My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Blackpool (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Another very good display from the young Dutch keeper. Was kept busy today and took everything in his stride. Made some decent stops, most notably when Campbell was through on goal. He did well to get a piece of the ball and not the man and showed he is a keeper high on confidence.

Danny Simpson (7) - He had a very good second half, with his positional play outstanding. He made some pretty good interceptions and tackles although he was lucky not to concede a penalty when he lost his footing and handled the ball in the first half. Did not get the opportunity to attack too much today.

Mike Williamson (7) - Put under heavy pressure today but handled it well. We rode our luck at times but Mike did well in the air and did what was required of him for the most part.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - A calming influence at the back and survived what was a busy day for him at the back. Formed a good partnership with Mike and was one of the more consistent performers on the day.

Jose Enrique (5.5) - Had a very poor first half in which he made numerous errors. One almost led to a goal when he played a horrendous pass to Tim Krul and was lucky we got away with it. Had a bit of a better second half but still had a bitter sweet afternoon especially as he was behind the line for their goal and cleared the ball off the ball on another occasion.

Joey Barton (6) - I thought Joey was poor today. Lost the ball a few times and his delivery was not at his usual high standards. Did put in a good shift but we needed more from him today.

Cheik Tiote (6.5) - Was unable to control the game like he normally does. Gave away some freekicks in dangerous areas too. Still had moments though where he showed off his talent.

Kevin Nolan (6) - Put in a typical shift but was unable to have much influence on the game be it with his passing or his ability to get onto crosses.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Another player who had a mixed afternoon. Did one or two good things but was also unable to play that final pass or cross for the strikers to get on the end of.

Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Scored our goal today with a well taken shot from just outside the box. Did have a decent first half but seemed to fade, the longer the game went on and was susbtituted after the hour mark.
Shola Ameobi (6) - Wasted many fine chances today. Lost his footing numerous times and was often frustrating to watch. Still put himself about but we just can't afford to waste so many good chances if we want to be a force again.

Substitutions
Stephen Ireland (6) - Showed some more glimpses of promise without really testing the keeper. Needs to start a game soon if we are to see his true ability.

James Perch (N/A) - Only touched the ball once in his few minutes on the field.

Shefki Kuqi (N/A) - Only got to play about 30 seconds

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Tim Krul