My Newcasle United Player Ratings vs Chelsea (Away)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - Did very little wrong and unfortunately could do nothing about both their goals. Dived the right way for the penalty though.

Danny Simpson (6) - Defended reasonably well but was poor going forward. So far he has attempted 8 crosses and only 1 of them have found a teammate. Was therefore substituted in the second half.

Steven Taylor (7) - Looked fairly solid at the back although Chelsea seemed to drop down a few gears in the second half.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - Had a busy first half, marking Torres but considering this was his first start of the season he did fairly well.

Davide Santon (6.5) - Decent enough game from him although he hardly had the chance to go forward in the first half. Did better in the second half.

Vurnon Anita (6) - Struggled at times in the game and gave away the penalty at a point where we were doing fairly well. Will learn from it I'm sure and he did do some good things as well. I remember him winning a few tackles.

Yohann Cabaye (6.5) - Had a better game than he did last week, however his set pieces were poor. It was the one area we could have had an advantage over Chelsea but that unfortunately did not happen.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Worked hard but did not influence the game as much as we know he could.

Hatem Ben Arfa (7.5) - Was our most dangerous player and showed many glimpses of his class. We needed him to see more of the ball in the final third if we wanted to get something out of the game which hardly happened.


Demba Ba (6.5) - Was more involved than Papiss Cisse but only really had two chances in the whole match. He should have scored with the chance towards the end but Cech seemed to guess right when a goal looked certain.

Papiss Cisse (6) - Has had a poor start to the season but then again he has hardly had chances in front of goal. He generally is not involved in build up play that much so if he is not given chances he is very ineffective on the field. Should probably have been substituted but we did not have a striker on the bench!

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (7) - Did not do too badly when he came on. Set up Ba with a nice header at the back post and also made one notable clearance in the box.

Sylvain Marveaux (6) -  Had one or two nice touches but did not see much of the ball in the 15 minutes he was on for.

James Perch (7) - Did well when he came on.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Tottenham (Home)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - A solid performance from Krul in goal, apart from may be one bad touch which almost allowed Defoe to win the ball. Punched some crosses nicely and came out to collect the ball too on a few occasions.

Danny Simpson (6.5) - A mixed game for Simpson today. Did some good things, such as provide the cross which led to Ba's opener and made a superb last ditch tackle when Lennon was on the brink of shooting when in some space. Also mixed that good with some not so good moments, like when he fouled Bale a few times and looked in danger of potentially being sent off.

Steven Taylor (8) - For someone in his first competitive game back after a long lay off I thought he was excellent. Won numerous headers, was calm in possession, and showed why he was missed when injured.

James Perch (8) - Just like his central partner, he was excellent. Strong in the tackle and looked very assured at the back.

Davide Santon (8) - Always willing to bomb forward, he seemed to lift the crowd, during some of his bursts forward. Also did his defensive duties and was only once beaten by Lennon if my memory serves me correct.

Cheick Tiote (7.5) - A typical Tiote performance today. Always in the thick of things and won several challengers. Was so glad he never went off injured after the initial scare early on.

Yohan Cabaye (6) - Below par performance from Yohan. Worked hard though but gave the ball away several times and just looked off his best today.

Jonas Gutierrez (7) - A solid captains performance from him. Worked exceptionally hard, played in a different position each half but won his fair share of freekicks and fought for the cause superbly.

Hatem Ben Arfa (8.5) - Showedmany glimpses of his best today. Looked up for it and although he wasn't heavily invlved in the first half, when he was he looked our most dangerous player. That theme continued for the rest of the game and it was evident when he won us the penalty and then insisted on taking it, to give us the vital three points.

Demba Ba (7.5) - Another who was perhaps not heavily involved but worked really hard and got his reward with an expertly taken goal just when we needed some inspiration. Was better than his strike partner today.

Papiss Cisse (6) - Was involved far too little and never really got a chance in the game which will be something to work on in the next game.

Substitutes
Vurnon Anita (6.5) - Had a nervous start, giving the ball away close to his own penalty area but his passing was good and he ventured forward nicely towards the end, as we looked to counter attack.

Gabriel Obertan (6) - A mixed few minutes for him as he helped the team see out the game.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Chelsea (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7) - In truth never really had a lot to do.

