17th January 2005
By
Craig Hope
Shay Given – 6 - Had very little to do and couldn't
have done much to prevent Crouch's equaliser.
Steven Taylor – 8 - His distribution was a little
wayward early on and he had quite a shaky first period. But the young
full back totally redeemed himself after the interval and was the
driving force behind many forward moves down the right. His brave
last minute block earned us the three points as much as either goal
did and in this form the injury to Stephen Carr remains an insignificance.
Celestine Babayaro – 7 - The Nigerian had a good,
steady game and it was from his free-kick that Bramble doubled our
lead. Looks much the same sort of player as Bernard albeit minus the
Frenchman's power, Babayaro perhaps possessing more defensive know
how.
Titus Bramble – 8 - Was solid throughout and did
indeed look more assured than his £8million partner Boumsong. His
second half lapse that almost resulted in a penalty was met with the
typical mumblings amongst the crowd, but this aside Titus was our
best player. His form since Christmas has been outstanding. It is
high time he started receiving some of the praise he deserves, on
a number of occasions on Saturday he was cool, composed, strong and
extremely confident – appearing unaffected by rumours of an impending
move for another centre half. With a goal to accompany his excellent
display I have decided to award Titus my Man of the Match
award.
Jean-Alain Boumsong – 6.5 - Not the most impressive
St. James' bow with a late error almost costing us two points. He
will need time to adapt to the pace of the Premiership and become
accustomed to facing strikers week in week out of a significantly
higher standard than he faced north of the border. He doesn't appear
to be a vocal leader, although with time and familiarity with team-mates
this will hopefully develop. A lot more needed from the Frenchman
to justify his hefty price tag.
Kieron Dyer – 6 - Dyer, rather surprisingly, is showing
in patches more and more of the form that had us so excited upon his
arrival six years ago. But the Dyer of today is unfortunately the
finished article and showing glimpses of promise is just not good
enough. A promising opening period which consisted of a couple of
threatening runs and a good 20 yard effort on goal was followed up
with a display of total anonymity after the break. Just why he wasn't
replaced remains a mystery.
Jermaine Jenas – 5 - Disgraceful. I have never been
so annoyed at a match with one individual for a long time as I was
with Jenas on Saturday. His concentration level was so low he mis-controlled
the majority of balls that came his way. Since taking the armband
he hasn't performed well, opponents must be surprised at just how
easy it is to take charge of a midfield that includes two England
hopefuls in Dyer and Jenas. The latter appearing unable to play in
the same side as the former. Jenas seems afraid to exert too much
influence upon a midfield that includes his side-kick Dyer – their
on the field relationship perhaps mirroring that of their off the
field rapport with Jenas taking a secondary role and all too often
allowing Dyer to intrude upon his space.
Lee Bowyer – 6 - His performances are now much the
same game after game. Poor distribution, excellent effort and always
manages to get on the end of some good opportunities. A vast improvement
upon some of his displays last season, but still not good enough.
On Saturday his commitment was as ever unquestioned but quality sadly
lacking.
Craig Bellamy – 6.5 - Still not sure why he was substituted.
I am growing increasingly worried that Bellamy will ask for a transfer
in the summer. Is it going to take a supporters revolt to persuade
Souness to play Bellamy in a position in which he can exert a telling
influence upon the game. His body language tells it's own story –
whereby his energy was previously powered by passion and desire, it
now appears driven by frustration and anger – his reaction to Southampton's
equaliser went deeper than his annoyance at the goal itself. On Saturday
he had a decent first half and was unlucky not to score after a good
run. The only thing that will keep Bellamy at St. James' is his relationship
with the supporters and a return to a forward position – his rapport
with the supporters remains unquestioned, Souness' refusal to play
Bellamy as a striker remains a mystery.
Shola Ameobi – 6 - Had a couple of good touches but
at times looked to have reverted back to his lazy ways. On one occasion
in the second half after beating a man I thought he was going to stop
and have a lie down, eventually producing a tame effort on goal. Average
performance but did well to win the early penalty.
Alan Shearer – 7 - It's no coincidence that following
his withdrawal we went to pieces. Shearer was strong and as ever never
wasted a ball. He brought players into play and was on hand to convert
his penalty and in the process notch his 400th career goal. A good
performance from Big Al with calls for a Shearer-Bellamy partnership
now ringing louder than ever.
James Milner – 6 - Introduced in place of Bellamy
and despite one good run failed to exert any real influence upon the
game.
Patrick Kluivert – 5 - Somehow managed to annoy the
crowd during his time on the field with quite blatant displays of
laziness. A lot to do before he regains full fitness and proves he
is worth a contract extension.
Aaron Hughes – 5 - Slotted in at left back with minimal
fuss.
Craig Hope wants your feedback - If
you have any propositions for Craig or any comments regarding this
or any of his other articles or any matter regarding NUFC he would
love to hear from you so drop
him a line. |
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