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As for Reading, with other results now making the final relegation places a little clearer, they should still be safe. It was only their second defeat in six games... If only Reading had converted some early chances it could have been so different. Such a resounding deficit by this stage was a little harsh on their spirited contribution to an enjoyable contest... Reading’s manager, Steve Coppell, said: “For the first 20 minutes I thought we were the better team. But when you go in at half-time 2-0 down, that is why we are in the position we are in. When you are faced with a strikeforce of Owen, Viduka and Martins, it is difficult to hold them for 90 minutes."
Ron Clarke, Sunday Times

Newcastle claimed their third straight win as their three-pronged strikeforce were all on target against Reading. Obafemi Martins put Newcastle ahead when he controlled Nicky Butt's pass and buried it beyond Marcus Hahnemann. John Oster had a chance to level as Reading looked to respond but saw his header tipped away before Michael Owen hooked Habib Beye's cross into the net. Beye set up Mark Viduka, who completed a confident win for Kevin Keegan's men with a sure-footed second-half strike. Newcastle ... worked well to generate some effective early pressure. Reading had been happy to sit tight and wait for the break. Reading had worked hard, a story not reflected by the scoreline, and continued to do so into the final stages of the match. Dave Kitson had a snatched chance but saw his header sail wide while Hunt conjured Reading's best attempt when his right-footed drive was well saved by Harper.
BBC Sport