Source: PA
Derby triumph can be pivotal - Ameobi
Derby hero Shola Ameobi is urging Newcastle to use their demolition of arch-rivals Sunderland as a launchpad for the rest of the season.
Sunday's 5-1 rout was the Magpies' first win at St James' Park in five attempts, and could hardly have arrived with any sweeter timing.
It lifted Chris Hughton's side into seventh place in the Barclays Premier League table on 14 points, roughly a third of the total they will probably need to assure their continued presence in the top flight, with 10 of their 38 games played.
They head for Arsenal at the weekend - the Gunners won 4-0 at St James' last Wednesday evening when two much-changed sides met in the Carling Cup - but Ameobi knows it is their home form which will be key, with Blackpool and Stoke having already won on Tyneside this season.
He said: "We don't want to be going again not winning a game at home. We knew the importance of it against Sunderland - this can galvanise our season at home.
"We showed every bit of effort, every bit of quality as well, which was pleasing. In derby games, sometimes there is no quality in there, but we really showed what we are about and it was just a fantastic day for us all round."
