TWO goalkeepers Sam Allardyce struggles to choose between yet the defensive problems he appeared to be on the road to addressing rear their head again.

Shay Given took over league duties from Steve Harper after an assured performance in the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal and, despite pulling off a series of good saves, still found himself on the losing side.

City's first two goals could, and should, have been avoided, and the free-kick that led to the third needlessly given away by Nicky Butt.

Charles N'Zogbia - Newcastle's player of the season so far - had his defensive capabilities exposed by City's astute passing and Stephen Ireland's clever running.

Habib Beye was at best half a yard off the pace of the game and appeared rooted to the spot as Martin Petrov slotted home City's opener.

And David Rozehnal appeared to have babies on his mind - his wife is due to give birth imminently - and lead in his boots as he failed to reach Petrov's cross allowing Emile Mpenza to grab the second.

The third was a strike of supreme quality from 30 yards by Elano after Butt got involved with Petrov.

With the goalkeeping position appearing to have addressed itself in Given's favour, Allardyce finds the four in front of the Irishman again under the spotlight.