My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs QPR (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Made a couple of decent saves but did not have that much work to do overall.

Dnny Simpson (7.5) - Had another good game at right back. Went forward nicely a few times and did his job at the back.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Won several headers and did everything that was required of him. Really has done well since he returned to the team.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - A few years ago, I said Jonathan Woodgate was the best centre back at Newcastle for quite a few seasons but Coloccini has surpassed him. Hardly gets beaten, deals with situations calmly and has bags of skill.

Davide Santon (7.5) - Made a couple of defensive mistakes in the first half but apart from that gave another encouraging performance.

Ryan Taylor (7) - Started the game on the right and then moved into the centre when Cabaye went off but was efficient in both positions. Did a job for the team.

Danny Guthrie (8.5) - Really stepped up to the plate in Tiote's absence. We started slowly but once we gained control Guthrie started showing his quality. Never afraid to go into the tackle, intercepted a few balls and was good on the ball. Solid all round display from a man who really should get a new contract soon.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Went off injured just after the half way point in the first half.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - Was forced to play in a drifting role when Ben Arfa came on and did that with great effect. I thought he was dangerous as he seemed willing to take on players. I'd like to see more of him in such a role.

Leon Best (8) - Worked hard and took his goal brilliantly. I must admit I was questioning his inclusion as I thought Ben Arfa did more to warrant a start. I was happy to eat my words.

Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Did a good job of holding up play but I don't think he had a shot at goal all game if I'm not mistaken which is disappointing for a striker.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (8) - Another very encouraging display from the French Magician. Changed the game for us when he came on, as he injected some pace and flair which was lacking in our game at that point. Did a good job of tracking back which was good to see. Hope he gets to start the next game.

James Perch (7.5) - Did a good job as a defensive midfielder when he came on.

Dan Gosling (N/A) - Don't think he had too many touches in the brief period he was on.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Danny Guthrie

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man Utd (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have that much to do but handled whatever came his way.

Danny Simpson (8) - Defended really well for the most part. Made one goal line clearance and made one or two other notable clearances and tackles as well.

Mike Williamson (8.5) - Was really solid at the back, winning several headers and putting in some fine tackles when needed.

Fabricio Coloccini (9) - Read the game superbly and was just as solid in defence. Hardly put a foot wrong and the clean sheet against the champions was fully deserved.

Davide Santon (8.5) - His best performance in a toon shirt thus far. Made some important challenges and kept going until the end, proof of which was a great run towards the Man Utd box in the final minutes, after winning the ball close to the half way line.

Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Switched to right midfield for this match and the versatile player showed his worth to the team with a decent outing in that position.

Cheik Tiote (8.5) - Really seemed up for this. Won several tackles, ventured forward a bit when he could but really protected the defence well which of course is his primary role in the team.

Yohan Cabaye (9) - Scored a sublime free kick which will be played over and over again I'm sure. Apart from that, he played some lovely balls for the attackers to run onto and also put in a few good tackles. Also one of his better games for Newcastle.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Another who worked hard and played his part in us scoring three and keeping the clean sheet.

Shola Ameobi (7.5) - Was slightly off the pace at times but certainly contributed to us winning the game. It was his flick on which allowed Ba to open the scoring and it was also his physical presence at the top which caused Man Utd endless problems. May not have scored, or had a shot on target but he did a job for us none the less.

Demba Ba (9.5) - For those who watched the game, the applause he received when taken off towards the end was enough evidence to show what a great game and season his had thus far. Scored the opening goal with a well taken half volley but also looked dangerous throughout. Will be a huge miss but I'm so glad he got the premier league player of the month for December for he has been immense for us this season.

Substitutes
James Perch (7) - Came on during the latter stages as we tried to keep the clean sheet. Did make one or two clearances.

Leon Best (6) - Did not really do much in the 15 minutes he was on for.

Gabriel Obertan (N/A) - Do not recall him touching the ball when he came on in stoppage time.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Demba Ba