My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs West Brom (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - Had a fairly comfortable day in goal. Was not to blame for their goal for it was clear that Williamson wanted him to come out and then for some reason headed the ball away from the oncoming keeper.

Danny Simpson (7) - Got on with his job at right back without really being tested. Handled what came his way though.

Mike Williamson (6.5) - At fault for their goal, as he had the chance to head it back to Krul but then panicked as the striker closed in on him. Other than that he actually had a decent game.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - Was forced off with an injury at half time but before that he was his usual composed self at the back dealt with everything which came his way.

James Perch (8) - Thought he was outstanding. Started the game at left back and did his job but he was better in the second half when moved to centre back. Seems to be high on confidence and it is showing in his recent performances.

Danny Guthrie (6.5) - Was decent without really being at his best. Put in a shift and did what was required of him. Went off with a slight knock and may not start the next game with Tiote expected to be fit.

Yohan Cabaye (7) - Involved nicely in the build up to our second goal and it was some of his runs which allowed others space on the counter attack. Has not been on top form recently but seems to be getting there again.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - I thought he did an excellent job for us yesterday. Firstly it was his superb through ball which led to us opening the scoring and then the way he shifted to a defensive midfield role and did that job well. A non stop worker who is so important to the team right now.

Hatem Ben Arfa (9) - The Frenchman was simply outstanding. Scored a beautiful goal on the counter attack which saw him go from box to box and finish a neat move and then he set up our two other goals as well. Went on some amazing runs and is almost at the peak of his powers. Did lose the ball occasionally but was always dangerous on the counter attack.

Demba Ba (8) - Will be disappointed that he has not scored in a few games but played his part in a dangerous front three who really seem to have the potential to be one of the feared attacks in the league. Certainly pivotal in a number of our chances.

Papiss Cisse (8.5) - Took his two goals well but then again he could have had a hat trick especially as one of the chances was a one on one. Formed a good partnership with Ba and Ben Arfa and his good work rate was also worth noting.

Substitutes
Davide Santon (7) - Came on and did his job, without really going forward much, so showed good discipline.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Came on and helped us kill the game off.

Shane Ferguson (6.5) - Enjoyed a brief run out.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Sunderland (H)

Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have that much to do but handled the crosses well and guessed right for the penalty. Can't ask for more.

Danny Simpson (7) - Won a few good challenges and seemed up for it. Cannot really fault his defending although he did not do much in an attacking sense.

Mike Williamson (6) - Had a decent match but it was his one moment of stupidity that cost us getting all the points. Why tug his shirt? Only he'll know but otherwise he defended quite well actually.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - Also won some challenges and intercepted a few important passes. Our best defender on the day.

Davide Santon (7) - I thought he had a good first half so it came as a surprise to see him taken off at half time. I suppose Pardew wanted Ryan Taylor on the field for his set pieces so Santon had to be sacrificed. Santon took on players and was always willing to go forward and hardly did anything wrong from a defensive point of view.

Ryan Taylor (6) - Thought he did very little in an attacking sense and should have been the one whom Ben Arfa replaced. With Cabaye in the team, we had an able replacement for the set pieces. Overall his set pieces were not bad, in fact he put in a terrific corner from which Ba hit the crossbar.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Was not on the ball as much as I hoped, which resulted in us being poor in the first half but he had a better second half. Provided the cross for our goal and put in a few other notable crosses as well.

Cheik Tiote (6) - Do not think he controlled the middle of the park and that cost us a bit. He put himself about but seemed to get involved with too many off the ball incidents instead of doing what he does best.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - One of our few bright sparks in the first half and he had a good second half as well. Always linked up well with the left back, whether it was Santon or Taylor.

Papiss Cisse (5) - I thought he was fairly anonymous for much of his time on the field. That may not be his fault for we weren't creating that many chances at that stage. He'll have better days I'm sure.

Demba Ba (7) - Missed the penalty, which happens to the best sometimes, so we cannot blame him for that. It was just not his day in the end as he hit the crossbar with a superb header as well. He looked dangerous in the second half which was good to see for his first half was slightly below par.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (8.5) - Really changed the game when he came on. We looked more dangerous, he was beating men with ease and he looked a real threat. Yes he lost the ball a few times as well but he lifted the crowd, caused Sunderland problems and that's what we needed.

Shola Ameobi (9) - Won us the penalty and scored the crucial goal. Can't ask more from a substitute in a derby match.

Peter Lovenkrands (N/A) - Was not on long enough to do anything note worthy.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Shola Ameobi

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Wolves (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - Saved well from Doyle early on and rushed out to stop Jarvis late in the first half. Could do nothing to prevent either goal in the second half.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - Almost scored with a fine shot in the first half but it was his defending that allowed Jarvis time to get his shot away which gave Wolves a lifeline.

Fabricio Coloccini (6.5) - Had a fairly comfortable first half and even went forward well but was left to do a lot of work in the second half once Wolves started controlling the game.

