Newcastle-Online comment: 26th September 2004
 Shay
Given
Another solid, easy game for Shay where he was hardly tested.
Could do nothing about West Brom's goal and I thought his distribution
to the full-back channels were excellent at times. As ever,
solid and reliable.
|
7 |
 Stephen
Carr
No goal but another solid, assured game. Got forward well and
put in one or two decent crosses and mopped up at the back pretty
well too. Was maybe slightly at fault for their goal but an
otherwise solid, no nonsense game. He's getting better and better
and is proving to be an excellent buy.
|
7 |
 Andy
O'Brien
An easier game than he had against Southampton but like in that
game he was assured and defensively sound. Distribution is still
a weakness in his game, he can and should do better with the
ball, but he defended pretty well up against a tricky, if lightweight
attack. |
7 |
 Robbie
Elliott
He's a better centre-half than a left-back as he is proving
and once again he put in a good performance. Assured, confident
and his distribution was much better too. He reads the game
pretty well and he's good in the air. Could have walked for
a foul on Kanu but got away with it and although he was undone
once or twice he recovered and even found time to go on a mazy
run which was begging for a crack at goal, choosing to play
Bellamy in instead. Excellent alround game with one or two iffy
moments but nothing major.
|
7.5 |
Olivier
Bernard
Up against Jonathan Greening he wasn't tested that much and
should have had a field day down the left but as of late, he
just hasn't been getting forward past his man to the byeline
enough. Give away possession quite cheaply a few times as well.
Looks to lack confidence and seems to have his head in the clouds
at times. Anything to do with his contract?
|
6 |
 Craig
Bellamy
When off the ball he played on the right and when on the ball
he sort of roamed between Shearer and Kluivert and to be honest
he struggled to get into the game at times but there were a
few moments of classic Bellamy where his pace got him past his
man on a few occasions. Looks sedated in his new role and he
can play much better but he did a lot of running for the team
and I'm sure West Brom were happy to see him leave the field.
Was subbed for Laurent Robert after 55 minutes. Picked up a
knock as well. |
6 |
Nicky
Butt
Solid, no nonsense performance where he kept the midfield ticking
over and made sure West Brom didn't get much joy in the centre.
Passing wasn't that hot but he was involved in most of our good
play. Does the simple things so well and gives his fellow team-mates
confidence knowing he is there to mop up and break up play -
which he did quite well as always. |
7 |
 Lee
Bowyer
A much better performance from Bowyer in a game he stamped his
authority on. Strong, inventive and full of running which caused
West Brom trouble all afternoon. On another day he could have
had himself a hat-trick and it's great to see a midfielder wearing
Black & White bombing into the box and driving forward.
Hit the top of the post with a delightful chip from just outside
the box and tested Hoult on one or two more occasions in a performance
full of vigour, drive and energy. One nasty tackle, it looked
nasty from where I was sitting, blotted his copybook but that's
the player he is. Committed to the extreme at times. The floodgates
will open soon if he keeps chipping away and he's looking good
for a goal or two. Seems to enjoy playing alongside Butt. |
8.5 |
 Jermaine
Jenas
Played on the left in the first half and when Robert come on
he went to the right. An excellent performance alround from
Jenas where he covered every inch of the pitch, putting himself
about both defensively and in attack. Set up two goals, showed
some great skill and his passing and awareness was pretty impressive
too. Excellent game and for setting up two goals he just shades
Bowyer as my man of the match.
|
8.5 |
 Alan
Shearer
Big Al was hardly involved in any build up play but his presence
caused Hoult to flap at a few crosses and gave enough concern
to make the West Brom back four jittery at times. Scored his
customary goal in his 250th Premiership game for the Toon.
|
6.5 |
 Patrick
Kluivert
Scored his 4th goal in 4 starts and showed some glimpses of
his undoubted class. Neat touches and flicks didn't always work
and his partnership with Shearer needs time to gel but he's
looking pretty good in a Toon shirt. Good to see him tracking
back and coming deep to get on the ball. At times he was our
only creative outlet. Come off for James Milner on 76 minutes.
Also picked up a knock. |
6.5 |
Substitutes:
 Laurent
Robert
Come on with 45 minutes to play and changed the game. Give us
balance, creativity, drive, impetus and above all else - brilliant
delivery from the left flank. Crashed a right-foot effort against
the bar and ran and ran at his full-back, beating him easily
at times. Responded great to being left out and will have no
doubt gave Souness a selection headache. Well played.
|
7.5 |
 James
Milner
Come on with 14 minutes to play and within a few minutes of
being on the pitch he scored his first Newcastle goal with a
fumbled shot from two yards out after Jenas squared it to him.
He made an impact like Robert and will be vying for a start
on the right because whenever he has come on he's looked sharp
and lively. Done his man with a great bit of skill late on to
get to the byeline and his cross wasn't bad neither. Sadly Robert's
header was saved but he gives us something else down the right.
Worth a start against Sakhnin.
|
6.5 |
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