My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man City (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (5) - His terrible mistake cost us the first goal and that gave us a mountain to climb thereafter. Hopefully he'll get another opportunity for I'm sure he'll learn from today's mistake.

Danny Simpson (6) - Put in some good tackles although his crossing left a lot to be desired.

Steven Taylor (6) - Did not have a bad game but needs to do more if he is to keep Mike Williamson out of the team in my opinion. Did not close some of the City attackers quickly enough at times which could have made the scoreline worse.

Fabricio Coloccini (6.5) - Good to have the centre half back in the team today but it was not enough to stop City from scoring thrice. Was the unlucky guy to have the shot deflect off him which ended our hopes of getting something from today. Should not have turned his back on the ball! Had a decent game overall though.

Jose Enrique (6.5) - Worked hard for the team and tried to go forward as much as he could he could although Milner kept him busy throughout.

Wayne Routledge (6) - Started brightly but soon faded and was replaced after the hour mark.

Joey Barton (6.5) - Was not afraid to get stuck in. City though made sure he was not able to influence the game for us the way he has done of late. Did manage to create an assist for our only goal today.

Cheik Tiote (6) - Failed to protect the back four today at times and was guilty of lazily giving the ball away for their second goal. Did have a much better second half though which was a good recovery.

Kevin Nolan (6) - The move to play him up top with Carroll did not pay off. He had one or two chances but other than that starting Ranger might have been the better option in hindsight.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - He too worked really hard but was unable to find that quality ball in the last third that allowed us to score from. Can't fault his effort though.

Andy Carroll (7) - Scored our only goal and fought really hard for the team. Wasn't afraid to shoot from outside the box either. Seems to play better with a partner up front though.

Substitute
Nile Ranger (6.5) - Did not quite have the same impact as the last game but did well enough to perhaps warrant a start in place of Nolan in the next game.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Andy Carroll