My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Everton (A)

Steve Harper (6) - Went off in what looked like a serious injury. Didn't have much to do before he went off though.

James Perch (7) - A much more composed game from the young right back. I think his starting to settle in this league now but unfortunately for his sake, he got yet another booking and he'll miss the next game.

Mike Williamson (7) - There were a few moments where he looked a bit guilty of committing a foul in the box but other than that he was solid in the air and had a good game.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - Another outstanding and composed performance by the centre back. Was very elegant on the ball and really has become very consistent as of late.

Jose Enrique (8) - Just like his teammate, he was very reliable and was very much involved in both defending and attacks. He put in a few fine crosses and linked up nicely with Ben Arfa.

Wayne Routledge (6.5) - He wasn't as involved as he normally is but he certainly contributed to the win. Nothing spectacular from him but he did his job.

Cheick Tiote (8) - What a debut from the man from the Ivory Coast. He looked solid, good on the ball and as if his been playing at Newcastle for many years. Formed a good partnership with Joey Barton.

Joey Barton (7.5) - He certainly seems to be getting back to the form that once made him an England international. He played some good balls on attack, particularly in the second half and was prepared to take some heavy tackles. His set pieces were a bit of a mixed bag though.

Hatem Ben Arfa (8.5) - This lad is quite special. He scored an absolute beauty, and looked so good on the ball. Always willing to take on his man and beat a player or three. He worked hard on defence also so although he comes with some baggage, on this display, he's the best player we've had for some time.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - Initially I was thinking he should be dropped but after today I feel he still has a big role to play for us and as skipper too. He linked up nicely with the midfield and striker and just like the others he played his part in the win.

Andy Carroll (6.5) - Today wasn't his best day at the office but he worked hard and helped us out on defence a few times. Made one great block of note as well.

Substitutes
Tim Krul (7) - Considering it was his first real taste of Premier League football he did well. Never looked out of place at all.

Jonas Gutierrez (N/A) - Only had a few minutes in which it was hard for him to make an impact.

Man of the Match : Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Wolves (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (6) - There was little he could do about their goal although all in all it wasn't a day in which Harper had a lot to do.

James Perch (7) - He seemed to have a decent game at right back. Nearly cost us a penalty with a clumsy challenge but other than that it was pretty efficient performance at right back for him as he still gets use to football at this level.

Mike Williamson (7) - Another solid display by the centre back. Perhaps could have been closer to Ebanks-Blake for their goal but it was a good finish so I don't think we can be too critical with him. Won a lot in the air again which was good.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - Just as his centre back partner, Fabricio gave a solid display at the back. He seems to be extremely confident at the moment which is important and if Nolan were to get dropped in the next game I'd make him captain.

Jose Enrique (6.5) - There were moments when Jose looked a bit sloppy giving the ball away and conceding a corner when trying to be too fancy at the back but apart from that he gave a decent account of himself. Watching his link play with Jonas is still very good on the eye.

Wayne Routledge (7) - A slightly mixed display from the winger. There were times where he made some good runs and also got the ball into the box and then there were other times where his first touch let him down. Just needs to be more consistent but he remains a threat on attack.

Alan Smith (7.5) - I thought Smithy was impressive in the middle of the park. He countered Wolves dirty tactics by putting in a few solid tackles himself, not that they were bad in comparison to Wolves. I wouldn't be prepared to drop him just yet.

Joey Barton (7) - He seemed to take a lot of hits and credit must go to him for not reacting to their tactics. It was clear they targeted him but he just carried on with his game and didn't have a bad game. Provided the assist to the goal and generally his free kicks into the box weren't half bad today.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Spiderman provided one or two delightful through balls that on another day would have led to goals. He also seemed to get a few decent balls into the box which was good to see.

Kevin Nolan (6) - It wasn't his best game but he did link up well with Carroll at times. Played a good ball that should have resulted in us taking the lead at the end of the first half.

Andy Carroll (7.5) - Another well taken goal by our number nine. I must admit I was surprised to see him go off but he worked hard, caused Wolves problems and at the rate his going an England call up can't be too far away.

Substitutes

Shola Ameobi (6) - Nearly set up a goal with his first touch but he failed to really make an impact after that.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Andy Carroll

View player ratings vs Aston Villa (h)

View player ratings vs Man Utd (a)

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (H)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (5.5) - Although he had very little to do in the match (Villa only had one shot on target), he did concede the penalty and miss kicked a clearance which could have been dangerous.

James Perch (7) - A much more solid display from the young right back. He was composed on defence and even got a decent cross or two into the box. This game was a big confidence booster for him.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Another outstanding display from Mike. He formed a good partnership with Colo at the back and what was good to see as well was their continuous communication when the ball was out of play. You'd never say it was only his second game at this level because apart from perhaps a shaky first few minutes he was outstanding thereafter.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - There were times he seemed to have Carew in his back pocket. He won quite a bit in the air and he made some easy looking tackles as well. Very promising display from the Argentine.

