Newcastle United goal keeper Tim Krul was named Man Of The Match by Tyne-Talk's player rater Wasim4nufc, for his performance against Manchester United last night. Eight out of the starting eleven picked up high scores of 7.5 or more. Read on to see how the rest of the team faired...
Player Ratings
Tim Krul (8) - For someone coming into the side for such a big game and after three months out of the team he did particularly well. Made two top draw saves in the first half and came off his line well most times. His kicking from goal kicks was poor but overall he showed why he should be our number one in years to come.
Danny Simpson (6.5) - Had a fairly quiet game but did his job. Almost gave away a penalty late on but the right decision was made so he can go home having done what was required of him.
Mike Williamson (8) - I thought he defended very well tonight. Won a lot in the air and put in some crucial challenges just when it was required.
Fabricio Coloccini (8) - I thought he read the game superbly and made some good interceptions. Also showed his experience when Krul came late out to collect a through pass. He prevented the attacker from getting near the ball and the danger passed. One of our players of the season.
Jose Enrique (7.5) - Had a very good first half although his second half wasn't as good. Thought he was certainly up for it after some fans questioned his performance in the last game. Made to defend more in the second half and he was up to it.
Joey Barton (7.5) - He put in a really good shift and led from the front tonight. Took the ball from Rooney a few times which showed how much defensive work he did during the game.
Cheik Tiote (7.5) - Back for this one and it showed. Good on the ball, passed it well and allowed us to have a go at them. Did give one or two unnecessary challenges away but we got the clean sheet so I can't complain.
Danny Guthrie (7) - Played his part tonight. Worked hard and distributed the ball nicely. Linked up well with his fellow midfielders whilst he wasn't afraid to do his defensive duties as well.
Jonas Gutierrez (8) - I thought he was sensational in the first twenty minutes. Really ran at them and had the beating of O'Shea a few times. Got tired as the game wore on but still did his defensive work. Did not get as much opportunity in the second half as he did in the first but showed that when on his game, he can trouble the top teams.
Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - Not as involved as I'd like him to be but he worked hard and could and probably should have won us a penalty. It wasn't to be and he was substituted just after the hour mark.
Shola Ameobi (7.5) - Another player who had a very good first half and really looked up for it. Caused Man Utd many problems but then got tired and was eventually taken off after seventy minutes.
Substitutes
Stephen Ireland (6.5) - Looked decent when coming on and it was a pity we did not have more of the ball at that stage to utilise him properly.
Nile Ranger (5) - Made very little impact which was very disappointing despite only getting twenty minutes.
I totally agree with the comments on Ranger. He needs to spend a season on loan at a championship club next season. He seems to get himself in a good position but then either falls over his own feet, misses or chooses the wrong option.
And he's making a habit of @#$%& off Loven by not laying it off...in the ccc, he'll have that extra couple seconds to think about his next move and set himself properly to finish.
I suppose the future of Ranger will go on what happens in the summer with signing forwards, if we go tight and hopefully we won't then we will keep him as a back up.
I agree though that the lad needs a spell out on loan, and he will learn a lot from a season in the championship, it will toughen him up and give him the confidence in front of goal
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