My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Stoke City (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (4) - What was he doing for their second goal? I'm afraid for all his loyalty, he should be replaced by one of the two youngsters next season. Just does not fill me with confidence and I'd be disappointed if we sold one of the youngsters in the summer.

Danny Simpson (6) - Put some good balls into the box particularly in the first half but needs to be playing in his natural position.

Mike Williamson (6.5) - I thought he did fairly well defensively. Could not be blamed for any of their goals and won a fair bit in the air.

Fabrcio Coloccini (5) - A disappointing performance from the usually reliable centre back. Made a few errors and seemed to lose concentration at crucial times.

Sol Campbell (4.5) - At fault for their first goal, perhaps the second too and was rightfully taken off in the second half. Why he was given a start is beyond me.

Jose Enrique (7) - Looked good until he went off injured. One always got the feeling it was going to be hard to get something from today after he went off.

Cheik Tiote (5.5) - He did not have a bad game but made some unnecessary challenges and played into Stoke's hands. Also got a yellow card which means he misses the next two games.

Joey Barton (6) - In terms of commitment and effort one can't fault him but he did look rusty and his balls into the box were nowhere near what he is capable of.

Kevin Nolan (6) - Put in a good shift but was one of only a few who could come away from today with any credit be it only a little.

Peter Lovenkrands (4) - He seems to do nothing for most of the game but still manages to start the next game. Can't say I remember him doing anything worth mentioning today.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Really put himself about and deserved more support especially in terms of supply to him.

Substitutes
Shane Ferguson (8) - What a superb performance from one so inexperienced. Took players on, showed great skill and got the ball into the box a few times. Looks a real prospect and deserves a run in the team now, with Enrique's injury.

Nile Ranger (5) - Hardly did anything since coming off the bench.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Earned a few free kicks but was brought on when the game was over as a contest unfortunately.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Shane Ferguson

My Player Ratings vs Everton (H)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (8) - Made some really good saves and was not really helped by his defence at times. We'd have conceded more had it not been for him today.

Steven Taylor (6) - Did fairly well in the right back role, although his positioning was poor at times. Went forward nicely but lacked a good cross that could lead to something. Along with Simpson, should take some blame for giving Arteta far too much space during the game.

Mike Williamson (6) - Made some solid tackles but cannot be happy about the space Osman and Jagielka had for their goals.

Fabricio Coloccini (6) - Thought he did certain things well but again, Osman and Jagielka were virtually not marked which cannot happen in the penalty area. Especially as he was just ball watching for their first goal.

Jose Enrique (5) - Unable to have any real impact on the game and was unfortunately withdrawn due to injury late in the first half.

Danny Simpson (6) - He defended well but was not able to adapt to playing right midfield. It came as no surprise when he ended the game in his familiar position. Arteta was allowed too much space during the game and as stated some of the blame should go to him.

Cheik Tiote (7.5) - I thought he was once again very good today. Controlled the ball well, won challenges and tried to get us on the front foot. His set pieces weren't bad too.

Kevin Nolan (7) - Lots of effort from the captain as always and he looked dangerous in the first half. It came as no surprise that he took the shot which led to our goal for Everton were unable to mark him properly in that half. Put in a good shift for the team despite the result although he was less effective in the second half.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Looked good today and played some really good through balls, one of which opened their defence up for the goal. Has been on good form as of the last month or so in my opinion.

Peter Lovenkrands (4.5) - I thought he was really poor today. Hardly had a shot on goal and never looked like creating an opening. The fact that he got to finish the game shows how few options we have at the moment.

Leon Best (7.5) - Really put himself about, took his goal easily and could have had more. 6 goals in about 9 starts is excellent and well done to the lad. Never expected him to do as well but long may it continue.

Substitutes
Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Had some good moments and troubled Everton's defence without being able to put the ball in the net though.

Shane Ferguson (6) - Showed glimpses of why he is highly thought of at the club but should have been given more time.

Shefki Kuqi (4) - Made no impact in the few minutes he was on for.

Man of the Match - Steve Harper