Newcastle-Online comment: 19th September 2004
 Shay
Given
Shay didn't have any real saves to make but he kept goal pretty
well under a barrage of crosses from both flanks. Solid, steady
and unspectacular. Couldn't have done anything for their goal
so no blame can go to him for conceding either.
|
7 |
 Stephen
Carr
Now this is the real Stephen Carr, the player who was regarded
as the best right-back in the Premiership 2 years ago. Defensively
he was superb, blocking a lot of crosses, winning things in
the air, shepherding, covering his fellow team-mates and he
scored a cracking goal to win us the match as well. Attacking
wise he got forward well and although he didn't send in many
crosses, today was all about remaining strong at the back and
he played a huge part in this. His leadership skills shone through
as well and this is his best performance since signing. Excellent
game and my man of the match.
|
8.5 |
 Andy
O'Brien
Up against it today O'Brien was commanding, strong, resolute
and authoritative at the back. Immense in the air - clearing
a hell of a lot of crosses from both flanks, making vital interceptions,
blocks and generally being a rash on the backs of Southampton's
forwards. |
8 |
 Robbie
Elliott
Like his fellow partner at the back he was strong and resolute
and although Beattie won quite a bit in the air against him,
Elliott was always there to mop up - playing an intelligent
game. In the end Beattie didn't get a sniff all game, largely
thanks to Elliott. Fine performance from a man hoping to be
rewarded with a new deal. If he can keep this level of performance
going there won't be many complaints. A big IF, but today, he
deserves the plaudits. Well done.
|
8 |
Olivier
Bernard
Best performance of the Season for the Frenchman who proved
he can stay focused, concentrated and that he can defend. Didn't
get forward often but that wasn't his job. His job was to defend
and he did it very well as the whole back four did as one unit.
|
8 |
 Craig
Bellamy
Playing wide right on the flank Bellamy didn't have his usual
high paced, full on type of game that he enjoys inflicting on
the opposition so much when playing up front but defensively
it was pleasing to see him put in a disciplined shift which
would have pleased Souness. He didn't like it, you could see
that on his face, but he stuck to his task and did a job for
the team. Sloppy passing and control in the final third let
his performance down slightly but he's had a great start to
the Season overall so no complaints from me. |
6 |
Nicky
Butt
The protective shield for the back four. Playing a deep role
as the anchor man Butt had a typical solid unspectacular game
where he put his foot in and broke up play. His leadership and
experience was vital and his calming influence played a major
factor in our win. |
7 |
 Lee
Bowyer
Defensively he done a lot of good and played, like most, to
a team solidity. Snapping away at ankles, putting in niggly
challenges and generally being a nuisance. As the attacking
midfielder though he was pretty poor in the final third and
his overall passing was equally poor. He can do much much better.
Which we will need. |
6 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Playing wide left on the wing Jenas put in a disciplined performance
and put himself about on a few occasions as well. Worked tirelessly
in defence and trying to support the forward line. Was economical
with the ball and off the ball he was everywhere - closing people
down, forcing them back and trying to nick the ball all the
time. He did well in the air too. An excellent job for the team.
Well done.
|
7 |
 Alan
Shearer
True Captain's performance. Battled like a tank and playing
alongside a big man in Kluivert he used the channels well as
he once did all those years ago alongside Sir Les. Looked sprightlier
and seemed to enjoy himself. Ran onto a loose ball into the
box that he shot goalwards, where Prutton smashed it into his
own net to give us our opening goal. Could have scored from
a couple of headers too and he was a tower of strength in both
halfs all afternoon. No great movement but from a defensive
and team point of view, he was excellent.
|
7.5 |
 Patrick
Kluivert
Started well and looked to be our main man as he found time
and space on the ball, playing others in but as the game wore
on he got bogged down in the defensive side of our game. Of
which he also made a big contribution to - tracking back and
clearing crosses from set-pieces. Quite sloppy on the ball at
times and his hold up play wasn't the best but he's still not
fully fit and at times today it showed. Was subbed in the second
half for James Milner. |
6 |
Substitutes:
 James
Milner
Come on for Kluivert in the second half and hugged that touchline,
keeping a cool head to win corners, free kicks and throw-ins
when under intense pressure from Southampton. Sent in one or
two decent crosses as well and looked lively. Worthy of a start
in the next match?
|
6 |
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