James Perch (8) - Came in for Danny Simpson and did an outstanding job. Won some important headers and made some wonderful tackles too. Most notably the one challenge when Chelsea tried to break and he came across and won man and ball at the same time to end that potential counter attack.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Started off looking poor and I remember thinking to myself, he might get exposed against a confident Chelsea but after about 15 minutes he settled and did very well.

Fabricio Coloccini (9) - Our best defender on the day but also lead the team well and his confidence seemed to rub off on his teammates. In this performance he showed why he was selected in the PFA team of the year. Such an elegant player who makes everything look easy.




Davide Santon (8.5) - Bar one mistake, where he gave the ball away in a dangerous area, it was another impressive display by the Italian left back who is fast becoming an important member of the team. Caused problems when he went forward but did his defensive duties as well.

Yohan Cabaye (7.5) - Worked hard without really being on the ball a lot. Formed a great partnership with Tiote and they should take a lot of credit for they did the "dirty work" so to speak.

Cheick Tiote (8.5) - Was outstanding in midfield particularly in the first half. Was the enforcer but also passed the ball well and allowed us to dictate things.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Another who did a lot for the team without really being directly involved in our attacks.

Hatem Ben Arfa (7) - Not one of his better games but he ran his socks off for the team and that allowed the likes of Ba and Cisse to find space.

Papiss Cisse (9.5) - Scored two outrageous goals that will be played over and over again for years to come. Also worked hard for the team and formed a good partnership with Ba. Did not have many chances which makes his goals all the more special.

Demba Ba (8) - May not have scored but he troubled Chelsea and they could handle him for much of the time he was on the field. Have to admire the way he plays for the team i\even when in a goal drought.

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (7) - Did not do too much when he came on but it was his long throw in which led to the amazing second goal. Helped us see out the game.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Another who did not do too much but yet he contributed to the win by chesting the ball to Cisse for him to have a go at getting us the killer second goal.

Gabriel Obertan (6) - Gave the ball a few times in the minutes he was on for.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Cisse

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Bolton (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Did not have many saves to make but did well when called upon especially the save from Eagles shot.

Danny Simpson (7) - Another good defensive display from Simmo. Went forward more in the second half but kept Petrov quiet for much of the game.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - It is never easy marking Kevin Davies but Willo did great. Intercepted and put in some important challenges and has really played his role in us keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

Fabricio Coloccini (8) - Came back into the team after his injury but it looked like he never missed a game. Was sharp and very good defensively. Took the ball up field nicely a few times as well and also had a decent shot from outside the box which was well saved.

Davide Santon (8) - Another very good game from our young Italian. Kept bombing forward but also seemed to win his battle with Eagles. Seems to have lifted his game since he got recalled and has defended much better.

James Perch (6.5) - Had a relatively quiet game but did his job although we needed more penetration in the middle of the park and that is why he was substituted at half time.

Yohan Cabaye (7) - Was not on the ball enough in the first half and seemed to miss the presence of Guthrie and Tiote alongside him. Kept working hard for the team though and he can claim that it was his pass which led to one of the goals of the season.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Another who had a quiet game but still worked hard as he always does, even more so as he was played out of position again.

Hatem Ben Arfa (9) - Had a relatively quiet game but has earned this high rating simply for scoring a goal of pure class. He took the ball from inside his own half and ended up with it being in the back of the net through skill, pace, balance and composure. Was not on the ball a lot today but produced something special when it was most definitely needed.

Papiss Cisse (7.5) - Did not get much service but still found himself on the score sheet with the one chance he really had in the game. It may have been an easy goal but it still takes that at the right place at the right time instinct which he seems to have, to convert it.

Demba Ba (6) - A very disappointing performance from Ba. His touch was just not there today as he had a few chances but it got taken away from him after a poor touch. He seems to have lost some of his confidence and had to be substituted.

Substitutes
Shane Ferguson (7.5) - Changed the game with his energy and hard work in the second half. Came on to give us some spark and he did that. May not have created or scored a goal but still seemed to lift the crowd.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Set up the second goal with firstly some good strength and then secondly with a lovely cross which had goal written all over it. Really has done well coming on as a substitute in recent games.

Ryan Taylor (6.5) - Came on when the game was won but enjoyed some good moments in possession.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Hatem Ben Arfa

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Swansea (A)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (7.5) - Solid in goal and always did what was required of him.

Danny Simpson (8) - Defended really well and I remember thinking during the game, we really need to get this guy signed up. He may not be the best right back in the league (although statistics say he is) but he is consistent and always does his job.

