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Beating the likes of Fulham rarely brings such joy. Goals from Mark Viduka and Michael Owen gave Kevin Keegan his first win since his second coming. In his tenth attempt (after 3 draws and 6 losses), Keegan finally ended a 13 Premier League game malaise and eased relegation fears for the Magpies.

Keegan adopted the same 4-3-3 formation and players which gained a valuable point against Birmingham City. With Viduka, Owen and Obafemi Martins forming a dangerous front line, Newcastle were always dangerous in attack. However, the midfield of Nicky Butt, Joey Barton and Geremi was a letdown. They were constantly overrun by Fulham as Jimmy Bullard orchestrated play superbly.

Due to the ineffective midfield, full-backs Jose Enrique and Habib Beye were caught in vulnerable positions but a combination of luck, poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Harper spoiled Fulham’s night.

In the 6th minute, Viduka relieved the tension as he turned on Geremi’s pass to fire a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. The striker then headed horribly wide in the 19th minute and Martins could have doubled the lead if Keller had not saved at full stretch four minutes later.

Keller was again agile enough to deny Owen’s long range shot and a close range header. As the first half came to a close, Fulham made a concerted effort to eradicate the deficit. Newcastle heaved a sigh of relief when Bullard’s shot dipped nastily in front of Harper. The whistle couldn’t have come at a better time for the Magpies as Fulham were starting to pry open Newcastle’s frail defense.

The second half began in similar fashion with Fulham gaining possession but Newcastle’s attack was more lethal. Viduka saw his 49th-minute header blocked at point-blank range and Martins fired just over the bar. Barton, enjoying a rare moment of inspiration, went for goal himself but his blistering strike from 25 yards flew just wide.

Newcastle knew a second goal was vital and they were determined to pound Fulham’s defense into submission. Martins had the ball in the net but it was deemed offside. Geremi then had a great chance in a goal mouth scramble, but the second goal still would not come. Finally, with seven minutes remaining, Newcastle’s wish came true. Owen timed his run to perfection to meet Geremi’s free-kick and glance home a deft header to spark mass celebrations.

Keegan was visibly relieved, saying: “It will stop people saying they haven’t won under [me]. When we had to dig in as a team, we stuck together. I can feel a good spirit around the place, we just needed a win to endorse that. It was thoroughly deserved.”

I am not so sure about the win being “thoroughly deserved.” Even though three points are in the bag, it was not a convincing display, I saw enough of the worst of Newcastle in this match to ascertain they are riding on luck and if it is any consolation, the winds of fortune is now blowing in their direction.

In terms of effort and commitment, Keegan’s men cannot be faulted but their disjointed display left the fans on tenterhooks till the final minutes. But the Toons are not complaining, any win, whether ugly or lucky, will do. I believe the fans have already tempered their expectations that Keegan can perform miracles and they can qualify for Europe by charging into the top four. Currently, nothing is more important than staying afloat in the Premier League.

Viduka, who has recently returned to the side after niggling injuries, is slowly finding his way back as a poacher. Though he is not a quality striker in terms of pace, creativity and accuracy, he does pack a powerful shot and holds the ball well. When he is firing on all cylinders, Newcastle can expect him to contribute his fair share of goals.

As for Owen, what else needs to be said. Based on his reputation, he should be netting at least 30 goals a season. Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved the target and since Keegan emphasized on a cavalier approach where to win means to outscore the opponents, the conditions are right for Owen to show his true worth. He has continued his scoring mode and barring injuries, Newcastle can bank on his momentum to climb above the danger zone.

Keegan praised the contribution of Owen, saying: “He’s been absolutely superb, not just for his goals but for his leadership on the field. He’s a great team player.”

Newcastle are now in 13th position, six points above Bolton Wanderers. Winning against Fulham whose away form is deplorable (zero league win in 32 games), is little cause for celebration. There are many aspects which need improvement, especially the midfield and defense. I am not optimistic that Keegan is tactically superior enough to fix these deficiencies.

While expecting immediate revival is too much to ask for, Keegan has to achieve at least 40 points and steer clear of relegation. That is what we will expect Sam Allardyce to do in the first place and in this respect, Allardyce must get some credit as he has accumulated sufficient points for Keegan to experience a nine match winless streak and still retain a safety margin.

But any judgment for Keegan should be reserved for next season. He deserves a chance to build up his own team and the funds must be available for him to do so. I will like to see him signing a bunch of world-class defenders but the worry is that the best defense at his disposal may end up as a waste.

He has already stated his intention to provide a rip-roaring time for the fans (even if the current form suggest otherwise), and I doubt if he will deviate from his attacking philosophy. In this case, I think he will continue to buy exciting strikers and hopefully, it is sufficient for them to win matches.

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