Once again Saints failed to come away from St. James Park with a point. Saints couldn't have asked for a better start, as Beattie latched onto a deflection from the Newcastle defence to unleash a thumping volley in off the post after only 65 seconds.
Newcastle had a lethargic start to the game as if still suffering from a champion's league hangover from midweek. Their passing was poor and they simply couldn't get the ball moving into the Saints half. Despite this, Saints couldn't capitalise and take the game beyond the home side. This happens all too often after a bright Saints start as the players seem to lack the creativity to kill games off.
Saints best chance to get a second goal came when Caldwell had to scoop the ball over his own net after a cross ball from a determined James Beattie ball from the left after 17 minutes.
As Newcastle began to find their feet, they began to take control of the proceedings and a goal shortly before half time was deserved. Their youthful line up containing Dyer, Ameobi, Viana and Jenas all posed problems for the Saints back line. Viana hit shots over the bar in the 15th and 24 th minutes, while Niemi had to make a great late save to his right to prevent an Ameobi shot from hitting the back of the net in the 28th minute.
Newcastle finally equalised on 41 minutes after Dyer's ball across the box was finally met by Ameobi. Alarmingly, Dyer left Wayne Bridge for dead to get the cross in. Bridge has had far better games than the one yesterday and he won't be happy with his performance.
Only two minutes later Alan Shearer was clear with only Niemi to beat to get his 100th Premiership goal for Newcastle. As Niemi brought the ex-Saints striker down, it looked like a clear penalty. Surprisingly, it wasn't given much to the relief of the Saints fans and the sides went into the break on level terms. Shearer picked up a yellow card for his protestations.
James Beattie, easily Saints best player on the day, with a volley just after the restart. However, Saints were to have precious few further chances as Newcastle began to run the game.
Newcastle's reward for finally getting their passing game to work, came on 54 minutes. Good work from the impressive Viana resulted in a shot form Aaron Hughes who converted form close range past Niemi.
Even at the start of the second half, Saints looked unlikely to get anything from the game. They failed to try and get back into the game after going behind and Newcastle became completely dominant.
Only a minute after Newcastle's second Alan Shearer had the ball in the net, only for the goal to be ruled to be offside.
Gordon Strachan looked to increase Saints firepower with the introduction of Agustin Delgado. However, it was clear that he hadn't had time to gel with his team-mates and moves broke down.
Dyer had a couple of efforts blocked, while Shearer could only find Niemi with his effort.
Newcastle came closest to a third, with Oakley clearing the ball off the line from Shearer, after a corner kick.
Saints almost snatched an equaliser, when Delgado shot just wide after beating his marker. Saints managed to put on some late pressure, but it was too little, too late. Newcastle ended the game as deserved winners after a strong comeback. Hopefully Saints can look at their hosts performance, and learn some of the lessons that a far better side showed them.