Newcastle-Online comment: 31st July 2004
Player ratings from today's 4-2 win over Rangers at St. James' Park
Steve Harper - 7
Harper didn't have much to do in terms of shots but his kicking was
fine and there was no dodgy moments. Produced one magnificent save
in the second half to block Ricksen's goal bound shot and not only
did he save it but he got back up to chase down the loose ball and
prevented it going away for a corner. It's good to see a keeper who
hasn't played a single League game in over two years show that type
of fight - in a friendly as well. Come for his fair share of crosses
and had a good game overall.
Aaron Hughes - 6
In the opening minutes he looked like a man on a mission, a man trying
to fend of the imminent threat to his place in the team. Showed the
very quick Lovenkrands a quick pair of heels on a few occasions and
defended pretty strong throughout. Didn't get into many attacking
positions and as the game wore on and our defence become stretched
he was caught out a few times but overall a solid performance.
Andy O'Brien - 7
Held the defence together and was clam and assured. Won most balls
in the air and not much got past him. Quite assured on the ball as
well - preferring to pass it rather than hoof it. Strong game from
a solid no nonsense defender.
Titus Bramble - 7
Started the game very well producing a few thumping challenges in
the opening 20 minutes. Won almost everything in the air but at times
he scared the hell out of me especially with one sloppy back pass
that, admittedly he did well to recover from and he was at fault for
Prso's goal when he allowed Novo to turn him easily. Other than that
though he was strong and those tackles...he takes man, ball, grass
and even the air around him. If only he could concentrate for 90 minutes
and cut out the tendency to do a trick or two. Very pleased to see
him pass the ball on the deck like O'Brien. he never launched the
ball once all game other than to clear danger. In fact the whole team
played the ball on the deck.
Olivier Bernard - 8
Give the man his contract NOW! What a stunning goal from 25-yards.
He'll not score many better. He was our supply down the left flank
throughout and sent in a few decent crosses and caused Rangers problems
all game. Got caught out of position a few times but he is so good
in the attacking third these defensive lapses are worth it. Another
defining moment in his performance was one thundering tackle in the
second half where he won the ball, even I felt it - dangerous and
brave but great to see. Top game.
Darren Ambrose - 4
Didn't really get a chance to get in the game after a tackle in the
opening 10 minutes forced him to limp off around the 15 minute mark.
Lee Bowyer - 6
Alongside Dyer in the first half he played in a deeper more defensive
role and did a solid job breaking up the play and passing it on to
the forwards. In the second half with Butt alongside him he got more
into the game in an attacking sense and the Rangers midfield just
didn't know whether to mark him or drop off him. This Season promises
to be a big one for Bowyer and it's good to see a central midfielder
get into the opposition box while ruffling a few feathers. A few niggly
challenges, but hey we need that nastiness in the centre. Solid if
unspectacular game.
Kieron Dyer - 9
Here, there, everywhere. Started off alongside Bowyer in the centre
and immediately got into the game causing Rangers problems with his
pace and quick feet. Passed the ball about quite well and worked like
a dog up and down up and down. Could have had a hat-trick but poor
finishing & indecisiveness let him down. However he did grab his
goal and a well taken goal it was. Moved to the left in place of Robert
after the break when Butt come on which gave Bernard a bit of defensive
cover. Overall a highly productive game from our vice Captain. Early
injury scare when he pulled up clutching his shin after a tackle but
he ran it off. Excellent performance and if he is to play a big part
in the Season and put those troubles behind him this is the level
he will have to maintain - he has the ability.
Laurent Robert - 5
Lacked oomph, urgency and a desire to get into the game. He should
be bursting a gut and running about like a blue arsed fly - especially
now with Milner (and Dyer) breathing down his neck to make that first-team
in 14 days time to face the Smoggies. Instead he just looked disinterested
and his casual first-half performance mustn't have pleased Bobby as
he replaced him with Butt after the break. Dyer did a much much better
job down the left. I know it's only Pre-Season but if Bellamy who
has just recovered from an injury can put himself about and go looking
for the ball then so can our Frenchman. Every player seemed to want
to show the crowd their commitment and desire for this coming Season.
Everyone sweated their balls off - except Robert. I'm sick of waiting
or finding excuses. If others can do it then so can he. So what if
he's out wide on the flank, being up front with two big strong defenders
on his back doesn't stop Bellamy. But Bellamy has something Robert
lacks - drive! Disappointing.
Alan Shearer - 7
Opened the scoring with a well taken penalty after Robert was tripped
and gave Boumsong a tough old game, although it has to be said the
French defender matched him all the way (he looks a class player does
Boumsong). Same old Shearer really, always scoring. Nothing spectacular
but a solid game up front. His partnership with Bellamy is clearly
a good one and it's great to see it back in operation again. It will
be interesting to see how Bobby manages both Shearer and Bellamy along
with Kluivert. Can 3 fit into 3 or is it a case of 3 into 2? Shearer
needs Bellamy - he just looks fresher whenever the little Welshman
is alongside him.
Bellamy - 9
Not even match fit and still in the recovery mode from his injury
yet he was still the best player on the pitch, the one player that
scared Rangers more than anyone. Bellamy had a great game, a typical
all action, none stop performance capped off with a great poachers
goal. Some of his touches and control were sublime. He has improved
vastly since he first signed and he looks a truly world-class player
when playing like this. It's a real shame he has these injury problems
because with him in the team we not only play much much better but
we also invariably score goals - something we didn't do often last
Season. His pace and movement is terrific, his desire, commitment
and pressing of the opposition defence sets the whole tempo of the
team. He may be small but he's a massive massive influence and seeing
him win balls in the air against 6 foot plus defenders is awesome.
On this performance the message to Bobby must read: Drop me if you
dare. How could he? He literally tore Rangers to shreds and was involved
in so many of our moves he is like the oil that loosens the rust.
My man of the match. Outstanding!
Subs brought on:
Martin Brittain - 7
After coming on for the injured Ambrose he settled into the game straight
away and he looks to have a quality right foot - his deliveries were
certainly quality, a cut above Ambrose's it has to be said. Very encouraging
performance. Looks strong and a good runner, helped out Hughes and
wasn't afraid to get stuck in. I'd be quite pleased to see more of
him this Season and on this performance there isn't much difference
between him and Ambrose. Well played.
Nicky Butt - 6
Come on for Robert at half-time and you could spot straight away what
his duties will be - to protect the back four. Got a warm reception
and had a decent game, a nice comfortable game for him. Got forward
quite a lot surprisingly (with Bowyer dropping back) and picked out
a canny few passes (supposedly his weak spot). Welcome to the Toon
Nicky, hopefully he will play many games and put in some great performances.
Shola Ameobi - 5
Come on for Shearer with 20m minutes left and didn't really get into
the game. A few neat touches and a couple of lay-offs but nothing
significant.
Michael Chopra - 5
Come on for Brittain with 10 minutes left and just hugged the right
touchline. Again he didn't get into the game much but he supplied
the telling cross for Dyer's goal that effectively won the game.
Kris Gate - 0
On for Bellamy in injury time. I don't even think he touched the ball. |
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