20 February 2005
By
Gaz Pearson
 Shay
Given
Good Performance. Not much to do but was very assured when called
into action. Kept his first clean sheet in a while which should
boost his confidence no doubt. Handled the slippery ball well
and distribution was good.
|
7 |
 Stephen
Carr
Solid at the back. His no nonsense approach was valuable at
times. Perhaps he could have got forward more like he did mid-week
against Heerenveen. However, he along with the rest of the back
four had an excellent game to keep Chelsea at bay.
|
7 |
 Jean-Alain
Boumsong
Did well in his comeback match. His physical presence and awareness
stopped a lacklustre Chelsea attack, spearheaded by the misfiring
Kezman. Always seemed in control and his promising partnership
with Bramble looks extremely exciting based on this performance. |
7 |
 Titus
Bramble
Outstanding! He put his dreadful mistakes behind him and put
in possibly the best match of his Newcastle career. Fantastic
last ditch challenges, superb distribution and immense in the
air. The tricky conditions could have embarrassed him again
but he kept his concentration. Lets hope he keeps it up!
|
9 |
 Celestine
Babayaro
Another solid performer in the Toon back line. Looked like he
had something to prove against his old team. Combined well with
Robert in the first half down Newcastle’s left, particularly
in the first half. Some crucial last-ditch tackles helped the
Newcastle back four keep a clean sheet.
|
7 |
 Kieron
Dyer
Did OK before being substituted. Looked lively but at times
was left with little room to work in as Chelsea packed the midfield.
Although his effort and commitment was evident; it was just
his final pass and creation that lacked conviction. |
7 |
Nicky
Butt
A very good performance; the heartbeat of the side. Another
who was returning to the team, this could have proved a difficult
game for Butty but he commanded the midfield and broke up lots
of Chelsea attacks. Work tirelessly and was tenacious as ever. |
7 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Not an enjoyable afternoon for JJ. His match engine is without
question but his wayward passing at times let him down. As Mourinho
swamped the midfield he was overrun and had little chance to
do much with the ball. After the Bridge injury he had time and
space to play with and his young legs were valuable towards
the end. |
6 |
 Laurent
Robert
A rare start for the Frech magician. Sublime cross for Kluivert’s
headed goal and a constant menace down the left wing. He gave
width to the team, an outlet and gave Johnson a nightmare afternoon
to forget. A few free- kicks at the end may have rewarded Robert
with a deserved goal and on another day he would have broke
the net. Great to have him back down the wing! |
7 |
 Alan
Shearer
Another gutsy display from the Captain. He led by example and
his link up play with Kluivert in the first half looked terrific.
A couple of efforts tested Cudicini but that was about all Al
could muster. Ran his socks off before being replaced. Had a
fitness test before the match and did well to last an hour.
|
7 |
 Patrick
Kluivert
Finally the talent that is Patrick Kluivert looks to have landed
on Tyneside. A fantastic powerful header tore into Cudicini’s
net and he never looked back. With his confidence levels sky-high
he produced his best ever display in a Toon shirt. He looked
sharp and although had little chances in the first half was
commited whole-heartedly to the cause. All we need now from
you Patrick is consistency. |
8 |
Substitutes:
 James
Milner
Did OK is rare appearance. Gave Newcastle a much need outlet
down the right-wing. Gave balance to the team towards the end.
Still raw but the talent is there and this experience will have
done him no harm at all.
|
6 |
 Shola
Ameobi
Did well coming on cold form the bench. He rounded Cudicini
and would have scored if the Italian giant hadn’t hacked him
down.
|
7 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
Carried on where he left off against Heerenveen. A 4-4-2 gave
the team much more solidity. Tactically spot on and outclassed
currently the best manager in Europe in Mourinho. Must now make
this result a snowball effect and carry on this rich vein of
form in both the next round and the Premiership.
|
9 |
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