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Toon Player Ratings Vs Middlesbrough
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 Match
Date: 02 January 2006
By Howaythetoon
An in depth look at each individual performance from Newcastle's 2-2
draw with Middlesbrough at St. James' Park, rating the players, the
manager, Toon fans and the referee. Also included in our match analysis
are ratings for Boro.
Players |
Shay Given - 7 |
Once again those in front of Shay let him down with comical defending.
On another day the Ireland man could have conceded 5 goals, and yet
he never really had a save to make. He wasn't at fault for either
of Middlesbrough's goals and for him to play in this match, despite
a badly damaged thumb, shows the dedication of the man. He flung himself
into bodies and at the feet of attackers and although he winced once
or twice with that thumb obviously giving him jip, he was his typical
courageous self. Gets a 7 simply for being Lazarus.
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Peter Ramage - 7 |
Ramage after his horror show at White Hart Lane was United's best
defender and while that doesn't say much these days given the Sunday
League type defending, he had a canny game overall. Good in the air
and Middlesbrough didn't get much joy down that flank. Going forward
he wasn't so good, despite getting himself into some good positions
while his delivery leaves a lot to be desired, but he is a centre-half
playing at right-back...
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Jean-Alain Boumsong - 5 |
Boumsong looked a bundle of nerves on the ball in this game and defensively,
he got caught out of position numerous times, one instance resulting
in their second goal. He seemed to be struggling for pace too, with
the overweight Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink outstripping him for his goal.
Perhaps that thigh injury isn't helping? That and his continued problems
off the pitch. On this form he is a liability and we would be better
off signing a right-back and shifting Ramage into the centre or promoting
Huntington from the reserves that persisting with the Frenchman. The
longer Boumsong goes on defending like he has done for the majority
of the season, the less chance he will ever recover from it.
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Titus Bramble - 5 |
For Boumsong, read Bramble. He basically gifted Boro their first goal
by cheaply giving the ball away in midfield which left the defence
short in numbers which the away side capitalised on. In the air he
was pretty decent against Yakubu and Viduka, two very powerful strikers,
Bramble will never lose out in the power department but a return of
that infuriating carelessness cost Newcastle badly. Shape up Bramble,
there are no excuses for giving the ball away like you did or being
caught out of position.
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Robbie Elliott - 4 |
Elliott's a good lad, honest, hard working and he gives his all but
I'm sorry, he's just not good enough and his inclusion in the side
says a lot about the lack of foresight at our club and the lack of
talent in our Academy. McClaren had obviously identified our left
side as our biggest weakness and Boro exploited that flank to their
fullest, with Elliott time and time again getting caught out. Where
was he for their opening goal? Further more he could have giving a
penalty away, with deliberate hand ball in the box. He was rightly
subbed at half-time. It's not his fault, he's 33 now and after some
terrible injuries he just doesn't have the legs and no amount of graft
will compensate for that.
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Nobby Solano - 8 (My man of the match) |
Arguably his best game in a Toon shirt since his return to Tyneside
from Villa Park. Not vintage Nobbby but he was the only player on
the pitch who seemed to know what to do with the ball and every decent
aspect of our play (not much) went through the Peruvian. He and Luque
linked up very well down that right-side whenever the Spaniard switched
channels and of course, that goal. Another cracker to add to his Magpie
collection. He disappeared in the latter stages of the second half
as United played more through the middle and down the left but he
for me, had the biggest impact on this game from any of wor lot. Well
played Nobby.
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Lee Clark - 7 |
Many were cursing him at the final whistle, those that stayed for
the full 90 minutes, but his first Newcastle goal in 9 years was a
priceless one as it turned a defeat into a draw and I don't know about
you but, I fucking hate losing. Clark, his goal aside, had a canny
game, lots of energy, leadership in the middle of the park and his
passing was a feature of the game. Newcastle should never have to
resort to playing players like Clark, least of all resigning them,
but when the chips are down you want characters like Clark around
you. Someone who actually gives a shit, who will keep his head while
all others lose theirs. Smashing moment for him, well done lad.
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Amdy Faye - 6 |
I felt a sorry for Faye in this game as he did most of his best work
in defence filling in for the likes of Bramble and Boumsong who went
walk-abouts which meant the centre of midfield was often overrun by
Middlesbrough. As we pushed up in the second half and the midfield
started to get on top, he was much more prominent and forceful, getting
forward when Clark sat back and defending himself when Clark got forward.
Still, not really good enough with his passing as accurate as ever...
|
Shola Ameobi - 5 |
Shola started the game well with some nice touches but as Boro picked
up the pace he become a passenger and lacked urgency at times, dilly-dallying
on the ball, wasting possession cheaply and generally way off the
pace. Having said that he was obviously in some discomfort and that
troublesome hip of his forced him to stay behind at half-time, N'Zogbia
replacing him.
