Wise Robson keeps calm

Shearer's goal was one of his best, says Robson

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is experienced enough not to get carried away by his team's latest Premiership victory.

The 3-0 win over leaders Aston Villa, courtesy of two goals from Craig Bellamy and a superb volley by Alan Shearer, lifts Newcastle to third in the table.

But Robson warned: "We have to keep our feet on the ground.

"I believe we have a good squad and a good team. We have Kieron Dyer and Carl Cort to come in and that will be even better for us.

"But nobody wins anything or loses anything in November, and we've just got to continue."

Robson has seen it all before

The former England manager was nevertheless full of praise for his side's emphatic win over Premiership pace-setters Villa.

"That for me ranks as just about the best performance we've given our fans since the day I came here, and that would include my first home game when we won 8-0.

"We beat Manchester United 3-0 last year and we trounced Spurs 6-1 in a cup tie, but I thought that was the best, and 3-0 just might have flattered them."

Robson took special delight in the contributions of his strikers.

Battled

"They were outstanding," he said. "Alan Shearer is getting better.

"I always felt that Alan needed time. He's done some extra training to improve his speed, and his movement was much better today.

"He held it up well, battled well and got a great goal - he's never hit one better than that.

"Bellamy was precocious, penetrative, speedy and difficult to handle. He could have finished with four goals.

Gregory despairs as Villa struggle

"In terms of making chances, we've done very well today. Before we scored, I thought one goal might win it and I fancied us.

"But it was as complete and comprehensive a victory as we've had since I came here."

Opposite number John Gregory admitted his side had been largely outplayed, and also had praise for Shearer and Bellamy.

"Newcastle worked harder than us today. They passed the ball better than us today and they certainly finished better than us."

"Bellamy and Shearer led the line exceptionally well and they were the major difference between the two teams."

Gregory conceded Villa were lucky to only be 1-0 down at half-time.

He added: "You have to come to places like Newcastle and be big and bold enough to deal with a big and very partisan crowd.

"It's a big lesson for us."