Prior to today referee Lee Mason had shown three reds and 46 yellows in 17 Premier League matches.

Stop yawning.

Sadly for home fans it misses all who it was intended for. A lot of huff and puff by Newcastle but keeper Lukasz Fabianski hasn't really been tested.

Newcastle have a corner. Andros Townsend to take it...

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Newcastle have been the better team, but the problem is because the wide men are so narrow they are relying on the full backs to get forward. It's a lot of energy to use."

Image source, Reuters

What an effort from Gylfi Sigurdsson! We're unlikely to see another like it this season.

The Iceland international loses his footing which results in his 30-yard free-kick ballooning up in the air and going out for a goal-kick.

Beautiful.

..and now they have another free-kick more central after Jamaal Lascelles bundles over Andre Ayew.

Newcastle's Chancel Mbemba goes into Lee Mason's book after blocking Jefferson Montero's sprint down the left. The Swans have a free-kick...

Image source, PA

He'll be pleased with what he's seen from Newcastle so far.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Newcastle have won every second ball so far and put some really decent challenges in.

"Tiote's strength is putting in his thunderous tackles with his commitment to the cause, he might only last 70 minutes but the fans want his kind of mentality."

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on Final Score

"Newcastle started okay but they still look vulnerable. Andros Townsend looks the real threat for them going forward."

Moussa Sissoko - without a goal all season - fights his way to the edge of the area but fires a shot that misses the target by a country mile.

Despite the promising start by the home side, it's quiet at St James'.

Newcastle's stand-in skipper Moussa Sissoko looks up for it, and is linking up well with Gini Wijnaldum, who has gone missing in the past few games. 

The Swans look dangerous on the break though. 

Who gets the opening goal is crucial today.

Image source, Reuters

The Magpies fans have something to shout about.

A thrilling attack sees keeper Lukasz Fabianski claw away a cross from under his bar and then make a low save to stop Andros Townsend's shot from creeping in.

Ref Lee Mason goes back and books Leroy Fer for taking out Jack Colback.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle's striker Papiss Cisse has a pop from 25 yards but the ball sails high over the bar. Two or three seasons ago that would have hit the target.

I'd like to point out that Paul Dummett is sporting a cracking haircut today - the type that Arsenal's Olivier Giroud is renowned for. After a gym workout my hair never looks like that - what's the secret I ask?

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Swansea already look relaxed as they should do with them being safe in the Premier League, while Newcastle look edgy - they are rushed and hurried."

Neil Fogarty: Right then you £80k-a-week NUFC players, time to earn your cash and don't let Rafa down.

...and breathe Magpies fans after the ball is easily cleared. Newcastle are on the attack now.

Image source, Reuters

Swansea win a corner after good work down the left by Jefferson Montero...

Terry Butcher
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

"For me Newcastle are down. There is a big fear factor there and it is one of those horrible situations with tough games coming up. It is a lost cause for them now.

"Newcastle need a miracle now and I can't see miracles coming to St James' Park."