By Wasim
September 23 2010
Tyne-Talk's player rater Wasim4nufc has given his verdict on last night's performances in the Carling Cup and awarded Shola Ameobi Man Of The Match for his contribution. A win over Chelsea was always going to generate some high scores so read on to see how the rest of the team faired.
Player Ratings
Tim Krul (6.5) - A mixed night for Tim. He made one or two good saves but could perhaps have done better for their first goal, in terms of communicating with his defence and with the shot that led to the goal.
Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Scored an amazing free kick and seemed to have been missed when he went off the field. Cheslea were a lot stronger down the left after he went off and it was surprising to see him taken off in the first place.
Sol Campbell (6) - He wasn't particularly sharp as he normally is although that of course was expected. Started shakily but got better as the game went on and his experience counted towards the end.
Fabricio Coloccini (7) - He looked good again. A calming influence throughout when on the field. Was happy to see him taken off after a good shift with us leading by two goals as there are big league games ahead for our number one centre back.
Shane Ferguson (7.5) - An impressive outing by the young left back. I now feel a lot better knowing he is the back up to Enrique as he looks to be quite a good prospect. Provided the crucial assist for the first goal with a great cross.
Nile Ranger (7.5) - Also a mixed night for him, as he scored the equaliser that got us going but he also missed a real sitter and was guilty of giving the ball away for their first goal. Overall though he was good and he did cause Chelsea problems.
Alan Smith (7) - Despite giving the ball away on a few occasions he did well, particularly in the first half.
Haris Vuckic (7) - Despite being guilty of giving the ball away a few times as well, it was a better performance from the young Slovenian starlet in comparison to his last outing for us. Assured when on the ball, he showed glimpses of some the talent that has made him one of our best prospects for the future.
Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - He took a while to get into the game but he was one of our better players today. His direct approach caused Chelsea some problems and I think he may have forced his way into our starting eleven for Sunday's match against Stoke. Provided the superb corner kick which led to the winner.
Peter Lovenkrands (6) - He missed a great chance to put us 4-1 up, but although he was quiet for most parts of the game, he did still manage to play his part in the win by working hard for the team. Winning the corner which led to the winning goal was evidence of that.
Shola Ameobi (8) - I may not be his biggest fan but he took his goals rather brilliantly tonight. He held the ball up well on occasions and he showed that he still has a lot to offer the team.
Substitutes
Mike Williamson (6.5) - Came on and won some key headers for us.
Cheick Tiote (6) - Played out of position, one can't fault him much for struggling to cope with Van Aanholt and Anelka at times. Thought he didn't do much wrong for their penalty but hopefully he'll learn from tonight.
Joey Barton (N/A) - Was only on for about 30 seconds.
Man of the Match: Shola Ameobi
Quote:detox1978
Sol Campbell (8) - I thought Campbell had a good game and matched Anelka for pace on several occasions. He's great in the air and a real threat on corners. Stoke will bombard us in the air on Sunday and Williamson looked shaky (in the air) against Everton. It would be a brave call, but I'd like to see him given a run out on Sunday.
Shane Ferguson (6.5) - I don't share your confidence in Ferguson, while he had a decent game I thought he was far too light to be a full back. His crossing is definitely his strong point. In my opinion Perch is still the main cover the left back.
