Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have too much to do but did well when called upon.
Danny Simpson (7) - I thought he gave a good performance. Got stuck in at times. Did leave some gaps at the back when he ventured forward a few times.
Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Our best player on the day. Lead by example. Read the game well. Was able to cover his fellow defenders and even tried to go forward when he could.
Steven Taylor (7.5) - Put in a solid performance although the biggest concern with Steven is the fact that he puts in some unnecessary challenges, which could see him get into trouble on another day. Other than that justified his selection ahead of Mike Williamson.
Ryan Taylor (6.5) - Despite being a make shift left back, he actually had a quiet evening, even though I had my concern that Arsenal were going to attack his channel. They did that a few times but we handled it and still managed a clean sheet. Hopefully he will be replaced with a proper left back ahead of our next game though.
Joey Barton (7) - I thought he had a mixed game. There were moments where he was outstanding, showing his commitment to the cause, whilst there were other moments where he gave the ball away unnecessarily. Having said that, Song should have been sent off for the stamp on Joey, whilst I can understand why he went down after the slap from Gervinho. It wasn't necessary for him to pick Gervinho up the way he did but I suppose that's Joey.
Cheik Tiote (6.5) - Seemed a bit off the pace. That will most probably be due to his visa problems. Hopefully the 90 minutes and a full weeks training will see him sharper next week. Still a very important player to us.
Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Took a while to get into the game but showed glimpses of the player he can be for us this season. Put in a good shift and was taken off towards the end.
Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Failed to stamp his mark on the game. May be dropped for our next game. He did win us some free kicks which stopped Arsenal from getting a head of steam but that was about it for him.
Demba Ba (5.5) - Taken off at half time. That tells you he wasn't really in the game as he failed to link up well with his strike partner. It will take him some time to settle in and let's not forget Arsenal had most of the possession which will not always be the case at home this season.
Shola Ameobi (6) - Put in a good shift although he too failed to test their keeper.
Substitutes
Gabriel Obertan (7) - Showed some real pace when given the chance and looked good on the ball. Hopefully he starts next week, so that we can see more of him.
Leon Best (6.5) - Showed one good turn but other than that, never really made an impact.
Peter Lovenkrands (5.5) - Had very little time to make an impact.
Newcastle United Man of the Match - Fabricio Coloccini
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