My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Blackburn (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (9) - Did everything asked of him and saved the penalty, which probably won us the game.

Danny Simpson (8) - Made a great goal line clearance and defended well for the most part. I thought the penalty was harsh but justice prevailed when Krul saved it.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Won quite a bit in the air and did his job well. Four clean sheets in our last six says something about his partnership with Coloccini.

Fabricio Coloccini (8.5) - Cool and calm at the back, organised the defence and apart from a slip and one or two errors which he soon rectified, he continued his good form for this season.

Davide Santon (8) - A solid performance, winning a few headers, bursting forward and winning some challenges, he too can be pleased with his performance.

Hatem Ben Arfa (5) - Disappointing half from the Frenchman. Did one or two good things but then followed it up by giving it away or over running the ball. He may lose his place in the team for the next match, especially as he was taken off at half time despite us being in the lead.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Did fairly well overall but there were moments in the match where our central midfield seemed to be over run. We survived it and with his ball skills he won us a few free kicks towards the end which helped keep us on top.

Ryan Taylor (6.5) - Took the shot which helped us get the opening goal but apart from that, he struggled in the first half. It was no surprise to see him perform better in the second half, after he was shifted to the right.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Was not that influential in the game but still did a job for us, both defensively and attacking wise, albeit not that much for the latter.

Shola Ameobi (6) - Worked hard but gave several free kicks away and should really be replaced in the next game.

Leon Best (6) - Helped out defensively, despite almost scoring an own goal but it is in the final third where he will feel he did not do enough.

Substitutes
James Perch (8) - I thought he did very well coming on at half time and playing as a defensive midfielder. Won tackles, put his body on the line towards the end and hardly gave the ball away.

Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Played a lovely through ball for our second goal minutes after coming on.

Gabriel Obertan (8) - The open game suited him and when clean through he finished calmly. Should be used more even if not from the start.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Tim Krul