28th February 2005
 Shay
Given
Another solid performance from Shay with the Republic of Ireland
man having nothing to do all afternoon other than pick the ball
out of his net. It's a shame he couldn't keep a clean sheet
as I know how desperate he is to add to his meagre tally.
|
6 |
 Stephen
Carr
Fast becoming an influential player for the Toon. Another comfortable
performance from Carr who attacked and defended very well, putting
in some decent crosses (setting up Bowyer with his goal) and
linking up play well. He's arguably our best crosser of the
ball after Shearer and Robert and it's good to have him back
fit, and playing well. He's showing the form that he did 2 seasons
ago for Spurs. Long may it continue.
|
7.5 |
 Jean-Alain
Boumsong
A solid game from the big man who coasted it really. Got caught
out of position a few times but his distribution of the ball,
physical attributes and pace are a welcome addition. Fast forming
a good partnership with Bramble. |
7 |
 Titus
Bramble
His 3rd outstanding game in succession. Once again Bramble was
excellent - the pick of the back-four. Won everything in the
air, mopped up and intercepted a few balls. Further more his
distribution from the back was again very good and he even found
his way on the right wing, running to the bye line and putting
in a few decent crosses.
|
8.5 |
 Celestine
Babayaro
Doesn't look fully match fit with Souness admitted after the
match that he hasn't trained for a week. It showed with Stelios
getting the better of him on more than one occasion but he stuck
at it and helped the cause.
|
6 |
 Kieron
Dyer
Started the game slow and kept on coming infield, congesting
the middle but as the game wore on and Newcastle got a grip
of the midfield Dyer started to run the show and had a brilliant
game. The best I've seen from him in a long long time. He caused
Bolton all kinds of trouble and they just couldn't cope with
his pace, energy and darting runs. Under Souness he's playing
really well and took his goal superbly. My man of the
match. Well played. Lets hope he can keep it going
and can start knocking in more goals. |
9 |
 Lee
Bowyer
Looks refreshed and he took the bull by the horns in this game
and stamped his own authority on it - grabbing a tremendous
goal from an excellent build up which he started. Worked like
a dog and even his distribution was much better than late. An
excellent game. |
8.5 |
 Amdy
Faye
Nothing spectacular but what he did was to good effect. Mopping
up play, intercepting loose balls and giving it to those who
can play. A bit negative at times with his passing but his height
advantage, pace and strength was just what the back-four needed
as he protected them. Well played and settling in nicely. |
7 |
 Laurent
Robert
4 good performances in a week was probably asking too much and
although his crossing, link up play and attacking wasn't of
the standard he set against Heerenveen he did muck in, tracking
back and helping out Babayaro and that's something he must do
in every game, especially when he's not contributing much in
the attacking 3rd. |
6 |
 Alan
Shearer
Big Al wasn't involved as he'd like to have been nor did he
have any real goalscoring opportunities, not clear cut ones
anyway, but he roughed up Bolton's back-four and won almost
everything in the air. Acting as a buffer for the midfield he
had a strong game leading the line as only he can. |
7 |
 Shola
Ameobi
Poor. He didn't get involved at all and his control, heading
and hold up play was sloppy. He needs to be getting the most
out of these opportunities to force his doubters to eat their
words. Performances like this and like against Heerenveen do
him no favours. Not good enough. |
5 |
Substitutes:
 Jermaine
Jenas
Came on for Robert in the second half and got into the game
from the off, getting stuck in, helping out midfield and getting
forward. Not much of an impact but a job done.
|
5 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
4 wins on the spin for the Scot brought to end end what has
been a great week for him and his team. Selection was pretty
much spot on although I'd like to have seen Milner on for Ameobi
but other than that he picked the right team and more importantly
the right formation. After an average first-half he must have
tore a strip off the lads who came out pumped up for the second
half.
|
7 |
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