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Alan Shearer - 6 |
A masterful display in leading the line, won almost everything in
the air and protected that ball with his body as if his life depended
on it at times. However his centralised and statue-esque movement
often led to many moves breaking down. He never had many sniffs at
goal either to equal Wor Jackie's record but he did a team job as
ever, although it's sad to see him being used as a battering ram effectively.
|
Albert Luque - 7 |
It was a shock to see him start and up front too, but a welcome pre-match
boost nonetheless with rumours in the build-up to this match that
he wouldn't be in the squad at all. And he rewarded Souness with a
good game. His movement was excellent at times and on one occasion
he should have scored, breaking free but only managing to hit the
outside of the right-hand post. To be fair he momentarily slipped
and it was on his weaker foot. He lacked urgency at times and ducked
out of a few tackles as well as showing naivety, getting caught off-side
a lot. However he put in a decent performance overall and I'm personally
delighted to see him start, and to actually contribute something.
He also linked up well with Nobby superbly at times which bodes well
for the future... providing he doesn't get flogged of course. Well
played Luque.
Subs |
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Celestine Babayaro - 6 |
Came on for Elliott at half-time and surprisingly looked hungry and
actually got stuck in, showing strength, determination and cleverness
in defence at times. Linked up well with Zoggy too. I personally feel
we haven't seen the best from Babayaro and that there is far more
to his game, much more. It needs coaxed out of him I think.
|
Charles N'Zogbia - 7 |
Came on for Shola at half-time and he for me, changed the game. We
were sterile in the first-half and for large periods after his introduction
but almost on a whim, he started to take the game by the scruff of
the neck, actually running at Morrison who had a field day down our
end in the first-half and causing all kinds of problems. He was lively,
determined, snappy and he drove forward when on the ball which raised
our own tempo, and we play best when the tempo is high. He must start
on the left if fit.
Boss Man |
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Graeme Souness - 5 |
Zero marks for selecting both Ameobi and Elliott ahead of N'Zogbia
and Babayaro respectively, full credit for starting with Luque up
front and keeping him on for the entire 90 minutes. Tactics once again
were shockingly poor, but at least he opted to play a high line this
time and not so deep. Sadly, we conceded 2 goals by playing a high
line so it seems we can't win either way. Individual mistakes once
again costing us. However the shape and organisation of the side when
off the ball is appalling and needs addressed on the training pitch
because we are basically shooting ourselves in the foot with both
barrels every time we enter the field. He made the right decision
to bring off Elliott t half-time while Shola's substitution was forced
on him. I hope Clark taps him on the shoulder to remind him about
his equaliser the next time the Scot whinges about lady luck... providing
he lasts that long!
Mags |
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Toon Fans - 0 |
I know there isn't much to cheer at the moment and the football is
dire, but we need to look at ourselves on the stands. We rightly criticise
the players whenever they don't perform, well, when was the last time
we performed as fans? Once Boro went 2-1 thousands left and throughout
there was boos, jeers and chants of "Souness out" and poor
Luque got it in the neck from the idiots. Piss poor and out sung by
the worst fans in the Country who to be fair to them, actually turned
up for once. Although they were again short in numbers. Derby? My
arse.
Referee |
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Steve Bennett - 7 |
I wasn't taking much interest in Bennett's performance but I can't
remember getting off my seat to spit vitriol his way so he must have
had a fairly decent or average game. What I do know is that he didn't
award Boro a penalty when he could have so easily done so after Robbie
Elliott's blatant hand ball. He was quite fussy with stoppages and
free-kicks being took on the actual spot I seem to remember but nothing
really controversial to write home about.
Opposition |
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Middlesbrough |
Schwarzer - 6 - At fault for Clark's equaliser.
Parnaby - 6 - Didn't get forward much nor pick up Nobby well.
Riggott - 8 - Defended well against Shearer and Luque, their best
player.
Southgate - 6 - Not the Southgate he once was.
Pogatetz - 6 Started well and then disappeared.
Morrison - 7 - Causes us a lot of problems, looks a prospect.
Doriva - 5 - Was he even playing?
Mendieta - 6 - Saw lots of the ball and caused problems before going
off.
Viduka - 5 - Did nothing, glad we never signed him.
Yakubu - 7 - Caused lots of problems and scored.
Cattermole - 6 - A decent game from the youngster.
Subs:
Bates - 5 - Didn't get involved.
Hasselbaink - 6 - Scored and looked lively. Toon bound?
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