8th April 2005
 Shay
Given
Had little to do other than to deal with one or two crosses,
a few back passes and to sweep up play. came off at half-time
with his hip injury flaring up again. Fingers crossed he will
be fit for our FA Cup Semi-Final match in Cardiff. |
6 |
 Stephen
Carr
Not a great game from the Republic of Ireland man who was often
up against two men with his right flank partner Dyer drifting
in field a lot leaving him exposed. Could have done better in
the final 3rd too but he worked hard and did his bit if you
like. |
6 |
 Andy
O'Brien
A nervous wreck throughout, not helped by the moans and groans
from the crowd whenever he did something remotely wrong. He
did grow in statue however, winning a few balls and clearing
danger. But his general defending and distribution distribution
from the back gets worse with every game. I hate to criticise
him because he's an honest, hard working player who gives his
all but at this level it's not good enough. Thankfully Sporting
didn't know what to do with the ball in and around our box. |
5 |
 Steven
Taylor
His full debut at centre-half? Started the game very nervously
with a spate of rash challenges but I'll put that down to an
eagerness to get over Saturday's red card. He soon found his
stride though and was solid at the back, assured and a leader.
My man of the match and he now has to stay
in there alongside Boumsong.
|
8 |
 Aaron
Hughes
A similar job to Carr, not the greatest performances but he
did his job playing out of position at left-back. Slightly better
going forward but not as good in defence as Carr. All in all
a solid enough game but nothing spectacular. Was booked and
misses the return leg. |
6 |
 Kieron
Dyer
One or two bright moments from Dyer but overall he was largely
anonymous. Didn't get on the ball much and when he did find
space to run into the ball wasn't forthcoming often or quick
enough. Worked hard and tracked back but if he is to play wide
right he must be more disciplined and stop coming in field all
the time as it leaves poor Carr exposed. Pulled up with what
looks like a hamstring injury and was subbed by his big pal
Bowyer... |
5 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Worked hard throughout, never let his head drop despite numerous
moans and groans from the crowd and got stuck in once or twice
but he clearly lacks confidence and on the ball he was awful,
much like the rest of the team. Where now for JJ? |
5 |
 Amdy
Faye
The pick of midfield (which isn't saying much) with a solid
if rather hasty job in protecting the back-four. gave away possession
far too cheaply however and wandered about aimlessly for large
spells, again like most of the team. A vital job however. |
6 |
 Laurent
Robert
Not his day where the ball just wasn't reaching him. One or
two lively moments and he did set up Shearer for his goal from
a free-kick and looked at times our only real outlet but he
got bogged down in the battle and went missing attacking wise.
Worked hard overall but one or two signs of the lazy Robert
did appear. |
5 |
 Alan
Shearer
A terrific performance from the No.9 unsettling Sporting's back-four
with his strength and aerial prowess from the first to the last
whistle. Planted a great header past Ricardo twice but had to
settle for the one goal. |
8 |
 Shola
Ameobi
A frustrating game for Shola where many decisions went against
him. He battled hard and tried but the service was shocking
and anyone would struggle to control balls fizzed up to him
at 90mph without thought or direction. When he did get on the
ball with a bit of time to turn and play he got tangled up in
his own legs. One to forget. |
5 |
Substitutes:
 Steve
Harper
Came on for Given and produced a great save. A faultless display
in a rare appearance from the No.2 'keeper.
|
6 |
 James
Milner
Came on for Robert on and looked lively and threatening. Should
have doubled the lead but blazed his shot over the bar. |
5 |
 Lee
Bowyer
Came on for Dyer to huge applause with Dyer also getting a undeserved
reception from the home crowd. His first touch was also cheered
and true to form, he picked up a yellow card. Other than that
he hardly got on the ball. Lets hope this is the end of it all
now and we can finally concentrate on the football.
|
5 |
The Boss Man:
 Graeme
Souness
Picked the right lineup I feel and made the right changes when
he had to. His side didn't play well, footballing wise they
were awful but they stuck at it and battled hard, perhaps showing
that there is plenty of spirit in the camp. He's handled the
week pretty well and a win and a clean sheet is all we can ask
for, especially given the last few days. Well done Souness. |
7 |
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