ManOnTheTerraces

Newcastle v Liverpool Match Report 11/12/2010

Only in the mad world of Newcastle United, that after a week which pushed most fans to the edge that the week would of end on a tremendous high for fans, players and management alike. The fans united for 90 mins to support the team, despite differing views on the events of the previous week. The key difference for me from the abject and gutless performance against West Brom was return of club captain Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton. Both players are key for differing reasons, Nolan firstly offers leadership on the pitch which no-one else in the squad can offer and Nolan offers that link-up between the strikers and midfield which no-one in CM can offer (apart from Ben Arfa maybe), this is despite his usual disappearance act from football games, but the guy scores goals and I won’t be complaining on that front. Barton offers a sound cross which no-one else can offer in the team, and also offers a driving force from midfield which drives the whole team forward. They both deny the chance of Danny Guthrie to spread his awful brand of football on a division that is way above his level.

The key moment of this game was not Fernando Torres awful miss, it was the introduction of Nile Ranger who caused Liverpool’s back 4 all kind of problems with his determination and just hassling of the opposition. I’ve been very impressed by Ranger despite the lack of goals from him. If we had the option of sending him to the Championship then I wouldn’t hesitate as if the guy can sort out his finishing then we could have a real talent on NUFC’s books but the lack of viable options of partners next to AC means he has to stay. What Ranger was simple he ran and pressured Liverpool’s back 4 into mistakes, they were not under any pressure with the lethargic Shola looking again that he’s carrying an injury. That pace and energy from Ranger seemed to lift the team and stadium, after NUFC had been batter for the 15 mins after the restart.

Two negatives from the performance were the individual performances of Campbell and Gutierrez. Campbell simply isn’t cut out for this level; the bounce on his back leading to the bin-dippers equalizer was comical and follows other errors in recent weeks. Gutierrez I’ve never been a fan of but we lack options and he seems to have got back into the comfort zone when he gets very sloppy, we had the option of dropping him earlier in the season (Everton Away) which brought about an up-turn in form (Man City Away), sadly we lack that option to at least January.

Ratings

Krul – 7 – Couldn’t do much about the goal, but did a very good save v Torres and was again very solid. I think Krul has done enough to deserve to stay in the team also having one eye on the future think we should be counting Tim as our Number 1.

Simpson - 7 - Best display for over a month.

Campbell - 5 - Sol may have the experience but his body has given up on him, and the comical defending for the goal was laughable if you weren't a Newcastle fan.

Taylor - 7 - Solid display from Taylor, think him and Coloccini should be our central pairing going forward.

Enrique - 7 - At home is very consistent and was again today.

Barton - 8.5 MOTM - Joey put in the type of combative performance we haven't seen from him since the Man City game. Certainly the best performance I've seen from him in a Toon shirt, long may it continue as his free-kicks and crossing are a valuable asset to the team.

Nolan - 7.5 - Brilliantly worked goal, and offers the link-up between midfield and strikers which no-one else in the team offers. Used to hate the guy for the way he goes missing, but I now see how valuable he is the team.

Tiote - 7.5 - Another good performance for the Eraser.

Gutiérrez - 6 - The lack of competition with Jonas on the LW means he can put in comfort zone performances and not be under pressure to perform. Last time he was dropped we saw a massive upturn in form. Needs kick-up the arse.

Carroll - 8 - Another fine performance from the best centre forward in England currently. Also showed to all of the Sky audience that killer left foot of his.

Ameobi - 5 - Another abject performance but Shola has looked injured for over a month, I think we need to get the guy fit again before we can be too critical of him.

Subs:

Ranger - 7.5 - Ranger has impressed on his cameos this season, and this was the best of the lot. His inclusion, pace and direct play rattled Liverpool's defence into some very clumsy errors. If the guy could finish we would have a very good striker on our hands, if we bring in a striker in January then a loan move to the championship could do him the world of good.

Manager:

Pardew - 7 - Was impressed with the way in which Pardew dealt with the whole occasion. Substitution of Ranger was key event of the game and one which he can be accredited for as Hughton would have likely waited longer.

Ashley/Llambias - 0 - CUNTS

Fans - 10 - Fantastic support for the team as what should be expected at all home games. The fans can be the 12th man in games like this. Should be a wake-up call for those who only sing in the big games.