Toon Player Ratings Vs Grimsby Town (a)
 Match
Date: 26 October 2005
By Paul
Mosley
We take a look at each individual performance from the 1-0 win over
Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in the League Cup 3rd Round, rating
the players, the manager and the referee.
Shay Given - 6
Given didn’t really have anything to do in this match to be perfectly
honest. Hi distribution again wasn’t really up to scratch, but he
never looked in danger of conceding a goal and he will be well pleased
at keeping a clean sheet, his 6th of the season from 14 games.
Peter Ramage - 6
Back at right-back Ramage was good but can do better (see his performance
against the Mackems). His throw-ins need serious improvement, and
if he is to continue to play at full-back his final ball needs to
get better as well, but otherwise he was fine and as the game wore
on he was much more confident. It's been quite a week for the youngster.
Steven Taylor - 9
Once again young Taylor proved to be our rock at the back. He has
taken advantage of Bramble’s injuries this season to firmly establish
himself in the side and with faultless performances like this he will
stay there. Hardly put a foot wrong all night and is one of our top
performing players this season and growing in stature with every game.
Just gets better.
Titus Bramble - 7
A quiet (and welcome) return to action for Titus. Probably not 100%
fit, but he was never really troubled in this match. Got in some important
challenges, but his passing was not up to his usual high standard
with many of his long range attempts way off accuracy. Looks a better
bet than Boumsong to partner Taylor at the minute however and his
return is a timely boost given the Frenchman's lack of form and confidence.
Celestine Babayaro - 7
Another welcome return and a decent on at that from the mysteriously
injury-prone Nigerian. Babayaro defended well and he occasionally
got forward to support N'Zogbia while playing with commitment and
energy.
Nobby Solano - 6
A quiet show from the little Peruvian. Not playing as wide as one
might have expected, tucked in more infield, he provided the occasional
touch of class without doing anything really of note. Still lacking
in match practice and fitness, as was shown by his premature withdrawal
but he did offer balance and others seem comfortable with him in the
team, knowing he's an outlet and rarely wastes possession.
Andy Faye - 7
A much better performance from the Senegal international in my humble
opinion. Faye wasn't as wasteful in possession as he usually has been,
and did brilliantly to give N’Zogbia an opportunity in the first-half.
As always he worked hard for the cause in midfield alongside Parker
before being replaced.
Scott Parker - 8
Parker worked so hard in midfield protecting the back-four and, always
helping out in defence, making vital interceptions, blocks and challenges,
with the type of performance we’ve come to expect since he joined
from Chelsea. A class act and is Mr consistency and becoming one of
those players who are irreplaceable.
Charles N'Zogbia - 8
A lively performance from the Frenchman, proving a constant threat
down the left. N'Zogbia had a good chance in the 1st half after Faye
played him in where a poor touch let him down, but stuck a brilliant
ball into the box in the second half where sadly nobody made any contact.
Just two features of another excellent display by the youngster who
keeps getting better nd better.
Michael Chopra - 6
A tough one to call. This was Chopra's first senior domestic start
in a long long time and he did seem a bit off the pace. Some awful
passing in the first-half especially, but he did brilliantly to lay
Shearer’s goal on a plate for him and to be fair he has just come
back from an injury and is still short of match practice and general
fitness.
Alan Shearer - 9
Shearer had a tough night up against some thug called Whittle, gave
him an accidental knock, then took a very deliberate (yet unpunished)
knock of his own. But he had the last laugh by ending a Captain’s
display with a brilliant finish, a typical Shearer goal. He may be
a wounded animal, but that’s when he’s at his most dangerous, as he’s
proved time and time again. My man of the match.
Subs
Lee Clark - 6
Came on for faye and didn’t really get involved, and picked up a daft
booking too.
Martin Brittain - 6
Came on for Solano and played a key role in our match winner.
The Boss Man
Graeme Souness - 7
Souness picked the only team he could pick really given the opposition,
injuries and personal rested. He brought on young Brittain for the
ineffective Solano, which worked a treat. The attitude of the team
was also spot on, doing a fine professional job without taking any
risks and showed Grimsby Town the respect they deserved. Oh, and we’re
in the hat for Round 4 this coming Saturday.
Referee
Mark Halsey - 7
Halsey only did one thing wrong on the night. Sadly it was a pretty
big mistake to make, with Whittle remaining on the field, and Shearer
incorrectly being allowed to remain on the field with a blood wound.
Otherwise, no complaints. |
