My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Blackpool (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Another very good display from the young Dutch keeper. Was kept busy today and took everything in his stride. Made some decent stops, most notably when Campbell was through on goal. He did well to get a piece of the ball and not the man and showed he is a keeper high on confidence.

Danny Simpson (7) - He had a very good second half, with his positional play outstanding. He made some pretty good interceptions and tackles although he was lucky not to concede a penalty when he lost his footing and handled the ball in the first half. Did not get the opportunity to attack too much today.

Mike Williamson (7) - Put under heavy pressure today but handled it well. We rode our luck at times but Mike did well in the air and did what was required of him for the most part.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - A calming influence at the back and survived what was a busy day for him at the back. Formed a good partnership with Mike and was one of the more consistent performers on the day.

Jose Enrique (5.5) - Had a very poor first half in which he made numerous errors. One almost led to a goal when he played a horrendous pass to Tim Krul and was lucky we got away with it. Had a bit of a better second half but still had a bitter sweet afternoon especially as he was behind the line for their goal and cleared the ball off the ball on another occasion.

Joey Barton (6) - I thought Joey was poor today. Lost the ball a few times and his delivery was not at his usual high standards. Did put in a good shift but we needed more from him today.

Cheik Tiote (6.5) - Was unable to control the game like he normally does. Gave away some freekicks in dangerous areas too. Still had moments though where he showed off his talent.

Kevin Nolan (6) - Put in a typical shift but was unable to have much influence on the game be it with his passing or his ability to get onto crosses.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Another player who had a mixed afternoon. Did one or two good things but was also unable to play that final pass or cross for the strikers to get on the end of.

Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Scored our goal today with a well taken shot from just outside the box. Did have a decent first half but seemed to fade, the longer the game went on and was susbtituted after the hour mark.
Shola Ameobi (6) - Wasted many fine chances today. Lost his footing numerous times and was often frustrating to watch. Still put himself about but we just can't afford to waste so many good chances if we want to be a force again.

Substitutions
Stephen Ireland (6) - Showed some more glimpses of promise without really testing the keeper. Needs to start a game soon if we are to see his true ability.

James Perch (N/A) - Only touched the ball once in his few minutes on the field.

Shefki Kuqi (N/A) - Only got to play about 30 seconds

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Tim Krul

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man Utd (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - For someone coming into the side for such a big game and after three months out of the team he did particularly well. Made two top draw saves in the first half and came off his line well most times. His kicking from goal kicks was poor but overall he showed why he should be our number one in years to come.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - Had a fairly quiet game but did his job. Almost gave away a penalty late on but the right decision was made so he can go home having done what was required of him.

Mike Williamson (8) - I thought he defended very well tonight. Won a lot in the air and put in some crucial challenges just when it was required.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - I thought he read the game superbly and made some good interceptions. Also showed his experience when Krul came late out to collect a through pass. He prevented the attacker from getting near the ball and the danger passed. One of our players of the season.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Had a very good first half although his second half wasn't as good. Thought he was certainly up for it after some fans questioned his performance in the last game. Made to defend more in the second half and he was up to it.

Joey Barton (7.5) - He put in a really good shift and led from the front tonight. Took the ball from Rooney a few times which showed how much defensive work he did during the game.

Cheik Tiote (7.5) - Back for this one and it showed. Good on the ball, passed it well and allowed us to have a go at them. Did give one or two unnecessary challenges away but we got the clean sheet so I can't complain.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Played his part tonight. Worked hard and distributed the ball nicely. Linked up well with his fellow midfielders whilst he wasn't afraid to do his defensive duties as well.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - I thought he was sensational in the first twenty minutes. Really ran at them and had the beating of O'Shea a few times. Got tired as the game wore on but still did his defensive work. Did not get as much opportunity in the second half as he did in the first but showed that when on his game, he can trouble the top teams.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - Not as involved as I'd like him to be but he worked hard and could and probably should have won us a penalty. It wasn't to be and he was substituted just after the hour mark.
Shola Ameobi (7.5) - Another player who had a very good first half and really looked up for it. Caused Man Utd many problems but then got tired and was eventually taken off after seventy minutes.

Substitutes
Stephen Ireland (6.5) - Looked decent when coming on and it was a pity we did not have more of the ball at that stage to utilise him properly.

Nile Ranger (5) - Made very little impact which was very disappointing despite only getting twenty minutes.

Man of the Match - Tim Krul

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (7) - Had a fairly good game. Made no mistakes and could do nothing for their goal.

Danny Simpson (6) - Had a difficult afternoon but managed to give a decent enough showing.

Steven Taylor (5.5) - I thought he struggled today. Got away with a clumsy challenge in the box while he also gave the ball away in some potentially dangerous positions. Was rightfully substituted.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - I thought he was excellent today. Won a lot in the air and did not allow the Villa attackers to get the better of him too often. Apart from a body check once he can be pleased with his showing.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Although he gave the ball away a few times, he was solid in defence and showed his worth to the team yet again. Did look at times as though he was not 100% fit but still had a good game.

Joey Barton (5) - A thoroughly disappointing performance from the "best Engish midfielder" in the league. Hardly got on the ball and gave the ball away several times when he did. The fact that he was constantly complaining did not seem to help us at all either.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - For someone who seldom plays in midfield I thought he did a good job. Went about his business quietly although it will be great to have Tiote back for the next game as the team will be stronger with Coloccini in defence and Tiote in midfield.

Danny Guthrie (6) - Not a particularly bad game from Danny although his passing let him down on several occasions. Seems to go for "the pass" to many times and gives the ball away instead of building things patiently.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Had a decent first half and did his fair share of defensive work but failed to do the same in the second half. Yet again his link up play with Enrique was our strongest weapon going forward during the game though.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - Had two decent chances in the final minutes of the game but could not put one away. He at least made the keeper work which was the least he could do I suppose. Other than that he worked hard but lacked any real service to help get himself on the score sheet.

Nile Ranger (6.5) - Showed glimpses of why so many people have been calling for him to start a game whilst funny enough he also showed why he was kept on the bench so much. He started the game well, had one or two chances and then just faded. His decision making at crucial times let him down but as a striker I suppose he needs to be greedy too.

Substitutes

Ryan Taylor (6) - Had a slight impact but not enough in the end.

Shefki Kuqi (N/A) - Not on long enough.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Mike Williamson