My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Chelsea (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - Had one or two anxious moments but overall I thought he dealt well with the crosses coming in.

Danny Simpson (7) - He kept Malouda quiet for much of the game and was unlucky to see their equaliser come as a result of his deflection. Pushed forward nicely as well.

Steven Taylor (7.5) - Considering it was his first official game since January, I thought he did really well. It will give him some confidence to build on for the next game.

Sol Campbell (7.5) - He made one superb block in the first half and showed a real calm head at the back.

Jose Enrique (8) - Again showed why he is such an important player for us. He did not allow anyone to pass him. Went forward when he could but more importantly his defending was excellent. Made one or two key challenges and cleared one off the line as well.

Wayne Routledge (8) - I thought Routledge was excellent today. He put a few good balls into the box and kept Ashley Cole honest. Made some good runs and was unlucky not to score with a goal bound volley. Would be unlucky if he does not start the next game.

Cheik Tiote (7) - It was good to have him back today. He really made some solid tackles and hardly lost the ball.

Danny Guthrie (6.5) - He had a decent game but failed to deliver enough quality from our set pieces. After a good first half he started to fade in the second half but a performance full of commitment none the less.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Guilty of giving the ball away which ultimately led to them scoring but he ran until the very end and if he had a little more support we could have done better on the counter attack.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Showed glimpses of the old Shola Ameobi where he was sloppy, miss controlling the ball and making one or two errors but overall he was good especially in the first half. I wish we played more balls into the box as he looked as though he had a goal in him if he was just given the correct service.

Andy Carroll (6.5) - Started the game well and managed to score through putting the Chelsea defenders under pressure but unfortunately for him today, he became more and more anonymous the longer the game went on. Became a frustrated figure but credit should go to him for still managing to get on the score sheet.

Substitutions
Nile Ranger (N/A) - A late substitute today.

Man of the Match - Wayne Routledge

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Bolton (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (6.5) - Did not deserve to concede five. He was better than the scoreline suggests as he made a few quality saves.

Danny Simpson (5) - Useful going forward but should have cleared the ball for their second goal which really ended our hopes of staying in the game.

Mike Williamson (4) - Could not handle Bolton's two strikers. Guilty of a horrific headbutt which should have seen him sent off.

Fabricio Coloccini (4) - The same applies to the usually calm defender. He allowed Davies to win virtually every header and was at fault for the second and fourth goals. Got himself sent off when the game was lost which was very disappointing to see.

Jose Enrique (5.5) - He was vey useful going forward and looked dangerous but he did not get in enough crosses and gave the ball away far too many times at this level. I counted at least six times while Lee seemed to have the better of him for periods of the game.

Danny Guthrie (6.5) - I thought he had a decent game. He was good on the ball but due to him being played out of position he hardly got a chance to show his creativity.

Alan Smith (5) - He failed to protect the defence and should really be sold in the transfer window. On far too high wages and doesn't do his defensive midfield duties, which made the defence look even worse today.

Kevin Nolan (5.5) - Gave away a needless penalty with his handball. Seemed to try too hard on his return to Bolton. Expected so much more from him.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - He did not have a bad game. Just couldn't get into the game enough at times but it was hard as he was forced to defend for large parts of the game.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Worked hard for the team and showed some neat footwork at times. If only he was given more service we could have stayed in the game for longer than we did.

Andy Carroll (7.5) - Took his goal really well and almost scored a second with a cracking shot which hit the woodwork. Worked hard and felt sorry for him towards the end.

Substitutes
Sol Campbell (6) - Did reasonably well when he came on. Will probably start against Chelsea.

Wayne Routledge (6.5) - Looked fairly bright when he came on. Played in some good balls to Carroll and I think he should get another chance especially while Barton is out.

Peter Lovenkrands (5.5) - Failed to make any impact but then again the game was long gone when he came on.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Andy Carroll

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Fulham (H)

Player Ratings
Tim Krul (7.5) - Made a string of good saves to deny Fulham and deserved a clean sheet. He seems to be growing in confidence, with every game he plays.

