Steve Harper (7) - Did not have a lot to do but did well when called upon.
Danny Simpson (7) - Provided a superb cross from which Shola should have scored. Despite an early booking he defended well and linked up nicely with Barton.
Steven Taylor (7) - Was unlucky not to score with a header which hit the crossbar but will be happy with the clean sheet for our defence defended well with him winning many balls in the air.
Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Really steady and calm at the back. Can hardly remember him making a mistake today and he too was unlucky not to score after his header hit the post in the first half.Jose Enrique (7) - Made one or two mistakes early on, losing the ball or miss controlling it but recovered well thereafter even though he's had better games before.
Joey Barton (8) - It was his hard work which lead to the goal. He pressurised the defender and eventually got a good shot in which the keeper could only see end up in the back of the net moments later. Controlled things for us and most of our best moves had him involved somewhere in the build up. Provided some good set pieces too.
Cheik Tiote (8) - Superb in the centre of the park. Won many tackles, lost the ball very few times and helped us win the midfield battle which lead to us winning the game. On top of all that, he never got booked today which doesn't happen very often!
Kevin Nolan (7) - Not as influential as the previous two but still played his part in today's win. Proved to be a good link man between the midfielders and strikers.
Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - He lost the ball twice in the first three minutes and I thought to myself how does he start every game but he picked up his game and did well especially when he ran at the Wigan defence. Had a pretty decent game and showed he does add value to this team when he plays well.
Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Should probably have scored at least one goal today but despite that he ran into space well and played his part in the goal. Put in a good shift overall.
Shola Ameobi (7.5) - We saw the good and the not so good from him today. Scored the only goal of the game but missed the easiest chance of the game as well. Won plenty in the air though and did well in the absence of Andy Carroll.
Substitutes
Wayne Routledge (7.5) - Despite the lack of a good final ball he did very well when coming on. Beat his man at least three times and showed that he can be a danger when coming on through his skill and pace.
Leon Best (6) - Looked pretty average when he came on although he did go on one good run despite failing to hit the target with his shot.
Alan Smith (N/A) - Came on with a few minutes to play.
Man of the Match - Joey Barton
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