17th March 2005
 Shay
Given
Shay's 3rd clean sheet in a row and the Ireland man couldn't
have had an easier game. Just the one save to make, right at
the death - tipping the ball behind for a corner low to his
left hand post. His distribution was first-class all night too.
|
7 |
 Stephen
Carr
Like his fellow Ireland man (and the whole defence really),
the right-back had an easy, trouble free game. Communicated
well with O'Brien and Hughes and got forward often enough to
pen his man back. A solid, no nonsense performance.
|
7 |
 Andy
O'Brien
In for the injured Bramble/Cup-tied Boumsong, O'Brien followed
on from his good performance in Greece with another fine game.
Solid, composed and a rarity - decent distribution. One dodgy
back-pass could have seen Olympiakos score but other than that,
well played.
|
7 |
 Aaron
Hughes
How good a pro is Hughes? You never hear him complain about
not being a first-team regular and you never hear him complain
about playing in the numerous positions he has done over the
years. Came in at centre-half and did solid professional job,
reading the game well and feeding the midfield.
|
7 |
 Steven
Taylor
Started out at left-back and looked extremely comfortable, getting
forward well and breaking up any Olympiakos attacks down our
left. Showed how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet
by playing numerous balls with his left foot - all finding their
man. Switched to the centre after the hour mark and commanded
the back-four. This lad has a huge future in the game. He just
impresses with every game.
|
8 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Playing wide right he linked up well with Carr and his fellow
midfielders, providing strong cover for his flank man whenever
he advanced. In the second half he came more into it, getting
on the ball more and driving at the opposition with some fine
footwork and forward running. Set up Bowyer's goal and had an
alround decent game. Lets hope, after his rest, that he can
get back some form and push on from there.
|
7 |
 Lee
Bowyer
A super all action, all running, all energy display from the
midfielder. Capped off by a fine goal in which his tenacious
appetite to get forward brought home the rewards. A fine passing
game too with many searching balls to the flanks finding their
men. One of his best games in a Newcastle shirt.
|
8.5 |
Nicky
Butt
Like Bowyer, but also had an all action game - he was everywhere
and could have grabbed himself a goal with a cracking 22-yard
drive crashing back off the crossbar. He was the defensive anchorman
and the playmaker with a variety of excellent passing range.
|
8.5 |
 Laurent
Robert
Another fine game from the Frenchman who sent in some brilliant
balls from the flanks and although his corners were poor, his
crossing in open play was a delight. Worked extremely hard at
covering which allowed Taylor to get forward throughout. Is
this the same Robert who has frustrated us for 4 years? He looks
a completely different player. Well played and long may it continue.
|
7 |
 Alan
Shearer
What can you say about Big Al? He terrorised their back-four
and could have had himself 4 goals on another night. Instead
he had to make do with a brace with two well taken goals taking
him to 191 in a Toon shirt. An alround excellent game.
|
8.5 |
 Kieron
Dyer
Playing in an advanced forward role just off Shearer, his running,
skills on the ball and work rate set the tone for the game and
he scored a great goal, back heeling it into the net after twisting
his body to retrieve what looked like a lost ball. A super game
full of running but with purpose this time and an end product.
My man of the match.
|
9 |
Substitutes:
 James
Milner
Came on for Dyer on the hour mark and got involved straight
away, showing glimpses of his undoubted talent. Another good
cameo from the youngster.
|
5 |
 Charles
N'Zogbia
Came on for Robert and looked to be quite rusty but he worked
hard down the left and looked dangerous on the ball. Another
player who could, with the right coaching and patience, develop
into a good prospect.
|
5 |
 Peter
Rampage
A Toon debut for the Whitley Bay youngster, coming on for Carr
at right-back with a quarter of the game left. Looked nervous
and unsure but soon settled, putting in a few decent challenges
and linking up well down the right flank. Well done.
|
5 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
An 8th successive win for the manager on a glorious night where
everything came off right for him, the team and of course us
supporters. He picked the right team, made the right changes
and set the lads up to get at Olympiakos from the off which
resulted in our best performance of the season, one which bodes
well for the future. Keep up the good work is all I can say,
do that and the "walking in a Souness wonderland"
chant that aired last night from a handful, will soon be sweeping
down from all 4 stands from everyone... or at least it should
do.
|
9 |
|
 |
Toon
Shirts |
|
Sponsors |
|
|