Danny Simpson (7) - Didn't get a chance to attack as much as Enrique but did manage to put in one or two fine crosses. Dealt well with his defensive duties when called upon.

Mike Williamson (7) - He recovered well after initially being caught out for pace at times in the first half. Hardly gave Johnson a chance in the second half.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - He defended really well and was our rock at the back. Did make one or two errors but overall had a really good game at the back.

Jose Enrique (8) - Our best player on the day. Strong in the challenge, good on the ball and linked up well with Gutierrez he takes the man of the match award for me from a Newcastle United point of view.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Was forced to cut in a few times but I thought he delivered some fine crosses into the box. He looked good on the ball and should play in the centre for him to have more of the ball in the next few games.

Cheik Tiote (7) - Gets a suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season. Went about his business nicely though and marshaled the defence well.

Kevin Nolan (6) - Not involved as much as he would have liked and was less effective. I thought his passing was good although he wasn't in the box getting on the end of things and that is really one of his biggest strengths which meant he was a bit quieter than usual.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - After a slow start, he got more and more into the game and made some excellent runs. Put in a few good crosses just like Guthrie on the other flank. Worked really hard and almost set Ranger up with a fine run into the box towards the end.

Andy Carroll (7) - I was disappointed to see him get a groin injury. Will have to wait and see what the extent of that injury is. As for his performance, he was denied by a great save from Schwarzer after a thumping volley was sent goal wards. Showed some good skills and also glimpses of promise in his partnership with Lovenkrands.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - Made some excellent runs but should have scored after having three really good chances. It was his first game back in the team so one cannot be too harsh on him. Good to see him get a chance though.

Substitutes
Nile Ranger (5.5) - Hardly got involved when coming on which was disappointing.

Wayne Routledge (6) - Put in one excellent cross when coming on but did nothing else.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Jose Enrique

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Arsenal (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - A really good performance from our young keeper. He did very well in handling the crosses which came into the box and made some really good saves. On a performance like this I wonder whether he should become our number one.

Danny Simpson (8) - I thought he too had a really good game. He defended well and offered a little going forward although he did not always get the chance. What I liked about his performance today was the fact that he got stuck in and put in some good tackles as well as a fine block in the second half.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Solid in the air, he gave Chamakh no room to be effective. Together with Coloccini he marshaled the back line superbly.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - A very calming influence at the back once more it must be said. He made numerous interceptions and read the game superbly, the hallmark of any top defender. His partnership with Williamson at centre back has been one of the highlights of our year and it was very evident in this game.

Jose Enrique (7.5) - Apart from seeing Walcott hit the post when coming in on his inside in the second half , Enrique dealt really well with the pacy winger and generally looked assured in defence.

Joey Barton (7.5) - He kept the ball really nicely for us and worked very hard. He's set pieces were not to his standards of the last few weeks but he did set up the goal so don't think I can be too harsh on him. Has continued his good form thus far.

Cheik Tiote (8) - Overall he was outstanding in his defensive midfield role. He kept the ball superbly at times, while other times he lost the ball, but he did his job and very well at that.

Kevin Nolan (7) - He wasn't in the game as much but he went about his business quietly and played some neat balls for us to counter attack from.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - This wasn't one of his better games but what he did do, was work really hard for the team. He was guilty of giving the ball away too often in this match but it was his run that earned us the free kick which led to the goal so his contribution should not go unnoticed.

Shola Ameobi (6.5) - I remember him making a block in the first half, from an Arsenal set piece and that is a sign of the improvement in his work rate in the last few weeks. He worked hard for the team and it's a side of his game which was questioned in previous seasons but shouldn't be judging by his recent performances.

Andy Carroll (8) - He earns the Man of the Match for three reasons. Firstly, he scored the only goal of the match and took it really nicely even though some may blame the goalkeeper. As far as I'm concerned he still had a bit to do and he should take credit for that. Secondly his work rate was exceptional and lastly I lost count of the number of defensive headers he won so he deserves it for me. Barring injury, I can't not see him in the next England squad.

Substitute
Nile Ranger (7) - Came on and did well to help us secure the win.

Man of the Match - Andy Carroll

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