Jose Enrique (8) - After a shaky opening day display against Man Utd, the Enrique we know came back and proved why he was considered our best player last season. His link up play with Jonas was a joy to behold and poor Albrighton didn't get an inch out of him. Brilliant!

Wayne Routledge (7) - He was heavily involved in the first half and gave Villa all sorts of problems. There were times when he seemed unsure of what to do though when in the final third as he was in some good shooting positions only to continue dribbling before losing the ball. Apart from that it was a good display from the winger.

Alan Smith (7.5) - Many doubt his ability to perform well in this league, but after today's display I'd be sad if we chose to sell him now. Passion, commitment and dominance in midfield and a key factor in why we won today.


Joey Barton (8) - What a stunner it was. Gave us the start we needed and along with Smith dominated things in midfield. He showed glimpses of the player we know he can be which is very encouraging indeed.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - As mentioned above his link up play with Enrique was outstanding and he worked hard as always. He got some good balls into the box as well which is something his usually criticized for not doing.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - Two good goals taken and a performance that would have silenced many of his critics (I was one of them). He worked hard and led by example today.

Andy Carroll (9) - It's been a while since I've given a player a 9 rating but it's fully deserved this time. A fantastic hat-trick along with an assist and few could argue that he is starting to step up to the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous number nine shirt.

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (N/A)

Shola Ameobi (6) - Had some neat touches when coming on.

Xisco (7) - A fine assist and I'm starting to think he's a good option to bring on from the bench. Could still play a part for us this season.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Andy Carroll

View Player ratings vs Man Utd (A)

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man Utd (A)

Player Ratings

Steve Harper (6) - A busy day at the office for Steve. Made some good saves but worries me at times as well. Can't particularly blame him for any of the goals though.

James Perch (5.5) - At times in the first half he looked out of his depth. It must be remebered though that it was his first game at this level, so can't be too harsh on him. He did have a slightly better second half.

Mike Wiliiamson (6) - He did well but gave the ball away once or twice too many. Can't afford that in this league. Certainly gave a good account of himself otherwise.

Fabricio Coloccini (6.5) - He was our best defender on the night, in that he made some good challenges and won quite a bit in the air. He did make one or two mistakes though that he needs to learn from, one of which is to clear the ball when under pressure instead of trying to work the ball to other defenders who in turn give the ball away in dangerous areas.

Jose Enrique (5) - It was a really bad day at the office for Jose. Despite being one of our better players last season, you get the feeling he hasn't recovered 100% from the injury that forced him off against Rangers last week. Hopefully he'll find the form we know his capable of.

Wayne Routledge (6.5) - Outstanding in the first half with his direct approach, he showed he can be a dangerous player for us in this league. He needs to work on his final ball but it was clear that he had the beating of the Man Utd defence a few times. Faded in the second half though.

Joey Barton (5.5) - I can't say he impressed me tonight. He got into one or two good positions but wasted the ball when a good pass was needed. I also don't think Barton and Smith in the same side is a good idea, but I'm hearing Guthrie has a minor injury so perhaps it was enforced.

Alan Smith (6) - I was surprsied to see him start but he did quite a decent job tonight. He put in some strong challenges as expected but the centre of the park did lack creativity which remains a concern.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - He was forced to defend for much of the match but did show one or two glimpses of being dangerous on attack. Can't fault his work rate and he was one of only three players who looked as if they could create something.

Kevin Nolan (5.5) - I thought he didn't help Carroll enough playing as the man behind Carroll. His lack of pace is also not something you'd want when playing a striker like Carroll who flicks the ball on a lot and if we do get a pacey midfielder, I'd be interested in dropping Nolan.

Andy Carroll (7) - I thought he was outstanding tonight. He should have done better with that header but apart from that, he made the keeper work quite a bit and he also impressed me with his immense work rate. The amount of times he came back to challenge for the ball was good to see and after tonight I'm a little more optimistic about him being our number nine.

Substitutes

Shola Ameobi (5.5) - Didn't really have an impact although at this stage the game was already over.

Xisco (6) - Looked sharp in the few minutes that he was on for. I'd be keen to see a bit more of him in the next few games.

Newcastle United Man of the Match : Andy Carroll

Team of the 2010 Fifa world cup

So having got 13 out of my 23 predictions correct during the world cup I'll now look back and say who I feel were the team of the tournament. Playing a 4-5-1 formation here goes:

Goalkeeper - Iker Casillas
The Real Madrid goalkeeper and Spain captain showed in the final, when it mattered most, why he is the best goalkeeper on the planet. From his penalty save against Chile, his clean sheet against the dangerous Germany and to his string of match-winning saves in the final he is an easy choice for the goalkeeping position.

Right Back - Sergio Ramos
The Real Madrid defender had a great world cup and was a constant threat going forward while he also proved dangerous in the air. Spain only conceded two goals in the tournament and he certainly contributed to that.

