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