Mike Williamson (5) - I thought Williamson was poor in this game. Gave the ball away several times in the first half and was lucky to go unpunished. However we struggled in the second half and he could take some blame for the way we conceded the second goal.

Davide Santon (7.5) -Our best player on the day in my opinion. I thought he hardly put a foot wrong and went forward with real purpose. Lacks a good cross but his work rate was good. No surprises that Wolves threat was down the other flank and not his.

Ryan Taylor (6) - Had a decent game without hitting any serious heights either. Perhaps should have offered Simpson more support in blocking the effort from Jarvis which got Wolves back into the game.

Yohan Cabaye (6) - Won the ball and crossed superbly which led to our opener but did not control the game the way we know he can. Having said that he did miss the last 3 games and should be sharper next week hopefully.

Cheick Tiote (6.5) - Showed why he was missed as he put himself about but seemed to get tired and that allowed Wolves to get more and more into the game. Was taken off in the last quarter.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Scored with a stunning strike and linked up well with Santon. They seem to be blossoming as a combination.

Demba Ba (6) - Not his best game but then again he may have asked for more service, especially the way he flicked the ball goal wards in the build up to our opener. Did combine well with Cisse particularly in the first half.

Papiss Cisse (7) - Had an outstanding first half and scored the opener but seemed to become less of a factor in the second half and was taken off halfway through that half.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (6.5) - Did have an impact although despite having two good shots at goal, he also did one or two poor things such as over run the ball or give it away.

Danny Guthrie (6) - Had very little impact and seemed to take some time to get into the game.

Shola Ameobi (5) - Don't recall him doing much after coming on.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Davide Santon

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - Composed in goal and made some good saves when needed.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - Don't think he was too comfortable dealing with N'Zogbia but worked hard and did some good things defensively as well.

Mike Williamson (7) - Was guilty of playing some Villa attackers on side when getting the off side trap wrong but defended well overall. Gave Bent very little chance of winning anything in the air.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Yet again superb at the back. May have been guilty of following the ball in the build up to their goal but I thought he was quality for the most part.

Davide Santon (7.5) - Never afraid to bomb forward and linked up nicely with Jonas. Did what was required of him defensively. A small fault in his game at the moment is his final ball but as a left back that is not is primary role.

Ryan Taylor (7) - Did particularly well in the build up to our opener, albeit he had to then go off injured with what looked like a nasty injury.

James Perch (8)- Making his first real start in this position, I thought he excelled. Made one or two crunching tackles and went about his work quietly otherwise. Deserves credit for his role in today's win.

Danny Guthrie (8.5) - Another splendid performance from our central midfielder. Was an integral part in our game, going forward and looks to be at the top of his game at the moment. Played a lovely cross into the box which led to our goal in the first half and deserved the same when he put in another superb cross in the second half.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Worked really hard and did many good things in today's game. Firstly it was his early cross which resulted in our winner, secondly he linked up well with Santon and lastly he kept hold of the ball really well particularly in the second half. Also heard he has ran the most out of all the players in the league so far this season which emphasizes his great work rate.

Leon Best (6) - Went off injured early on.

Demba Ba (8) - Took his goal really well and formed a good partnership with Cisse. Just glad to have him back for the team seems to be better going forward when he is there.

Substitutes
Papiss Demba Cisse (9) - An impressive debut and probably allows him to edge the man of the match award from our two central midfielders. Scored a wonderful goal but it was his work rate and all round game which also caught the eye, especially as it was his first game in this league. Long may it continue.

Gabriel Obertan (7.5) - Caused Villa some problems once he was introduced and seems to have benefited from the time out of the team as well as from scoring in midweek. Deserves a start next week.

Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Kept the ball in the corner towards the end which helped a bit to see us home.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Demba Cisse

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Blackburn (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (9) - Did everything asked of him and saved the penalty, which probably won us the game.

Danny Simpson (8) - Made a great goal line clearance and defended well for the most part. I thought the penalty was harsh but justice prevailed when Krul saved it.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Won quite a bit in the air and did his job well. Four clean sheets in our last six says something about his partnership with Coloccini.

Fabricio Coloccini (8.5) - Cool and calm at the back, organised the defence and apart from a slip and one or two errors which he soon rectified, he continued his good form for this season.

Davide Santon (8) - A solid performance, winning a few headers, bursting forward and winning some challenges, he too can be pleased with his performance.

Hatem Ben Arfa (5) - Disappointing half from the Frenchman. Did one or two good things but then followed it up by giving it away or over running the ball. He may lose his place in the team for the next match, especially as he was taken off at half time despite us being in the lead.

Danny Guthrie (7) - Did fairly well overall but there were moments in the match where our central midfield seemed to be over run. We survived it and with his ball skills he won us a few free kicks towards the end which helped keep us on top.

