My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Wigan (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (6) - Partially to blame for their goals if one wants to be harsh but otherwise had a decent game.

James Perch (4) - At fault for their goals and allowed N'Zogbia far too much freedom during the game. I think Danny Simpson's return may prove to be a timely one.

Mike Williamson (6) - Should not have allowed N'Zogbia to score the first goal but came close with scoring one of his own.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - Popped up with the crucial equaliser. Did not allow Di Santo too much room to work in and it was good to see him handed the captain's armband.

Jose Enrique (7) - He worked well down the left, always looking to get forward and put in some good crosses. Yet again his link up play with Jonas was one of the highlights of our game.

Danny Guthrie (5.5) - Failed to stamp his authority on the game. Was played out of position and it was his first game back after a long period on the sidelines so hopefully getting 66 minutes under his belt would have done him the world of good. He's not a right winger though and Chris Houghton needs to realise this as it was predictable that he would cut inside almost everytime.

Joey Barton (5.5) - Played one or two superb passes but other than that he had one of his worse games this season. He gave away the ball far too much and seemed to not be able to control things the way we know he can.

Cheick Tiote (6) - Not as outstanding as he has been so far but a decent enough performance from him.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - Looked sharp and helped set up our fight back with a superb cross for our first goal. Also took the corner from which we scored the equaliser from and he linked up nicely with Enrique.

Andy Carroll (6) - He seems to be lacking that clinical instinct at the moment but he did manage to assist the second goal with a well won header. You get the feeling he just needs a goal to spark him again.

Peter Lovenkrands (6) - He may not have had a good game in terms of his impact on the game and was taken off after 60 minutes but he did make some good runs and on another day those runs may have resulted in goals.

Substitutes
Shola Ameobi (7) - Made an impact when coming on and he scored the vital first goal which got us back in the game.

Wayne Routledge (5.5) - Failed to really make an impact when he came on.

Nile Ranger (N/A) - Came on after 89 minutes.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Fabricio Coloccini

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Stoke City (H)

Tim Krul (6.5) - After a slightly shaky start he looked comfortable and dealt well with one or two crosses and corners.

James Perch (6) - Unfortunately he conceded the goal that cost us the game but apart from that he actually had a good game.

Fabricio Coloccini (6) - He certainly looked good in possession as always but had one or two moments where Kenwyne Jones had the better of him.

Mike Williamson (6) - Another good display although it was difficult coping with Stoke's aerial assualt in the second half.

Jose Enrique (7) - One of our better players on the day. Always looking to get forward and almost set up a goal with a great run in the first half.

Wayne Routledge (6.5) - He struggled to get a hold of the game, although he did have a few good moments too, where his pace caused Stoke a few problems.

Cheick Tiote (7.5) - A thoroughly impressive display from the defensive midfielder. He showed he had the pace, skill and strength to be a quality player in this league and it was a surprise to see him substituted in the second half.

Joey Barton (7) - After a very good first half, he dropped a lot deeper in the second half as we struggled to maintain our first half dominance. Wasn't as effective then but still his form is looking very good thus far.

Hatem Ben Arfa (6.5) - He showed glimpses of his talent but was not in the game enough for my liking. He was substituted after the hour mark which to me was one of the mistakes Chris Houghton made today.

Kevin Nolan (6.5) - Took his penalty very well and he had a good game overall. He worked very hard and nearly scored an equaliser towards the end as well.

Andy Carroll (5.5) - It wasn't his best day at the office. He did manage to win the penalty and almost scored with a well struck half volley but other than that he struggled to dominate in the air and was well below par today. He'll learn from the game though but what it did prove is that his not ready for an England call up at the moment.

Substitutes
Jonas Gutierrez (7) - Looked lively when coming on and even got one or two decent crosses into the box as well.

Shola Ameobi (6) - Failed to make an impact today.

Newcastle United Man of the Match: Cheick Tiote

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Chelsea (A) League Cup

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (6.5) - A mixed night for Tim. He made one or two good saves but could perhaps have done better for their first goal, in terms of communicating with his defence and with the shot that led to the goal.

Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Scored an amazing free kick and seemed to have been missed when he went off the field. Chelsea were a lot stronger down the left after he went off and it was surprising to see him taken off in the first place.

Sol Campbell (6) - He wasn't particularly sharp as he normally is although that of course was expected. Started shakily but got better as the game went on and his experience counted towards the end.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - He looked good again. A calming influence throughout when on the field. Was happy to see him taken off after a good shift with us leading by two goals as there are big league games ahead for our number one centre back.

Shane Ferguson (7.5) - An impressive outing by the young left back. I now feel a lot better knowing he is the back up to Enrique as he looks to be quite a good prospect. Provided the crucial assist for the first goal with a great cross.

Nile Ranger (7.5) - Also a mixed night for him, as he scored the equaliser that got us going but he also missed a real sitter and was guilty of giving the ball away for their first goal. Overall though he was good and he did cause Chelsea problems.

Alan Smith (7) - Despite giving the ball away on a few occasions he did well, particularly in the first half.

Haris Vuckic (7) - Despite being guilty of giving the ball away a few times as well, it was a better performance from the young Slovenian starlet in comparison to his last outing for us. Assured when on the ball, he showed glimpses of some the talent that has made him one of our best prospects for the future.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - He took a while to get into the game but he was one of our better players today. His direct approach caused Chelsea some problems and I think he may have forced his way into our starting eleven for Sunday's match against Stoke. Provided the superb corner kick which led to the winner.

Peter Lovenkrands (6) - He missed a great chance to put us 4-1 up, but although he was quiet for most parts of the game, he did still manage to play his part in the win by working hard for the team. Winning the corner which led to the winning goal was evidence of that.

Shola Ameobi (8) - I may not be his biggest fan but he took his goals rather brilliantly tonight. He held the ball up well on occasions and he showed that he still has a lot to offer the team.

Substitutes
Mike Williamson (6.5) - Came on and won some key headers for us.

Cheick Tiote (6) - Played out of position, one can't fault him much for struggling to cope with Van Aanholt and Anelka at times. Thought he didn't do much wrong for their penalty but hopefully he'll learn from tonight.

Joey Barton (N/A) - Was only on for about 30 seconds.

Man of the Match: Shola Ameobi

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