My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (7) - Had a fairly good game. Made no mistakes and could do nothing for their goal.

Danny Simpson (6) - Had a difficult afternoon but managed to give a decent enough showing.

Steven Taylor (5.5) - I thought he struggled today. Got away with a clumsy challenge in the box while he also gave the ball away in some potentially dangerous positions. Was rightfully substituted.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - I thought he was excellent today. Won a lot in the air and did not allow the Villa attackers to get the better of him too often. Apart from a body check once he can be pleased with his showing.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Although he gave the ball away a few times, he was solid in defence and showed his worth to the team yet again. Did look at times as though he was not 100% fit but still had a good game.

Joey Barton (5) - A thoroughly disappointing performance from the "best Engish midfielder" in the league. Hardly got on the ball and gave the ball away several times when he did. The fact that he was constantly complaining did not seem to help us at all either.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - For someone who seldom plays in midfield I thought he did a good job. Went about his business quietly although it will be great to have Tiote back for the next game as the team will be stronger with Coloccini in defence and Tiote in midfield.

Danny Guthrie (6) - Not a particularly bad game from Danny although his passing let him down on several occasions. Seems to go for "the pass" to many times and gives the ball away instead of building things patiently.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Had a decent first half and did his fair share of defensive work but failed to do the same in the second half. Yet again his link up play with Enrique was our strongest weapon going forward during the game though.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - Had two decent chances in the final minutes of the game but could not put one away. He at least made the keeper work which was the least he could do I suppose. Other than that he worked hard but lacked any real service to help get himself on the score sheet.

Nile Ranger (6.5) - Showed glimpses of why so many people have been calling for him to start a game whilst funny enough he also showed why he was kept on the bench so much. He started the game well, had one or two chances and then just faded. His decision making at crucial times let him down but as a striker I suppose he needs to be greedy too.

Substitutes

Ryan Taylor (6) - Had a slight impact but not enough in the end.

Shefki Kuqi (N/A) - Not on long enough.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Mike Williamson