My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Liverpool (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Made a terrific save from Torres in the second half and had a pretty decent game overall despite one or two heart in mouth moments.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - He wasn't able to go forward too much but defended well.

Sol Campbell (6) - Made one or two telling tackles but was very much to blame for their goal. Should never have turned his back on the ball and it almost cost us. Won a fair amount in the air though which was important.

Steven Taylor (7) - Looked far more assured than Campbell today. Did not give the Liverpool attackers too much space bar one or two opportunities.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - He really got stuck in today. Was always willing to go forward and defended well too. He really seemed up for it and was our best defender on the day.

Joey Barton (8.5) - Joey was outstanding today. His commitment was second to none and he of course scored the all important second goal for us with a gutsy finish. Played his part in the other goals too and showed why he was so badly missed in the previous games.

Cheik Tiote (8) - Won several challenges and looked very good on the ball without giving it away too much. Certainly a big part in why we won today.

Kevin Nolan (8) - In terms of leadership he was excellent today and really led from the front. Scored the first goal, which was crucial and hopefully he'll be okay for the next game after he was substituted.

Jonas Gutierrez (5.5) - Not a good performance from Jonas today it has to be said. Apart from the last 15-20 minutes, he lacked confidence to take the ball up and was just not able to influence the game in any way. Should may be have been taken off but never stopped trying to his credit.

Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Went off with an injury and although he worked hard in the first half, he wasn't able to influence the game as much as his strike partner. Did to his bit though and showed signs of linking up with Carroll very nicely. Do hope his injury is not too bad.

Andy Carroll (8.5) - Another top class performance from our number nine. Set up the first goal, was part of the build up for the second goal and wrapped the game up with the third goal with a sublime finish. Really did cause Liverpool all sorts of problems.

Substitutes

Nile Ranger (7.5) - Many will feel his introduction changed the game and to me it did. He brought real energy to the team, chased various flick ons and showed that he really is a good prospect.

Alan Smith (N/A) - Only on for a few minutes.

Wayne Routledge (N/A) - Barely on for a minute.

Man of the Match - Andy Carroll