only concern would be exposure to left back José Enrique - but an unproductive Duff would hardly be a great miss.

Whatever he goes with, one thing is for sure, Shearer will demand total commitment. It would be nice to think United have enough technical quality to see off Stoke, but they must be prepared for a battle on Saturday.