My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Bolton (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have many saves to make but did well when called upon especially the save from Eagles shot.

Danny Simpson (7) - Another good defensive display from Simmo. Went forward more in the second half but kept Petrov quiet for much of the game.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - It is never easy marking Kevin Davies but Willo did great. Intercepted and put in some important challenges and has really played his role in us keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Came back into the team after his injury but it looked like he never missed a game. Was sharp and very good defensively. Took the ball up field nicely a few times as well and also had a decent shot from outside the box which was well saved.

Davide Santon (8) - Another very good game from our young Italian. Kept bombing forward but also seemed to win his battle with Eagles. Seems to have lifted his game since he got recalled and has defended much better.

James Perch (6.5) - Had a relatively quiet game but did his job although we needed more penetration in the middle of the park and that is why he was substituted at half time.

Yohan Cabaye (7) - Was not on the ball enough in the first half and seemed to miss the presence of Guthrie and Tiote alongside him. Kept working hard for the team though and he can claim that it was his pass which led to one of the goals of the season.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Another who had a quiet game but still worked hard as he always does, even more so as he was played out of position again.

Hatem Ben Arfa (9) - Had a relatively quiet game but has earned this high rating simply for scoring a goal of pure class. He took the ball from inside his own half and ended up with it being in the back of the net through skill, pace, balance and composure. Was not on the ball a lot today but produced something special when it was most definitely needed.

Papiss Cisse (7.5) - Did not get much service but still found himself on the score sheet with the one chance he really had in the game. It may have been an easy goal but it still takes that at the right place at the right time instinct which he seems to have, to convert it.

Demba Ba (6) - A very disappointing performance from Ba. His touch was just not there today as he had a few chances but it got taken away from him after a poor touch. He seems to have lost some of his confidence and had to be substituted.

Substitutes
Shane Ferguson (7.5) - Changed the game with his energy and hard work in the second half. Came on to give us some spark and he did that. May not have created or scored a goal but still seemed to lift the crowd.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Set up the second goal with firstly some good strength and then secondly with a lovely cross which had goal written all over it. Really has done well coming on as a substitute in recent games.

Ryan Taylor (6.5) - Came on when the game was won but enjoyed some good moments in possession.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Swansea (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Solid in goal and always did what was required of him.

Danny Simpson (8) - Defended really well and I remember thinking during the game, we really need to get this guy signed up. He may not be the best right back in the league (although statistics say he is) but he is consistent and always does his job.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Had a good game, gave the Swansea attackers very little space and cleared well when required.

James Perch (8) - Another steady performance from him. We certainly did not miss Coloccini in the two matches he has missed and that's a credit to Perchino.

Davide Santon (8) - I thought he was excellent. Blocked and intercepted so many balls, it was very impressive. Needs to be more consistent now but he came into the team and performed so that should please Pardew.

Cheick Tiote (7) - Was playing fairly well before he was taken off, with a hamstring tweak.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Played more centrally and combined well with his fellow central midfielders. Lead by example on the pitch and fully deserves the captains armband with his performances.

Yohan Cabaye (8) - Worked very hard and it was his two sublime passes which led to our goals. When a striker is in form he just needs service and those two passes from Cabaye were just right. A lovely player to watch.

Hatem Ben Arfa (7) - Was not heavily involved, as he was for the West Brom win, but still worked hard and showed the occasional moment of skill which could have led to goals on another day.

Papiss Cisse (9) - Took both goals expertly and the second has to be a goal of the season candidate. Apart from the goals his work rate was also excellent, at one stage he was clearing the ball from the left back position! Nine goals in eight games, could not have asked for more!

Demba Ba (7) - Worked hard for the team but apart from one half chance, never really had sight on goal which is what he wants, in order to break this dry spell. I was a bit concerned when he hardly celebrated our second goal but he later said he was just a bit down for being substituted but his delighted with the win.

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (6) - Did not have a major impact and gave the ball away a few times but has been out of the team for a bit so that rustiness was expected.

Shane Ferguson (7) - Did a good job after he came on, although he lost the ball a few times, he also added something extra with his pace down the left.

Dan Gosling (7) - Showed some neat touches when he came on and perhaps deserves a start if Cabaye or Tiote can't start the next game.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Cisse

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Liverpool (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - Did well to pull out of the challenge with Carroll when he was looking for the contact and had a good game in goal overall.

Danny Simpson (7.5) - Was solid most of the time and really seems to be a good defender. Does not get the praise he sometimes deserves. Was yet again on the line to save us, even if it touched his arm slightly.

Mike Williamson (8) - I thought he took the responsibility of being the "senior" centre back and did a great job. Carroll had the beating of him early on but the longer the match went on the less of an impact Carroll had. Formed a good partnership with Perch.

James Perch (8.5) - Continued his fine form with another assured display, this time coming in for Coloccini at centre back. Put in some fine sliding challenges whilst I lost count of the shots he blocked. Really has grown into a very good footballer, especially if you compare him to the player he was when he came to the club.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Hardly went forward but did his job defensively. A thorough proffesional who deserves great credit as he is clearly not a left back but he still does a job there.

Danny Guthrie (7.5) - Looked good as part of a three man central midfield until he had to go off with yet another injury scare. The same happened in the last game which is a bit concerning. Hope he recovers in time for Swansea.

Cheick Tiote (8) - Tiote showed what a great player he is by coming back into the team seemlessly and put in a good shift. Broke up a few Liverpool attacks and his passing was generally very good.

Yohann Cabaye (7) - Was involved quite a bit and seems to enjoy having both Guthrie and Tiote alongside him.

Hatem Ben Arfa (8) - Another quality performance from the French magician. Put in a fine cross from which we opened the scoring and then was involved again, in the build up to our second goal. Was not as involved in the second half but I can remember a few times when he beat Enrique in the first half. Always looks a threat when in the final third.

Papiss Cisse (9) - Took his two goals brilliantly and probably deserved a third as well, as he had a good chance in the first half too. His all round game was very impressive on Sunday and the 10 million we have spent on him seems to be a bargain already!

Demba Ba (7.5) - Not on the score sheet but again did a great job as part of a front three. What makes him a great player is the fact that he has not scored in the last few games but he is still involved and creates chances for others in the team, so he is always contributing towards the team.

Substitutes
Dan Gosling (6.5) - Had a few neat touches when he came on for Guthrie but we seemed to have the game won by that time.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Did nicely in a short cameo.

Davide Santon (N/A) - Came on close to the end.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Cisse