25th April 2005
By
Gaz Pearson
 Shay
Given
Poor Shay must be cursing his luck at the minute as he conceded
yet another wonder strike in the matter of days. He could do
nothing with both goals and was his usual reliant self. Reads
the play superbly and we need to keep hold of him if we are
to achieve success. He is crucial to Newcastle United. |
6 |
 Peter
Ramage
What must the young lad have been thinking? His debut at Old
Trafford and up against Ryan Giggs? He did really well though
and can be proud with his performance. Took a fair old whack
in the chops but he seems a tough character and we need people
like this. Nice to see the young lad getting a chance. |
6 |
 Jean-Alain
Boumsong
Gets more impressive with each game. Settled now to the Premiership
following his January arrival from Rangers. He is such a commanding
presence and physically as strong as any centre half in the
country. Coped well with Smith and Rooney. Was not on his own
at the back this week. |
7 |
 Andy
O'Brien
What the lad lacks in quality he makes up with in tenacity.
He is an international now and coming to a good age for a centre
half to establish himself and he needs more performances like
this. He lacks concentration at times and his distribution needs
improvement. Did OK today, surely returns to the bench when
Taylor or Bramble return from injury though? |
6 |
 Robbie
Elliott
Bandaged and bruised, 4 stitches and all but that wouldn't stop
a Geordie putting a Toon shirt on and this was the case with
Robbie. He isn't the world's best and today showed why a lot
of fans heckle him as his distribution and sloppy play is shocking
at times. However, at other times his commitment to the cause
was just what we needed. Good display after a long absence from
the first team. |
6 |
 Shola
Ameobi
Worked hard on the right hand side of midfield. Never really
got into the game as an attacking force but defended, for a
striker, admirably. It's his work rate that is keeping Pat Kluivert
on the bench. |
6 |
Darren
Ambrose
Fantastic performance! Scored a cracking goal, which he thoroughly
deserved. Looked really sharp and dangerous. Driving runs and
fizzing shots kept the Manchester lads on their toes. He gave
us some real drive and quality from midfield that we have lacked
all season. I have always liked what I saw of this lad and I
feel he deserves to have more games now. My man of the
match! |
9 |
 Stephen
Carr
Played in an unusual holding role in front of the back four
and did well against the Man Utd midfield. Did the job that
Butt should have done last week! He is a little battler and
his work rate is terrific. A good display out of position. Asked
to do a job and he did it! |
7 |
 Charles
N'Zogbia
Formed part of Souness' master plan of 5 in midfield and this
lad gets better with each game. Looked like a lost boy last
week but today looked more hungry and determined to impress.
Showed glimpses of real potential quality and for a lad of 18
I feel we have a real talent here. |
7 |
 James
Milner
Again a determined display and looked really good on the ball.
His work-rate is good when he is the mood but he too often drifts
in and out of games. Caused Utd a few headaches and did well
today. Much better than last week. |
6 |
 Alan
Shearer
There aren't many 34 year old's you can ask to play a lone striker
role but big Al certainly wont let you down. Unfortunately for
Alan he was fed on scraps but he tried his heart out against
a world class defender in Rio Ferdinand. At his best Shearer
would have given Ferdinand a game to remember, but Rio kept
him in his pocket all day. Needs more support but never lets
you down. |
6 |
Substitutes:
 Patrick
Kluivert
Did he come on? Wandered aimlessly up front. This lad is a talent
in the game but at the minute he is a sleeping talent. Time
to wake up Patrick or you'll be out of Toon come the summer. |
3 |
 Laurent
Robert
Another whose exit from SJP is immanent. The last 8 minutes
will surely be converted into more talk time when the Frenchman
writes his latest column... |
3 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
This will be the harshest pill to swallow for Graeme. Tactically
he got it spot on and the first half reflected this. His young
braves did him proud today and it was only the wonder strike
from Rooney that denied Souness and Co. something form today's
game. Very unlucky today, you can tell he changed the attitude
of the players from last week. Is he the right man for the hot
seat? Time is running out for the Scot but more performances
like this, coupled with the right signings and maybe, just maybe.
However, knowing Newcastle, I won't hold my breath. |
7 |
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