My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Chelsea (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (9) - Carrying on from his performance last week, he showed why he is fast becoming the best keeper in the league. Saved the penalty and really deserved to keep a clean sheet. The problem was that Chelsea had far too many shots at goal and obviously he was going to be beaten eventually.

Danny Simpson (6) - Not one of his best games of the season. Allowed Chelsea to get in behind him and gave the ball away needlessly at times.

Steven Taylor (7.5) - I thought he was our best defender on the day. Covered for Perch a few times and did his job. Will be missed if reports are true that his season is over.

Fabricio Coloccini (6) - Unfortunately struggled and was forced off in the first half with a thigh injury. I sincerely hope he's fit for next week.

Ryan Taylor (5) - Allowed Sturridge far too much room and showed that he needs Jonas in front of him for him to do well. Luckily Jonas should be back next week.

Gabriel Obertan (5) - Seems to lack confidence at the moment. Rarely took Cole on and only put about one or two decent balls into the box. He really needs to use his pace and take people on.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Fought hard and didn't do too badly in midfield but was at fault for giving the penalty away. His passing was good and the set pieces weren't bad either.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Our best midfielder on the day. Worked hard and was again very good on the ball. Lacks the pace sometimes but one can't fault him too much.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - I was surprised to see him start but was pleasantly surprised with his display. Now he hardly did the defensive work of Jonas, which cost us, as Chelsea really found a lot of space down his flank but what he did do was run at their defense and he played some clever balls to the front line. He looked dangerous and seemed to be heavily involved in the first half. Faded as the game went on the though and was then substituted.

Hatem Ben Arfa (6) - Not as effective as I thought he would be. Had some good moments without really penetrating the Chelsea defence. Was therefore replaced at half time.

Demba Ba (7.5) - Caused Luiz all sorts of problems. Was unlucky not to score twice as he hit the post and saw Cech make a good save with the other chance. Also showed some really good ball control and seems to be one of our most important players now.

Substitutes
James Perch (6.5) - At fault for their first goal but grew into the game and didn't too badly overall.

Sammy Ameobi (6.5) - Saw a shot cleared off the line but was otherwise not that effective. Does have some good skill though, proof of which was one great run late in the game where he beat a few Chelsea players.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Did well when coming on and he too was unlucky to see a great shot canon off the woodwork. Enjoyed his battle with John Terry in the second half.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Tim Krul