My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Everton (Away)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (7.5) - Did reasonably well deputising for the injured Tim Krul. Made some good saves. Some critics may say he could have done better with their goals but in fairness both were struck with quite some force.

James Perch (8) - Had a difficult first half, where Baines and Pienaar were outstanding down his flank. Was moved to central midfield and did superb. Put in some solid challenges and got forward a lot too, threading through some neat passes.

Mike Williamson (8) -  I thought he was excellent. Won a lot in the air and made some vital interceptions. Hardly put a foot wrong even though we conceded two goals.

Steven Taylor (7) - Not his best game of the season so far but still did some good things. Should have done better with their second goal as he allowed Anichebe to turn and find space to shoot. He was also quite deep for that goal so should have pushed up.

Davide Santon (7.5) - Had another decent game. Has been fairly consistent this season and its no surprise Everton were far more dangerous from the opposite side.

Vurnon Anita (7)-  Can not say he looked comfortable in the first half. Just seems to be better when playing right back and that was evident with his second half showing in that position. Hopefully he'll start there against Norwich on Sunday.

Yohan Cabaye (7.5) - Had a below par first half but seemed to show signs of his old self with a good second half. Won the ball and then played a perfectly judged pass which led to our first goal. Hopefully this will kick start his season.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - Had a quiet game from his high standards but that was mainly due to our defensive minded first half and the fact that he was playing out of position for almost the entire game. Still did a job for the team.

Sylvain Marveaux (5) - Given a rare start for this game and the plan seemed to backfire. Hardly involved and offered Perch very little support in front of him which is also why Pienaar and Baines were so good in the first half. Did take one very good free kick but I expected more from him to be honest.

Hatem Ben Arfa (7) -  Not as involved but was still a danger when in position. Missed a glorious opportunity late on but he contributed to us getting something from the game.

Papiss Cisse (6.5) - Worked very hard for the team and although he has not scored for us this season, that elusive goal does not seem far away.

Substitutes
Demba Ba (9) - Came on and instantly changed the game. Took his two goals really well and Everton seemed unable to handle him. Has to be our first choice striker on this showing.

Shola Ameobi (8) - Was not on for too long but did two really noticeable things. The first was play Ben Arfa through with a perfectly timed pass and the second was to chest the ball into the path of Ba who scored from that opportunity. Really good option to have on the bench.

Gael Bigirimana (N/A) - Don't think he touched the ball as we looked to clinch the draw.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Demba Ba

Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (Home)

Tim Krul (7.5) - Made some good saves which kept us in it during the first half especially.

Danny Simpson (6) - Struggled a bit at times before he was replaced due to injury.

Steven Taylor (6.5) - Had a busy afternoon and made one or two mistakes, where he was turned too easily on one occasion and where he allowed Clark a free header for their goal but overall a decent enough showing.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) -  Looked solid, especially in the second half. Very cool and calm.

Davide Santon (8) - Hardly put a foot wrong. Did virtually all his defensive duties and went forward very nicely. The only fault in his game was his crossing but everything else was good.

Vurnon Anita (7) - Looked much better at right back than he did in midfield. Defended well and just looked more at home in the full back position.

Yohan Cabaye (6) - Took a great free kick towards the end which deserved a goal but otherwise his performance some would say, for the third game running, was below par. Not sure what the reason is but he does look below his best right now.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - Had a better second half, as he saw more of the ball but he too hardly got crosses into the box today.

Hatem Ben Arfa (8.5) - Scored a stunning goal, which just sums up how good Ben Arfa is. A sweet strike from way out on his weaker foot. Looked dangerous although he did not see enough of the ball.

Demba Ba (6.5) - Worked hard but is not getting enough service to show his real quality.

Papiss Cisse (6) - Looked more hungry today but was unable to take any of the few chances he got in front of goal. Guzan was also in inspired form in goal for Villa.

Substitutes
Gael Bigirimana (8.5) - Came on in the first half and really impressed, especially if you consider he is only 18 year sold and playing his first game in the premier league. Passed the ball nicely, tackled well and made some important blocks. Looks a real talent.

Sylvain Marveaux (7) - Did a few good things but deserves more time on the pitch.

Gabriel Obertan (6.5) Linked up nicely with Ben Arfa late on in a good move but he too got very little time to really influence proceedings.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa