By Wasim
December 7 2008

Our first half was great to watch, we passed the ball nicely and just took the game to them in the way us Geordies like to see. Our 2nd half performance wasn't great and we allowed them onto us too much and that cost us. Gutierrez and Owen were two big positives for us but I can't stress enough how frustrating it is, drawing with teams such as Wigan and Stoke especially as we have been leading with minutes to go. I hope Butt, Barton and now Guthrie can come back soon from their injuries.

Player Ratings

Shay Given (6) - Nearly got caught out in the first half, when he came for a ball and never got there. Also looked shaky in the 2nd half, while the fact he conceded two goals will not please him even though he can't be blamed for their goals.

Habib Beye (7) - Bit of a quiet game from him, but had to change positions when Taylor came on, and that affected him. One can never fault his desire and effort though.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - He wouldn't be happy with the way Fuller went past him for the 1st Stoke goal, but overall he had a good game in my opinion. Played a superb pass in the 1st half, which showed the class he possesses as a footballer. Always very cool and calm, but the way Stoke dominated the 2nd half, it was a cause for concern.

Sebastien Bassong (7) - A solid first half, but struggled to handle the Stoke attackers in the 2nd half. Needlessly gave away the freekick which led to their equaliser and he will need to erase that part of his game because he does tend to give away silly freekicks at times.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Linked up excellently with N'Zogbia in the first half, and really looked impressive both on defence and attack. Was put under more pressure in the 2nd half, but he nevertheless showed some positive signs during the game, that he is worth sticking with for now.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - Provided a classy assist for the 1st goal, and was heavily involved in our best moves of the match. He changed positions in the 2nd half, which perhaps prevented him from being as direct as he normally is, but wasn't afraid to get stuck in, in defence.

Geremi (7.5) - Played a stunning long ball, in the build up for the 2nd goal, but although he didn't have a bad game, his set pieces weren't always that great and we need somebody like Barton back real soon.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Had a decent first half, but not sure whether he got injured or not, him being taken off affected us a lot. We weren't the same side in the 2nd half, and yes Stoke were more attacking in the 2nd half, but I think his substitution had a negative effect on the result for us. Perhaps it showed how under rated his performances are.

Charles N'Zogbia (7.5) - I liked his link up play with Enrique, and he was very direct, remaining a constant threat on attack for us. Not as effective in the 2nd half though, but he adds a different dimension than Duff does. Still a bit too erretic but a few more games and he will look sharper I'm sure.

Michael Owen (8.5) - He was quiet in the 2nd half, as Stoke dominated, but took his goals excellently despite getting a knock early on. Worked hard and at one point he won the ball for us just outside our box, and within 10 seconds or so, he was chasing down their keeper which showed his commitment to the cause. We need to put more effort in to keep him because he remains our best goalscorer.

Obafemi Martins (7.5) - Took a few good shots, and set up the 2nd goal brilliantly, but overall he would want to get on the score sheet again. A committed performance though and with Viduka fit again, I'll be tempted to start all three of them with him, Owen and Viduka for the Pompey match.

Substitutes
Steven Taylor (8) - Did well when coming on, and made one goal saving tackle in the 2nd half. Provides good competitions for places now with this performance.

Mark Viduka (6.5) - Didn't really make a big impact when coming on but then again we were 2nd best for much of that time, so you can't blame him.

Claudio Cacapa (6) - His job would have been to help us close out the match, which we didn't do, but it couldn't have been easy adapting to the game, in the few minutes he was on. 

Man of the Match: Michael Owen

Have Your Say On The Forum

NUFC v STOKE Player Ratings

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 07/12/2008 12:47

TyneTalk
07/12/2008 12:47

NUFC v STOKE Player Ratings

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i!
07/12/2008 16:00

Reckon Taylor will start the next game.


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wasim4nufc
07/12/2008 17:00

We've got Portsmouth away and Bassong is real strong in the air, so I'll think he'll be better suited marking Crouch while Coloccini should mark Defoe as he is pacey enough I reckon. A good headache to have though.



Wasim's Sport Blog

Toon4life

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annie
07/12/2008 18:22

I prefer Bassong to Taylor.

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nathan robinson
07/12/2008 18:24

Bassong is really impressing at CB, think he was good at LB too but seems more comfortable now he's central.

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ToonBart
08/12/2008 00:01

Whats missing here is a managers rating. I think this game was lost by JFK at half time when Guthrie went off. There were plenty of positive substitutions that could have taken place but I think he chose the most negative leaving. I am sure they were also instructed to sit back and not lose rather than keep up the attack.

Couldnt possibly have anything to do with JFK being on a win bonus could it.

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Jaryd
08/12/2008 03:35

Coloccini definately doesn't deserve a 7.5 match rating. He's partially responsible for both of the goals.

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wasim4nufc
08/12/2008 10:30

I thought Coloccini had an excellent first half, which merited his high rating, even though his 2nd half wasn't as good.

Have to agree with toonbart, in saying JFK was too negative with the Guthrie substitution. The way we played in the first half, we could easily have beaten them 4 or 5 nil, if we had the right frame of mind.



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Toon4life

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