Robson lauds LuaLua

By Matthew Jones
August 20 2002

Sir Bobby Robson paid tribute to Lomano LuaLua after his two goals helped Newcastle to three points against West Ham on Monday night.

Sir Bobby Robson paid tribute to Lomano LuaLua after his two goals helped Newcastle to three points against West Ham on Monday night.

The Magpies opened the season with a convincing 4-0 victory over the Hammers and LuaLua was at his magical best to bag the opening two goals and play a part in the third, much to the delight of Robson and the St James' Park faithful who gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted.

"LuaLua is brisk, he is strong. Nobody knows what he is going to do. I don't and he doesn't, so nor can anybody else," said Robson.

"He delights the public and the crowd love him. He has got two goals and had a hand in another one so he has had a fine match."

As for the game Robson's men were never in trouble against a West Ham side who looked to frustrate the Magpies, but once LuaLua opened the scoring just after the hour Newcastle moved were good value for the victory.

"We were very much in control. The game was always for us and at half-time I said just keep going and if we get a goal we might win 2-0.

"We won comfortably in the end. In the second half we stepped it up a bit and with some delightful goals," added Robson.