Alan Shearer's timing was as impeccable as always. Only hours after Kevin Keegan took charge of England, the Newcastle striker scored two goals in a game for the first time in nearly five months. Better still, he also pledged his future to Newcastle, contrary to speculation that he had fallen out with manager Ruud Gullit and wanted to leave.
Coventry's confidence was immeasurably lifted by the opening goal, stroked in by Noel Whelan in the 17th minute. It was an admirable piece of finishing, equalled within a minute by Shearer's third goal in four games as he accelerated into the area and beat Magnus Hedman.
Coventry's early second-half optimism was swept away by two Newcastle goals in quick succession. Shearer created the first after 55 minutes when he set up Gary Speed.
Three minutes later, Louis Saha, on loan from Metz, was unmarked at the near post to head home United's third.
Coventry looked beaten long before Shearer added his second from close range in the 75th minute to wrap things up.
Newcastle: Given, Charvet, Howey, Dabizas, Domi, Hamann, Solano, Glass (Brady 65), Speed (Barton 86), Saha (Ketsbaia 76), Shearer. Subs Not Used: Harper, Hughes. Goals: Shearer 19, Speed 55, Saha 58, Shearer 75.
Coventry: Hedman, Nilsson, Shaw, Konjic, Burrows, Boateng, Soltvedt (Clement 66), McAllister, Froggatt, Huckerby (Aloisi 75), Whelan. Subs Not Used: Ogrizovic, Edworthy, Telfer. Booked: Konjic, Burrows, Boateng. Goals: Whelan 18.
Referee: S Dunn (Bristol).
