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