My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (H)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (5.5) - Although he had very little to do in the match (Villa only had one shot on target), he did concede the penalty and miss kicked a clearance which could have been dangerous.

James Perch (7) - A much more solid display from the young right back. He was composed on defence and even got a decent cross or two into the box. This game was a big confidence booster for him.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Another outstanding display from Mike. He formed a good partnership with Colo at the back and what was good to see as well was their continuous communication when the ball was out of play. You'd never say it was only his second game at this level because apart from perhaps a shaky first few minutes he was outstanding thereafter.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - There were times he seemed to have Carew in his back pocket. He won quite a bit in the air and he made some easy looking tackles as well. Very promising display from the Argentine.

Jose Enrique (8) - After a shaky opening day display against Man Utd, the Enrique we know came back and proved why he was considered our best player last season. His link up play with Jonas was a joy to behold and poor Albrighton didn't get an inch out of him. Brilliant!

Wayne Routledge (7) - He was heavily involved in the first half and gave Villa all sorts of problems. There were times when he seemed unsure of what to do though when in the final third as he was in some good shooting positions only to continue dribbling before losing the ball. Apart from that it was a good display from the winger.

Alan Smith (7.5) - Many doubt his ability to perform well in this league, but after today's display I'd be sad if we chose to sell him now. Passion, commitment and dominance in midfield and a key factor in why we won today.


Joey Barton (8) - What a stunner it was. Gave us the start we needed and along with Smith dominated things in midfield. He showed glimpses of the player we know he can be which is very encouraging indeed.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - As mentioned above his link up play with Enrique was outstanding and he worked hard as always. He got some good balls into the box as well which is something his usually criticized for not doing.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - Two good goals taken and a performance that would have silenced many of his critics (I was one of them). He worked hard and led by example today.

Andy Carroll (9) - It's been a while since I've given a player a 9 rating but it's fully deserved this time. A fantastic hat-trick along with an assist and few could argue that he is starting to step up to the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous number nine shirt.

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (N/A)

Shola Ameobi (6) - Had some neat touches when coming on.

Xisco (7) - A fine assist and I'm starting to think he's a good option to bring on from the bench. Could still play a part for us this season.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Andy Carroll

View Player ratings vs Man Utd (A)

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man Utd (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (6) - A busy day at the office for Steve. Made some good saves but worries me at times as well. Can't particularly blame him for any of the goals though.

James Perch (5.5) - At times in the first half he looked out of his depth. It must be remebered though that it was his first game at this level, so can't be too harsh on him. He did have a slightly better second half.

Mike Wiliiamson (6) - He did well but gave the ball away once or twice too many. Can't afford that in this league. Certainly gave a good account of himself otherwise.

Fabricio Coloccini (6.5) - He was our best defender on the night, in that he made some good challenges and won quite a bit in the air. He did make one or two mistakes though that he needs to learn from, one of which is to clear the ball when under pressure instead of trying to work the ball to other defenders who in turn give the ball away in dangerous areas.

Jose Enrique (5) - It was a really bad day at the office for Jose. Despite being one of our better players last season, you get the feeling he hasn't recovered 100% from the injury that forced him off against Rangers last week. Hopefully he'll find the form we know his capable of.

Wayne Routledge (6.5) - Outstanding in the first half with his direct approach, he showed he can be a dangerous player for us in this league. He needs to work on his final ball but it was clear that he had the beating of the Man Utd defence a few times. Faded in the second half though.

Joey Barton (5.5) - I can't say he impressed me tonight. He got into one or two good positions but wasted the ball when a good pass was needed. I also don't think Barton and Smith in the same side is a good idea, but I'm hearing Guthrie has a minor injury so perhaps it was enforced.

Alan Smith (6) - I was surprsied to see him start but he did quite a decent job tonight. He put in some strong challenges as expected but the centre of the park did lack creativity which remains a concern.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - He was forced to defend for much of the match but did show one or two glimpses of being dangerous on attack. Can't fault his work rate and he was one of only three players who looked as if they could create something.

Kevin Nolan (5.5) - I thought he didn't help Carroll enough playing as the man behind Carroll. His lack of pace is also not something you'd want when playing a striker like Carroll who flicks the ball on a lot and if we do get a pacey midfielder, I'd be interested in dropping Nolan.

Andy Carroll (7) - I thought he was outstanding tonight. He should have done better with that header but apart from that, he made the keeper work quite a bit and he also impressed me with his immense work rate. The amount of times he came back to challenge for the ball was good to see and after tonight I'm a little more optimistic about him being our number nine.

Substitutes

Shola Ameobi (5.5) - Didn't really have an impact although at this stage the game was already over.

Xisco (6) - Looked sharp in the few minutes that he was on for. I'd be keen to see a bit more of him in the next few games.

Newcastle United Man of the Match : Andy Carroll