11th March 2005
 Shay
Given
Once again Shay had little to do in terms of saving shots as
the Greek side were confined to speculative efforts but his
handling and distribution was first-class. He looks happy again
as United fight on two fronts. People talk about Shearer deserving
a trophy, he isn't the only one. Shay does as well because he
has been equally outstanding since joining the Toon.
|
7 |
 Stephen
Carr
Not a great performance from the Republic of Ireland man. He
got caught out of position a few times and allowed his man to
turn him once or twice far too easily for my liking. In the
attacking 3rd he didn't get forward enough either. Overall though
he stuck to his task, didn't hide and did enough to get a job
done. |
6 |
 Andy
O'Brien
Hyped up by his manager prior to the match O'Brien rewarded
Souness' faith with a solid, concentrated performance. Gave
away their penalty but for me that was a very harsh decision.
Overall he was solid. Good in the air, strong in the tackle
and composed. Well done OB, you did a job when called upon. |
7 |
 Titus
Bramble
A fitness doubt before the match, Bramble strolled this game.
He played at his own pace and put in a solid, professional performance.
No nervous moments, no indecisiveness, just a composed and concentrated
game from the big man. He's looking a £6m defender.
|
8 |
 Aaron
Hughes
Like Carr on the opposite flank Hughes got caught out of position
a few times and turned by his man. No complaints from me however.
Overall he did a job given the circumstances and for someone
playing out of position, he's not doing too bad. |
6 |
 Kieron
Dyer
Newcastle's main outlet. Prior to the match the Greek fans had
him marked down as our danger man and he showed why he had them
running scared with an energetic, penetrating performance. Got
at their full-back, was good on the ball and it was his run
that brought about our first goal. Dyer was subbed on the hour
mark for Jenas. Fast becoming an important player and playing
well. Lets see if he can do it in every game now! |
7 |
Nicky
Butt
Won the midfield battle and while the Greeks were down to 10
and then 9 men he did a lot of pressing and played a few delightful
balls - one which found Milner who set up Kluivert for his goal.
He's not pretty but he's effective. |
7 |
 Amdy
Faye
Like his fellow midfielder Butt, Faye did a defensive job and
it was his early pressing, forceful challenges and running that
gave us a foot in the game and got us off to a good start in
the game. Again, not pretty but very effective. His passing
needs to be better though. |
7 |
 Laurent
Robert
Like Dyer he was our main outlet and didn't he do well? Scored
a cracking trademark free-kick to put us 2-1 up and was a constant
threat on the ball with some neat passing and link up play.
His set-pieces from corners were poor but he worked hard, created
opportunities and scored a goal. That's all we ask Laurent,
keep up the good work. |
7 |
 Alan
Shearer
Captain marvel. A terrific performance from the No.9 who grabbed
his 25th European goal, bullied their whole defence, won everything
in the air and held the ball up superbly. He may be 34 but he
can still cut it. My man of the match for his
alround play. |
8 |
 Kluivert
Not a great performance from the Dutchman who looked lethargic.
Easily pushed off the ball and not a threat at all - until he
scored his 10th goal in a Toon top, his 40th in Europe. The
90 minutes will have done him the world of good but he must
do better, a lot more. |
5 |
Substitutes:
 James
Milner
Came on for Robert on 60 minutes and was lively throughout -
taking on his man and beating him on a few occasions. Dribbled
his way to the byline, cut into the box and set up Kluivert
for his goal superbly. A real threat and an impressive cameo
appearance. Well played. |
6 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Came on for Dyer on 60 and moved to the right. Gave Carr more
protection and kept the ball well.
|
5 |
 Charles
N'Zogbia
Came on with 6 minutes to go and had little time on the ball.
|
2 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
Picked the right lineup with two defensive midfielders to protect
the back four and got his tactics spot on - hit the flanks quick
and early. Once they went down to 9 men the message was to get
a 3rd and to kill the game off, reserve energy for Sunday. A
great night for the manager who talked a good game and played
a good game. It's all going well for him and us at the moment.
The performance wasn't particularly stunning and nor was the
football, but who the hell cares when we are winning. He's certainly
earning his corn and the team have improved greatly. Lets keep
it going.
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8 |
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