31st January 2005
 Steve
Harper
Making only his 5th appearance of the season in all competitions
the Easington born stopper had a trouble free day with not much
to do other than to come for a few crosses, deal with a few
back passes and sweep up. Was not at fault for the goal.
|
6 |
 Stephen
Carr
Good to see the Irishman back. Although Taylor has been a revelation
this season, Carr's return is a welcome boost. An easy game
to get back into the swing of things. Attacked well in the opening
half an hour and defended reasonably well but turning his back
to crosses is becoming a feature of his play as witnessed in
this game on a few occasions.
|
6 |
 Andy
O'Brien
No real problems for the Ireland man although he did have his
moments up against John and Delebola. Distribution again very
poor, but overall a solid enough game. |
6 |
 Titus
Bramble
An easy game for the defender where he was relatively untroubled.
Sound in the air, good on the deck and no silly moments that
I can remember. He's quietly impressed since coming back into
the first-team from injury. Lets hope it continues.
|
6.5 |
 Celestine
Babayaro
Seems to have settled in well and just loves to get forward.
Not bad at defending either. Took his goal well and although
it did take a slight deflection, it was going in anyway. An
excellent performance from the Nigerian. Looks good.
|
7 |
 Kieron
Dyer
An excellent game from the No.8 who ran the show from midfield
in an attacking sense with his direct running and pace causing
them all kinds of problems. Not bad. |
7 |
 Amdy
Faye
An impressive and comfortable debut for the new lad who slotted
in and did his defensive role quietly and efficiently. Showed
a neat array of passing too, I don't think he wasted a ball
all game and seems to have a bit of pace. My man of
the match. |
7.5 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Unleashed from his defensive shackles I expected him to do more
in an attacking sense and although he didn't have a bad game,
he didn't have a great game either and against the level he
was up against I felt he may have took the game by the scruff
of the neck. Should have scored early on too. Overall OK. |
6 |
 Shola
Ameobi
Scored a cracking individual goal after robbing his man out
wide on the right and had a decent alround game. Holding up
the ball well, linking up play with others and showing some
delightful touches... before running out of steam. |
7 |
 Alan
Shearer
Turned up, grabbed his customary goal against the Sky Blues
and that was enough for me. Didn't get involved much but at
his age we can't expect him to dominate defenders like he once
did. Give him a yard in the box and he'll score and that's what
he did. He only needs 4 goals now to become our all-time top
goalscorer in the FA Cup. Wor Jackie on 23 currently sits top.
Big Al on 20 will need a good run in the Cup.
|
6 |
 Patrick
Kluivert
A frustrating game for the Dutchman and a mixed one at that.
Showed some great touches and movement at times but looked uninterested
in spells. Could have had a hat-trick on another day and hit
the bar late on with a header. Overall a disappointing game.
Looks a yard off the pace and low on confidence. We need him
to start delivering soon. Can he? |
5 |
Substitutes:
 Aaron
Hughes
On for Faye who was subbed on 80 minutes and rarely got a touch
on the ball.
|
4 |
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