My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Wigan (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - Made a stunning save to deny Moses early on and deserved his clean sheet today.

Danny Simpson (7.5) - Did not offer us much going forward but certainly defended well. Made some solid challenges when needed.

Steven Taylor (7.5) - Made one solid block which stood out and like his fellow defenders, handled what came his way.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - Not his best game for us but still did well. Was often caught in a two on two battle but stood up to the challenge.

Ryan Taylor (7) - Had a difficult day with Moses running at him but we came through with a clean sheet so he can certainly take some credit for that.

Gabriel Obertan (6) - Beat his man smartly early on with pure pace and put a decent ball into the box but that was as good as it got for him. Tried putting a few other balls into the box as well but his delivery let him down on almost each occasion. Taken off after 75 minutes and rightly so.

Yohan Cabaye (8) - May not have controlled the game but it was his moment of magic which won us the game. Scored with a beauty of a finish and it was worthy of winning any match. He certainly does work hard so it was wonderful seeing him score his first goal for the club.

Cheik Tiote (8) - Another solid performance by the Ivorian. He was all over the pitch and despite Wigan having three players in the centre of the park he still stood up and allowed us to have more possession than them. That is a credit to him for it was not easy today.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - Put numerous balls into the box most of which were very good. Did his defensive duties too and kept running, often beating his man.

Leon Best (7) - Was good but just not that effective today. Beat Caldwell twice with neat skill but missed a great chance and he was the unfortunate man to make way for Ben Arfa who needed to come on, in an attempt to win the game.

Demba Ba (6) - Had a good headed chance in the second half but unfortunately his good run ends as he couldn't get on the score sheet. Was just not as involved as his previous three games.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (7) - Made a difference without looking his best. Did some good things but also lost the ball sometimes when he kept the ball for too long. Needs more game time in order for him to show his true worth.

Shola Ameobi (6) - Hardly made a difference in terms of a goal threat but helped us win freekicks towards the end.

Sylvain Marveaux (7.5) - Set up the goal with neat control and never looked like losing the ball. Made a difference and he too deserves more game time.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Jonas Gutierrez

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Tottenham (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - I thought he did well. There was very little he could do about their goals and everything else he did well.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - Had a sound game without doing anything major.

Steven Taylor (6.5) - Gave the penalty away with a poor challenge. Defended fairly well for the most part though.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Our best defender on the day. Had a chance to win it for us late on but it was not to be. His passing, control and skill is just great to watch though.

Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Had a reasonably good day at left back. Thought Bale might trouble him but he stood up to the challenge until Bale eventually moved across to the other flank.

Grabriel Obertan (6.5) - Was involved quite a bit without really having anything to show for it. Did have a shot which went narrowly wide. Needs to work on his crossing.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Gave the ball away, in the build up to Spurs getting their penalty and did not control the game as much but still played his part in a good team performance. Generally his corners weren't that great today.

Cheik Tiote (8.5) - Outstanding performance from him. He broke up numerous attacks and helped us control the game for large periods. Almost scored with a delightful shot and it would have been no more than he deserved.

Jonas Guiterrez (7.5) - As usual, he had a much better second half in comparison to the first. Went on a superb run and cross which led to our first goal and worked hard as always.

Leon Best (6) - I thought he worked very hard without getting the service to test the keeper. Was eventually taken off after 70 minutes.

Demba Ba (8) - Another player who worked hard and put in a good shift. Scored our first goal with a well taken finish, especially as the ball bounced just before reaching him. Thought he was unfortunate to also be taken off after 70 minutes.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (6.5) - Looked good on the ball although he was selfish at times. Who can blame him though, as he has been out for some time and probably wants to be in the spotlight again, especially with the team doing well.

Shola Ameobi (8) - Took a few minutes to get into the game but once he did he was quite a hand full. Scored the late equaliser with a clinical finish too.

Davide Santon (7) - Came on for a small cameo at right back and did fairly well for the few minutes he was on for. Nice to see him make his debut though.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Cheik Tiote