Mike Williamson (7.5) - Had a good game, gave the Swansea attackers very little space and cleared well when required.

James Perch (8) - Another steady performance from him. We certainly did not miss Coloccini in the two matches he has missed and that's a credit to Perchino.

Davide Santon (8) - I thought he was excellent. Blocked and intercepted so many balls, it was very impressive. Needs to be more consistent now but he came into the team and performed so that should please Pardew.

Cheick Tiote (7) - Was playing fairly well before he was taken off, with a hamstring tweak.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Played more centrally and combined well with his fellow central midfielders. Lead by example on the pitch and fully deserves the captains armband with his performances.

Yohan Cabaye (8) - Worked very hard and it was his two sublime passes which led to our goals. When a striker is in form he just needs service and those two passes from Cabaye were just right. A lovely player to watch.

Hatem Ben Arfa (7) - Was not heavily involved, as he was for the West Brom win, but still worked hard and showed the occasional moment of skill which could have led to goals on another day.

Papiss Cisse (9) - Took both goals expertly and the second has to be a goal of the season candidate. Apart from the goals his work rate was also excellent, at one stage he was clearing the ball from the left back position! Nine goals in eight games, could not have asked for more!

Demba Ba (7) - Worked hard for the team but apart from one half chance, never really had sight on goal which is what he wants, in order to break this dry spell. I was a bit concerned when he hardly celebrated our second goal but he later said he was just a bit down for being substituted but his delighted with the win.

Substitutes
Ryan Taylor (6) - Did not have a major impact and gave the ball away a few times but has been out of the team for a bit so that rustiness was expected.

Shane Ferguson (7) - Did a good job after he came on, although he lost the ball a few times, he also added something extra with his pace down the left.

Dan Gosling (7) - Showed some neat touches when he came on and perhaps deserves a start if Cabaye or Tiote can't start the next game.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Cisse

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Liverpool (H)

Player Ratings

Tim Krul (8) - Did well to pull out of the challenge with Carroll when he was looking for the contact and had a good game in goal overall.

Danny Simpson (7.5) - Was solid most of the time and really seems to be a good defender. Does not get the praise he sometimes deserves. Was yet again on the line to save us, even if it touched his arm slightly.

Mike Williamson (8) - I thought he took the responsibility of being the "senior" centre back and did a great job. Carroll had the beating of him early on but the longer the match went on the less of an impact Carroll had. Formed a good partnership with Perch.

James Perch (8.5) - Continued his fine form with another assured display, this time coming in for Coloccini at centre back. Put in some fine sliding challenges whilst I lost count of the shots he blocked. Really has grown into a very good footballer, especially if you compare him to the player he was when he came to the club.

Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Hardly went forward but did his job defensively. A thorough proffesional who deserves great credit as he is clearly not a left back but he still does a job there.

Danny Guthrie (7.5) - Looked good as part of a three man central midfield until he had to go off with yet another injury scare. The same happened in the last game which is a bit concerning. Hope he recovers in time for Swansea.

Cheick Tiote (8) - Tiote showed what a great player he is by coming back into the team seemlessly and put in a good shift. Broke up a few Liverpool attacks and his passing was generally very good.

Yohann Cabaye (7) - Was involved quite a bit and seems to enjoy having both Guthrie and Tiote alongside him.

Hatem Ben Arfa (8) - Another quality performance from the French magician. Put in a fine cross from which we opened the scoring and then was involved again, in the build up to our second goal. Was not as involved in the second half but I can remember a few times when he beat Enrique in the first half. Always looks a threat when in the final third.

Papiss Cisse (9) - Took his two goals brilliantly and probably deserved a third as well, as he had a good chance in the first half too. His all round game was very impressive on Sunday and the 10 million we have spent on him seems to be a bargain already!

Demba Ba (7.5) - Not on the score sheet but again did a great job as part of a front three. What makes him a great player is the fact that he has not scored in the last few games but he is still involved and creates chances for others in the team, so he is always contributing towards the team.

Substitutes
Dan Gosling (6.5) - Had a few neat touches when he came on for Guthrie but we seemed to have the game won by that time.

Shola Ameobi (7) - Did nicely in a short cameo.

Davide Santon (N/A) - Came on close to the end.

Newcastle United Man of the Match - Papiss Cisse

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