Ryan Taylor (6.5) - Took the shot which helped us get the opening goal but apart from that, he struggled in the first half. It was no surprise to see him perform better in the second half, after he was shifted to the right.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Was not that influential in the game but still did a job for us, both defensively and attacking wise, albeit not that much for the latter.

Shola Ameobi (6) - Worked hard but gave several free kicks away and should really be replaced in the next game.

Leon Best (6) - Helped out defensively, despite almost scoring an own goal but it is in the final third where he will feel he did not do enough.

Substitutes
James Perch (8) - I thought he did very well coming on at half time and playing as a defensive midfielder. Won tackles, put his body on the line towards the end and hardly gave the ball away.

Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Played a lovely through ball for our second goal minutes after coming on.

Gabriel Obertan (8) - The open game suited him and when clean through he finished calmly. Should be used more even if not from the start.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Tim Krul

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs QPR (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Made a couple of decent saves but did not have that much work to do overall.

Dnny Simpson (7.5) - Had another good game at right back. Went forward nicely a few times and did his job at the back.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Won several headers and did everything that was required of him. Really has done well since he returned to the team.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - A few years ago, I said Jonathan Woodgate was the best centre back at Newcastle for quite a few seasons but Coloccini has surpassed him. Hardly gets beaten, deals with situations calmly and has bags of skill.

Davide Santon (7.5) - Made a couple of defensive mistakes in the first half but apart from that gave another encouraging performance.

Ryan Taylor (7) - Started the game on the right and then moved into the centre when Cabaye went off but was efficient in both positions. Did a job for the team.

Danny Guthrie (8.5) - Really stepped up to the plate in Tiote's absence. We started slowly but once we gained control Guthrie started showing his quality. Never afraid to go into the tackle, intercepted a few balls and was good on the ball. Solid all round display from a man who really should get a new contract soon.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5) - Went off injured just after the half way point in the first half.

Jonas Gutierrez (8) - Was forced to play in a drifting role when Ben Arfa came on and did that with great effect. I thought he was dangerous as he seemed willing to take on players. I'd like to see more of him in such a role.

Leon Best (8) - Worked hard and took his goal brilliantly. I must admit I was questioning his inclusion as I thought Ben Arfa did more to warrant a start. I was happy to eat my words.

Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Did a good job of holding up play but I don't think he had a shot at goal all game if I'm not mistaken which is disappointing for a striker.

Substitutes
Hatem Ben Arfa (8) - Another very encouraging display from the French Magician. Changed the game for us when he came on, as he injected some pace and flair which was lacking in our game at that point. Did a good job of tracking back which was good to see. Hope he gets to start the next game.

James Perch (7.5) - Did a good job as a defensive midfielder when he came on.

Dan Gosling (N/A) - Don't think he had too many touches in the brief period he was on.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Danny Guthrie

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Man Utd (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have that much to do but handled whatever came his way.

Danny Simpson (8) - Defended really well for the most part. Made one goal line clearance and made one or two other notable clearances and tackles as well.

Mike Williamson (8.5) - Was really solid at the back, winning several headers and putting in some fine tackles when needed.

Fabricio Coloccini (9) - Read the game superbly and was just as solid in defence. Hardly put a foot wrong and the clean sheet against the champions was fully deserved.

Davide Santon (8.5) - His best performance in a toon shirt thus far. Made some important challenges and kept going until the end, proof of which was a great run towards the Man Utd box in the final minutes, after winning the ball close to the half way line.

Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Switched to right midfield for this match and the versatile player showed his worth to the team with a decent outing in that position.

Cheik Tiote (8.5) - Really seemed up for this. Won several tackles, ventured forward a bit when he could but really protected the defence well which of course is his primary role in the team.

Yohan Cabaye (9) - Scored a sublime free kick which will be played over and over again I'm sure. Apart from that, he played some lovely balls for the attackers to run onto and also put in a few good tackles. Also one of his better games for Newcastle.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Another who worked hard and played his part in us scoring three and keeping the clean sheet.

Shola Ameobi (7.5) - Was slightly off the pace at times but certainly contributed to us winning the game. It was his flick on which allowed Ba to open the scoring and it was also his physical presence at the top which caused Man Utd endless problems. May not have scored, or had a shot on target but he did a job for us none the less.

Demba Ba (9.5) - For those who watched the game, the applause he received when taken off towards the end was enough evidence to show what a great game and season his had thus far. Scored the opening goal with a well taken half volley but also looked dangerous throughout. Will be a huge miss but I'm so glad he got the premier league player of the month for December for he has been immense for us this season.

Substitutes
James Perch (7) - Came on during the latter stages as we tried to keep the clean sheet. Did make one or two clearances.

Leon Best (6) - Did not really do much in the 15 minutes he was on for.

Gabriel Obertan (N/A) - Do not recall him touching the ball when he came on in stoppage time.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Demba Ba