Player Ratings
Tim Krul (7) - A solid performance from Krul in goal, apart from may be one bad touch which almost allowed Defoe to win the ball. Punched some crosses nicely and came out to collect the ball too on a few occasions.
Danny Simpson (6.5) - A mixed game for Simpson today. Did some good things, such as provide the cross which led to Ba's opener and made a superb last ditch tackle when Lennon was on the brink of shooting when in some space. Also mixed that good with some not so good moments, like when he fouled Bale a few times and looked in danger of potentially being sent off.
Steven Taylor (8) - For someone in his first competitive game back after a long lay off I thought he was excellent. Won numerous headers, was calm in possession, and showed why he was missed when injured.
James Perch (8) - Just like his central partner, he was excellent. Strong in the tackle and looked very assured at the back.
Davide Santon (8) - Always willing to bomb forward, he seemed to lift the crowd, during some of his bursts forward. Also did his defensive duties and was only once beaten by Lennon if my memory serves me correct.
Cheick Tiote (7.5) - A typical Tiote performance today. Always in the thick of things and won several challengers. Was so glad he never went off injured after the initial scare early on.
Yohan Cabaye (6) - Below par performance from Yohan. Worked hard though but gave the ball away several times and just looked off his best today.
Jonas Gutierrez (7) - A solid captains performance from him. Worked exceptionally hard, played in a different position each half but won his fair share of freekicks and fought for the cause superbly.Hatem Ben Arfa (8.5) - Showedmany glimpses of his best today. Looked up for it and although he wasn't heavily invlved in the first half, when he was he looked our most dangerous player. That theme continued for the rest of the game and it was evident when he won us the penalty and then insisted on taking it, to give us the vital three points.
Demba Ba (7.5) - Another who was perhaps not heavily involved but worked really hard and got his reward with an expertly taken goal just when we needed some inspiration. Was better than his strike partner today.
Papiss Cisse (6) - Was involved far too little and never really got a chance in the game which will be something to work on in the next game.
Substitutes
Vurnon Anita (6.5) - Had a nervous start, giving the ball away close to his own penalty area but his passing was good and he ventured forward nicely towards the end, as we looked to counter attack.
Gabriel Obertan (6) - A mixed few minutes for him as he helped the team see out the game.
Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa
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