Newcastle v Spurs Ratings

Shay Given 6 – Only picked the ball out of the net all game, but still seemed nervous on his distribution which could have led to more counter attacks especially in the second half.

Habib Beye 7 – Solid without being outstanding, looks like he’s settled at the RB position so looks like Stephen Carr is facing an uphill battle to get near the side. GOOD.

Claudio Cacapa 8 – This guy is quality, very intelligent which compensates for his lack of pace and height best defender we’ve had since Woodgate and scored an excellent goal.

Abdoulaye Faye 7 – Solid defender and forming a great partnership with Cacapa and long may it continue, also being used cleverly on set pieces something we should have a major advantage as the season progresses.

Sanchez Jose Enrique 7 – Solid defender, who had a neat first touch and good vision as shown with his excellent ball for Martins goal, will get much better when adapting to English and Premiership life and no more worries for the fullback positions.

Geremi 6 – Played out of position, tries his best as always but why wasn’t Jimmy Milner not starting?? I can see why having him as captain though with so many nationalities and him speaking 5 languages so he helps others like Enrique and Beye to settle in.

Nicky Butt 8 MOM – Great Performance from a player who I wanted out just over 12 months ago!! I’m glad he has proven me and many Newcastle fans wrong, he won every 50/50, was getting forward and helped out the defence quite a bit and is some much needed stability in the CM position.

Belozoglu Emre 7 – Good performance from the Turkish schemer who looks like under his 3rd manager here to find his best form. Set pieces are much better something I’m sure big sam would of worked in training with the players.

Charles N’Zogbia 6 – Subbed at half time for reasons still not known, always willing to take on Chimbonda and linked up well with Enrique.

Obafemi Martins 8 – He tore spurs two CB’s apart, Dawson looked frightened by him by the end of the night and no wonder why as he has scored in his last 4 games v Spurs. I’ve been critical of his general play but I thought he was brilliant. He looked like going behind the spurs defence linked up with the rest of the team and scored a great goal.

Michael Owen 6 – Tried his best but looked very predictable in front of goal, unlucky not to score in the first half but we need to play on the deck if he and martins are going to work as a partnership. A good offer in January and I would sell him.

Subs:

James Milner 7 – Milner who was dropped / rested came onto the left and did a great job in cutting inside and working tirelessly as he always does. Scored a great goal which will hopefully get him going this season.

Joey Barton 6 – Given a tremendous reception by the crowd, showed his physical side with some good tackles, when fully fit he will be our Steven Gerrard driving the whole team forward and get that link with midfield to the forwards lacking since Gary Speed left.

David Rozehnal N/A

Sam Allardyce 7 – Got most of his selection and tactics spot on. Got a back four which will only get better all season and suggestions this could be the best defence seen for a good few years. Hopefully we can start to sort out our away form starting at Reading.