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

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Liverpool (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (6.5) - Did not have a lot to do but was still beaten thrice so he won't be too happy.

Danny Simpson (5) - Had a poor game at right back. Clearly at fault for their second goal, whilst he allowed too many crosses to come into the box.

Mike Williamson (7) - Had a fairly good game marking Carroll and seems to have settled into the team very quickly after being out for four months.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - Won several tackles, read the game well and us conceding three was an injustice to him for he was quite good.

Ryan Taylor (5) - Had a poor game and was taken off at half time. By that stage he was already booked and looked vulnerable.

Gabriel Obertan (6.5) -A fairly quiet game from him but showed some neat touches and was involved in some of our best moves in the match. Did not have that much space to work with unfortunately.

Cheik Tiote (7) -I thought he was good overall despite giving away some silly fouls, one which led to their second goal. Mind you he won the ball in that challenge but he should perhaps have not been that forceful in the challange.

Yohan Cabaye (5.5) - I thought apart from two moments in the match, where he was involved in our goal and where he set up Ba with a superb pass, he was quite poor. Could have been sent off for a stupid tackle on Spearing, whilst he gave the ball away quite a lot which is unlike his usual self. Mind you after playing 53 matches in a year, you are expected to have an off day thrown in there.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - Made to defend quite a bit and unfortunately didn't have many chances to go forward.

Haris Vuckic (6) - The gamble to start with him kind of worked as he went off with the score at 1 all, but he wasn't involved in the game as much as we'd hope for. Did show some nice touches but needs more game time before we see his true potential start coming through.

Demba Ba (7) -Had one chance in the entire game and still found the target. Unfortuantely it was cleared off the line but he kept going right until the end.

Substitutes
Davide Santon (6)- Did slightly better than Taylor but still had a hard time dealing with the attackers downhis flank.

Hatem Ben Arfa (5) - Disappointing since coming on but he needs more game time. Wasted on the bench at the moment.

Sammy Ameobi (5) - Did nothing when coming on. Was dumb struck when he tweeted "5minutes here 5 minutes there". For someone so young he should be happy to be apart of the squad and shouldn't even think of complaining.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Fabricio Coloccini

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Swansea (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - Statistics show he did not have a save to make all game.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - Did okay without really impressing. Defended well for the most part and put a few balls into the box. Did not go forward as much as Santon though.

James Perch (7.5) - I thought he did well alongside Coloccini. Hardly put a foot wrong and deserves some credit.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Came back into the team and it showed. He was his brilliant usual self, defended well and was unlucky not to score with a header which hit the post in the first half.


Davide Santon (8) - A fantastic performance from the young Italian. Kept bombing forward and still did his defensive duties as well. Looks a quality player and this after only his 2nd start in the league.

Gabriel Obertan (6) - I thought he did well to be involved as much as he was in the first half. However his delivery was poor. He gets into good positions without really taking the right options after that.

Cheik Tiote (6.5) - Good to see him back although there was a few occasions where he lost the ball and looked rusty. That was expected although he did have some good moments as well.

Yohan Cabaye (7) - Played some lovely cross field balls and was impressive although his corners could have been better. Got his fifth booking of the season which means he misses the next game.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) Was slightly better than Obertan without really getting enough quality crosses into the box. Linked up well with Santon in an attacking sense which bodes well for the future.

Leon Best (6) - Looked a bit rusty and off the pace a little which again was expected. Did win a few flick ons but was rightfully taken off in the second half.

Demba Ba (7.5) - Impressed yet again. Looks very lively and perhaps should have scored at least one goal. The shot he took towards the end of the first half was just awesome.

Substitutes
Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Did not have the impact one would have hoped for but did put himself about.

Haris Vuckic (6.5) - Came on towards the end and showed some neat touches.

Sammy Ameobi (6) - Did very little in the few minutes he was on for.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Davide Santon