While our home consistency in the league has contributed greatly to another memorable season, the run of victories at St.James' Park have mostly been by the odd goal or two and we've relied on some late defensive heroics all over the park to keep things ticking over.

And although the casual observer might take a look at this score and conclude that we'd battered the opposition with little resistance, the reality was quite different with the destination of the points not always clear until after 4.30pm, or going home time for some.

Having said that; bloody hell, the last few minutes were good. 

And if just one escapee saw the 5-1 score come through and was momentarily stunned enough to see the folly of their early departure, then our continual carping on that subject will have been worthwhile.

Enough of that though, and on to the far more pleasant task of praising our young shavers, who added more frowns to the furrowed brow of Souness and forced themselves into the thoughts of Premiership commentators.

Quite simply, we can no longer be ignored when the top of the league is being discussed. Blackburn had spiked the Gunners both home and away but were ultimately knocked out of their stride on Tyneside by our irrepressible pace, stamina and apparent self-belief.

Again there was no post-European hangover, and thoughts of the slightly demoralising Barcelona reverse were banished by the end of this highly enjoyable game.

That's not to say that we were brilliant right from the off though - we started slowly and took longer to build up momentum towards Friedel's goal, in contrast to the hell-for-leather approach against the Catalans.

As is often the case when things go well for us, we scored a goal just at the right time. That knocked back the opposition who had started to show one or two flashes to suggest they were up for ending their barren Premiership run on this ground. 

However, unlike Barcelona they had to find a way past Woodgate.

Solano's strike also gave fresh impetus to Robert, who added another assist to his gradually-increasing total and got through some good work despite the absence of his countryman Bernard, often tucked in behind when the man from the Reunion Islands has turned on the style.

And the crowd also had something to cheer, after showing signs of snoozing in the pleasant spring afternoon conditions. By the end, broad smiles were spread across faces and team and management alike were being serenaded from the stands.

However after conceding a fine Duff effort to put Blackburn back on level terms shortly after half time, things had been a little quieter and slightly more anxious. Gillespie had fannied around in front of the East stand in familiar manner before the break but didn't reappear, while Yorke too was hauled off as Souness sought to exploit any weakness in the home ranks.

But by the time old favourite Andy Cole received his pantomime villain reception, we were back in front thanks to the boot of Robert, at the second time of asking.

Referee Neale Barry's antics had by then also raised the crowd from their slumbers, and as we've said before, a perceived injustice was enough to turn people from supporters to active participants in the contest.

Waves of complaints had followed the equaliser after Dunn miraculously recovered from injury to assist in Duff's goal, and more nonsense arising from the free kick award wound people up still further. With that backdrop, Robert's effort crashing into the goal was a resounding two fingers - a valedictory salute, if you will.  

We weren't quite home and dry after that, as Cole drifted into the area on a couple of occasions and thankfully hit one first-time effort into the Gallowgate advertising boards so memorably abused by Ketsbaia, rather than at Given.

But then came that late flourish, which frankly looks better and better with each viewing. 

Dyer's perpetual motion, the sparkling finishes of JJ and Bellamy, Viana's slide-rule passing. Certainly too much for a demoralised Rovers side, who at that point a week ago had been heralded by their own fans for fighting Arsenal to a standstill.

So, a nice way to sign off for a few days, while many of the players head off for international duty and a few others get the chance to put their feet up. 

For the Manager though, little respite as he leaves Tyneside to go scouting for further reinforcements. There's certainly no slackening off from him at this stage, as he seeks to further improve what is rapidly becoming a very special squad of players in pursuit of that trophy. 

The least we can do is appreciate the show that he and they are putting on for us week after week, and play our part in furthering the reputation of the club. 

It's not just about the record profits and gate receipts, it's about the 12,000 who sang their heads off in the San Siro and the racket inside this ground as the goals went in.

Regardless of what the horrors of the world outside may bring, this is a magical place. Made even more so by the sound of Geordie voices, united in a common goal of urging on their heroes. 

Our next game here is against Manchester United, another side who, like Blackburn, smacked five past us on their own ground. With a big effort from the players and supporters, anything is possible.