Player Ratings (Vs Boro)

The match report has been summed quite nicely by Michael so all that leaves is for someone to give the player ratings a go. I watched the match live on Setanta with a few friends, nursing a headache, and eating apple pie. So forgive me if you disagree…

Steve Harper 7 – Couldn’t do anything about the two goals and pulled off a fine save in the first have to deny Boro going 2-1 up. Proving an able deputy for our usual number one.

Stephen Carr N/A

Steven Taylor 6 – Has to take responsibility for the first goal. Was completely the wrong side of Mido and then made a desperate attempt to win the ball back that could have resulted in ‘red’ if the Egyptian went down.

David Rozehnal 7 – Another decent display from the new lad. Made some important interceptions and looks comfortable on the ball.

Charles N’Zogbia 8 (Man of the Match) – Charlie deserved the MOM award for his display on Sunday, in my opinion. Not just for his superbly taken goal - ‘You haven’t got a right foot!’ I screamed before he raked it into the top corner. But just the fact that this is nineteen-year-old winger/attacking midfielder playing in an unfamiliar left back role, and looking very comfortable indeed.

Nicky Butt 6 – Covered a lot of ground and did what was asked of him. However, played a little too deep for me and could have supported our isolated attack when needed.

Geremi 6 – Quite similar to Butt, although laid of Viduka’s goal for an assist.

Alan Smith – Again, similar to our other two in midfield. He was industrious as ever, but supplied little going forward.

James Milner 7 - Work rate was phenomenal, again. He looked Newcastle’s biggest threat going forward and gets better every game.

Mark Viduka 7 - Great strength to hold of Woodgate and capped it off with a magnificently taken individual goal. Needs more support from our midfield if he is to achieve more of this.

Obafemi Martins 5 – Some Oba fans may contest this rating but I thought he was poor on Sunday. He doesn’t do sufficient work off the ball and for the amount of pace he has doesn’t make enough intelligent, dare I say, ‘Bellamy-esque’ runs going forward. Great talent, I don’t argue that, but slightly naïve when he’s not on the ball. Needs to play closer to Viduka, although the 4-3-3 may be preventing this.

SUBS

Peter Ramage 6 – Did OK before he got injured.

Cacapa 6 – Looked solid. Impressive.

Michael Owen 6 – Should have scored.