My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Sunderland (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (6.5) - Didn't really have much to do but did look assured when called upon. Credit must go to Darren Bent for their goal.

Danny Simpson (7.5) - I thought he had a much better game than he did last week. Made some good strong challenges and went forward as well. He needs to work on his crossing though but defensively he was fairly solid.

Mike Williamson (7) - Another assured performance at the back from the big centre back. He will come under a bit of pressure now that Steven Taylor is fit again, but he doesn't deserve to lose his place at the moment.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - An excellent game at the back and our best defender on the day. A calming influence in defence and dealt with Bent fairly well. Will be disappointed to see Bent get on the score sheet though and was lucky not to get a booking for his elbow early on.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Very good going forward, the Spaniard was rarely tested in defence. He was able to handle Al-Muhammadi before the Egyptian went off and had a comfortable second half thereafter.

Joey Barton (9) - Undoubtedly this was one of his best games in a Newcastle shirt. Although played out of position, he controlled things in midfield and put in a real good shift. Provided some excellent crosses as well.

Cheik Tiote (7.5) - He got me scared when he was booked inside the first ten minutes and gifted them possession early on but did well after that and helped us stay on the front foot. Does tend to take an extra touch when its not necessary but he'll learn and other than that one can't question his performances thus far.

Kevin Nolan (9.5) - What can I say? The captain led by example and took his hat trick superbly. The way he scored his first goal was excellent, while his second was coolly taken and his third was pure instinct. He is now equal top scorer in the League, from midfield and so much for people calling him "fat". The man is captain fantastic as far as I'm concerned.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - Earned the penalty and linked up very nicely with Enrique. He was heavily involved in our best moves and deserves a lot of credit for that.

Andy Carroll (8) - Unlucky not to get on the score sheet but he did his England chances no harm whatsoever. Sunderland couldn't handle him and it was no surprise to see both their centre backs get booked. He really has grown in stature since taking the number nine shirt.

Shola Ameobi (9) - Two superbly taken goals from our number 23. The first a wonderful penalty that few keepers would save and the second was a finish from the top drawer. Would have loved to see him get a hat trick as well but he fully deserved the standing ovation he got when taken off towards the end.

Substitutes
Nile Ranger (N/A) - Nice to see him get a taste of the derby in the last five minutes.

Man of the Match - Kevin Nolan

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs West Ham (A)

Player Ratings
Tim Krul (7.5) - I thought the young Dutch keeper had a good game between the posts. Dealt superbly with corners and crosses and looked assured in goal.

Danny Simpson (7) - He was seriously troubled by Obinna in the first half but he came back and had a good second half, with Obinna being kept quiet. Due to it being his first Premier League match for us and coming off a long injury lay off, he gets a 7 rating.

Mike Williamson (7) - Should not have allowed the cross to come in for their goal, but was a towering presence thereafter and kept the West Ham attackers quiet in the second half.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - The man who was at fault for their goal, playing the West Ham players on side, came back and like his fellow teammates had a much more solid game once we fell behind. He's calm influence seems to have rubbed off on the team.

Jose Enrique (8) - Another excellent display by Wor Jose. Heard the fans chanting his name a few times in this match and if I were there I'd be joining them.

Joey Barton (7) - I had my concerns about him playing on the right but after a poor first half he came into his own in the second half. He superbly set up the winning goal and helped us control things for the most part. Despite that poor first half, he still managed to put in the cross that led to Nolan's goal as well.

Cheik Tiote (8) - What a performance by the defensive midfielder. He won the central midfield battle and was simply like a rock. Excellent in possession, solid in the tackle and powerful as always he fully deserves the man of the match award for me.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - I will admit I was one of the first to question the manager's decision to play Nolan in central midfield but he somehow silenced me and many others by getting the equaliser and ultimately had a good game.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - With us playing only one natural winger, Jonas helped us go forward and was very direct. He put in another good shift.

Shola Ameobi (6) - Not his best game of the season but he did his job. He troubled West Ham at times and worked hard for the team.

Andy Carroll (7.5) - A much improved game by Carroll, who took a while to get into the match but when he did, he managed to get an assist as well as the winning goal. Made one or two great runs with the ball and looked like the Carroll at the beginning of the season again, with his confidence flowing.

Man of the Match - Cheik Tiote

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)

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