Centre Backs - Carlos Puyol and Diego Lugano
These two stalwards helped their team to achieve great things in the world cup. Puyol scored a fine goal against Germany to put them through while Lugano's presence at the back was one of the reason's Uruguay made it to the semi finals.

Left Back - Phillip Lahm
Although Phillip Lahm didn't really play at left back, he gets the nod for some outstanding displays and for great leadership. Many questioned the decision to make him captain before the first game but few will be questioning it now.

Right Midfield - Thomas Mueller
What can you say about this 20 year old that's not been said already. He scored 5 goals and had 3 assists which helped him claim the golden boot and best young player award at the world cup. He also works very hard for the team and it was no coincidence that Germany looked a lot less potent on attack when he missed the semi final against Spain.

Centre Midfield - Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wesley Sneijder
Xavi always dictated the tempo for Spain, but I think the two players I picked had phenomenal tournaments and deserve credit for that. Schweini was always considered a wide man, but he ran things from the centre and totally dismantled Argentina's midfield. He was good on the ball, solid defensively and energetic as always and for that he had to be selected. Sneijder on the other hand scored crucial goals for Holland and one could not imagine the Dutch being in the final had it not been for him.

Left Midfield - Andres Iniesta
The man who scored the winning goal in the final deserves to be in the team simply because of that finish. But he did so much more than that and ultimately he enhanced his reputation even further with some fine displays.

Attacking Midfield - Mesut Ozil
The young German superstar announced himself to the world at this tournament with some outstanding displays. He was able to make great runs, pick a pass and score a winner in the crucial match against Ghana. Many have said what a joy he is to watch and I certainly can't disagree with that. A player with good technique who is sure to join a top club in the near future.

Striker - Diego Forlan
The worthy winner of the golden ball. Forlan scored 5 fantastic goals and showed why he is such a top marksmen. He proved to the world that there wasn't anything wrong with the Jabulani ball when he scored four of his five goals from outside the box.

Casillas
Ramos Lugano Puyol Lahm
Mueller Schweinsteiger Sneijder Iniesta
Ozil
Forlan

World Cup 2010 Review

So the world cup has come and gone and now its my time to look back on what was a spectacular world cup. From security, to atmosphere, to transport, to the vibe and football it was a very well organised event that as a South African one can only be proud of. Speaking from experience, having gone to four world cup games, it was an absolutely awesome experience. Yes the football itself could have been better but what we did see was that the smaller nations held their own against the so called bigger names. Apart from one or two results, few matches turned out the way many expected. Certain teams enhanced their reputation such as Germany, Ghana, Uruguay while other teams went from so called world cup contenders to being sent home early. Those sides included Italy, England and of course France. The vuvuzela's, the ball and the lack of full stadiums for certain matches were big talking points but ultimately when you see people like Alan Hansen say this world cup in terms of atmosphere was the best ever, and you see goals such as Giovanni Van Bronkhorst and Carlos Tevez from long range then surely those former mentioned things are not as big of a concern as made out to be. As for the ticketing, FIFA got it wrong. They deliberately kept tickets back in the hope of selling the more expensive tickets first and that ended seeing people who waited in queues not to get tickets even though they wanted to, so hence it was not empty due to lack of demand but rather because FIFA tried to sell tickets when they wanted to and eventually people either could not afford the tickets or they went to watch it at the fan parks. Trust me, I have never seen as many females and youngsters into the World Cup as I did this year. The whole country embraced the world cup and for that it will always be one of, if not the greatest FIFA world cups ever!

My World Cup quarter final predictions

With the World Cup reaching the quarter final stages today I thought I'd give my predictions for the four matches. Having got 11 of the 16 2nd round teams correct, lets hope I can keep up a good ratio.
Brazil - Netherlands. This has to go to Brazil. They have looked in good form throughout the tournament and seem to have the most complete team in the tournament. Holland are a good side, don't get me wrong, but I just cannot see them beating the mighty Brazil today. For Holland to win, they will need Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder to dictate things, but with the Brazilian defence having kept two clean sheets recently I think the guys dictating things are going to be Kaka, Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva.

Ghana - Uruguay. For me this may prove the tightest of matches and may even go to penalties, but I think the pressure will tell for Ghana and that Uruguay will go through from this match. They have defended well this tournament and Luis Suarez seems to be hitting form at the right time. I'd like to be proven wrong though, for I'll be supporting Ghana in this match.

Germany - Argentina. What a match in prospect. Ozil vs Messi. Klose vs Higuan. Khedira vs Mascherano. Mueller vs Tevez. Its going to be a fascinating match. Matches like this are usually defined but one moment and just like Diego Maradona in 1986, I think this will be the defining moment for Lionel Messi. He has yet to score in the tournament so I'm going for him to break his duck and for Argentina to go through.

Paraguay - Spain. This will prove to be straight forward for the silky Spanish. They'll have too much quality and ultimately a mouth watering match in the semi's with Argentina may await.