16th May 2005
By
Gaz Peareson
 Shay
Given
Pulled off a terrific save towards the end of the game to ensure
a point for the Toon. Had relatively little to do with a Chelsea
forward line playing in 1st gear. Also had no chance with the
penalty. |
6 |
 Stephen
Carr
Steady but his distribution was lacking at times. Replaced at
half-time. |
5 |
 Jean-Alain
Boumsong
Decent display in a renewed partnership with Bramble. Commanding
as ever and definitively one to build around for the next season.
Strong, sensible and efficient. Chelsea's forwards rarely got
past the big man. |
7 |
 Titus
Bramble
Another solid display. Made some crunching interceptions and
mopped up in the air. Pressurised Geremi for the opening own
goal too. Must keep up this rich vein of form and build on it
next season. |
7 |
 Celestine
Babayaro
A little lightweight at times but all in all a decent display
from the former Chelsea man. Came in January and seems to have
the left back berth virtually his own. It will be interesting
to see what happens if Oliver Bernard returns. On the downside
he did give away the penalty. |
6 |
Darren
Ambrose
Showed flashes of his skill with jinking runs but never penetrated
the Chelsea back line. Had a decent run in the team towards
the back end of the season and needs to carry on his progress
to cement a starting place in the next campaign. |
6 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Outclassed in midfield by Makelele and Lampard. Some decent
passing at times but never really looked dangerous as an attacking
force. Improvement needed next time round JJ in all departments. |
6 |
 Charles
N'Zogbia
Decent work rate when you take in to account the opposition.
Good experience for the young lad who has been one of the plusses
of an otherwise forgettable season. Interesting to see how he
develops in the coming years but definitely one to watch. |
6 |
 James
Milner
My Man of the Match. I gave him this accolade other the central
defenders because he was the only bright attacking spark we
had on the pitch. His mazy runs in his gangly, awkward style
evoke memories of Chris Waddle and the good news is that Milner
can emulate him if not be a better player if he is given the
right environment to harness his talent. |
8 |
 Patrick
Kluivert
Abysmal first half where his shadow seemed to pose more of a
threat to Chelsea. Not interested and played like a man with
his tail between his legs as he heads for the St. James' Park
exit. |
4 |
 Alan
Shearer
Not involved in the game. Odd headers but nothing major. Looked
every bit the 34- year old he is and must take a back seat next
season. He can no longer be number one choice of striker and
today’s performance showed why. |
4 |
Substitutes:
 Steven
Taylor
Came on at half-time and slotted in at right back. He is better
in his centre half role. |
5 |
 Michael
Chopra
Rare appearance for the forgotten starlet. Been playing in League
1 and needs to improve to reach this level. |
4 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
This rating reflects his performance this season and not just
this match. Regarding yesterday's game we grinded out a draw
but lets be honest, Chelsea never got out of first gear. They
looked like they could move up a notch at any time and this
proved so when after we took the lead, within 30 seconds they
had a penalty. Graeme has fielded his team 33 times this season
and won just 9! Is this good enough? Time will tell… roll on
the summer. |
5 |
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