Newcastle-Online comment: 15th August 2004
Shay Given - 7
In the opening minutes he was called into action where he had to pluck
a tame shot out of the air. From then on in however he didn't have
much to do until Downing come on with the Boro winger testing him
from 25 yards with a blistering right-footed shot that Shay did well
to tip over for a corner. Wasn't at fault for either goal and a much
easier game than last Season - good to have him back.
Stephen Carr - 7
Making his full Toon debut only days after signing, Carr slotted in
at right-back and looked as if he'd been at the club for years. A
solid game defensively where Zenden didn't get much change out of
our him and although he had few jittery moments and looked long on
a few occasions earlier in the game, he soon settled down and got
forward well - linking up with Milner to good effect. Promising.
Aaron Hughes - 7
Playing in the centre he took everything in his stride and won most
of his challenges in the air. Looked assured and his distribution
was OK too. Was at fault somewhat for their first goal when he seemed
to slip in the box but overall he had a canny game and it was his
ball that found it's way to Bellamy for the the Welshman to race onto
it to slot it home for the opener.
Robbie Elliott - 6
In the opening minutes he looked nervous and could have gave a penalty
away after seemingly making contact with his hands. Tried to play
his way out of trouble too much for my liking, invariably getting
pounced upon by a red shirt. Other than that though he stuck to his
task and made some excellent clearances. Not a bad game considering
it's his first start for the Toon in a competitive match in just over
2 years - and at centre-half too.
Olivier Bernard - 8
An excellent game overall both defensively and going forward where
he linked up extremely well with Robert and Bellamy down the left
- causing Middlesbrough a few problems with his pace and power. Once
again he took a few whacks but he dished out a few too with some tasty
tackles. Allowed Hasselbaink to ghost in at the far post for their
late winner however. The Dutchman shouldn't have been in front of
him.
James Milner - 6
Started the game very well and he linked up with Carr and Bellamy
pretty well too - that right-side could get some joy this Season.
However he dilly-dallied on the ball quite a bit and his crossing
was woeful to be honest. He must have sent in at least 10 crosses
but not one found a Black & White shirt. But he's young, still
learning and I certainly won't be harsh on him. At least he's getting
into the positions and willing to cross. On the deck his passing was
very good and once again he ran his socks off. Not bad.
Nicky Butt - 9
The best player on the pitch, covering every inch of grass. This is
what we have lacked and it's so great to see someone just nicking
balls off the feet of the opposition whether it be in our own box
or up the other end - he did it, lots and lots. His passing was also
crisp and measured and he even found the time to get forward a few
times, having a shot that went wide on one occasion. Looks a classy
player and everything he done was done so in a calm, authoritative,
I know what I'm doing manner. He won so many loose balls and never
allowed his man any time on the ball and the best thing about it is
that he looks like he absolutely loves it. Excellent debut and my
man of the match.
Jermaine Jenas - 8
Bearing in mind he is still recovering from injury I thought he had
a solid game, a very good game. He got up and down that pitch and
always made himself available for a pass. Some of his best play come
off the ball with his positioning and pressing. He won his fair share
of tackles too and although a few were mistimed (on both sides) he
never got over ran - a feature of his game last Season. He got bullied
out of it a few times but he snapped away all game and his passing
was pretty much spot on. No adventurous balls, just simple, one touch
give and take passing - keeping a good momentum. Alongside Butt, Parlour
and Boateng didn't get a look in all game and were constantly being
pushed back. Missed a sitter late on which would have wrapped up the
game but he put in a promising performance overall.
Laurent Robert - 7
A lively, fired up type of game from our French winger where he actually
put in a few tackles (and won them) as well as tracking back at all
times when we weren't on the ball. Going forward he was very involved,
linking up well with Bernard and Bellamy and sending in a few excellent
crosses. All in all a very good game where he and Bernard kept Reiziger
at bay (he only crossed the half-way line 3 times or something all
game) and made sure we got at Middlesbrough in the final third from
the left flank. Can he keep it up?
Alan Shearer - 6
Our Captain wasn't getting any joy from Ehiogu and his cries for free-kicks
were often in vain as Steve Bennett was having none of it. Not a great
game from Big Al it has to be said where his movement was pretty confined
to the middle. Worked hard as ever and held the ball up as only he
can but the game often bypassed him. Smashed home his penalty brilliantly
however to get off the mark for the Season. Just another 27 to go
now...
Craig Bellamy - 9
What would we do without this fella? He was simply awesome. Took his
goal like a real finisher, rounding the keeper to slot it home. His
pace caused them problems all game and his first touch, vision, passing
and movement was sublime. He could have had another goal out of nothing
after putting pressure on Ehiogu but his effort went wide. He was
the catalyst for so many good moves and it's great to see him like
this. We simply play a different ball game with him in the team and
it's imperative that he stays fit and we play to his strengths. Their
back four wouldn't of had a better work out in Pre-Season. Brilliant
game.
Subs brought on:
Kieron Dyer - 4
Was brought on for Milner around the 70 minute mark and apart from
a bit of huff and puff he did nothing. Slipped prior to Zenden's cross
which lead to their equaliser.
Shola Ameobi - 6
Come on for Robert on 75 minutes and immediately got into the game
showing quick feet to evade a few tackles to set up a few attacks.
He also won the penalty after fooling Zenden in the box and looked
lively during his 15 minute cameo.
Patrick Kluivert - 0
Come on for Shearer with 3 minutes remaining and had few neat touches
and one or two passes as well as breaking into the box in an attempt
to get on the end of Bellamy's cross. A cross that evaded the Dutchman
and through to Jenas for that sitter mentioned above. |
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