Toon Player Ratings Vs West Bromwich Albion (a)
 Match
Date: 30 October 2005
By Gaz
Pearson
We take a look at each individual performance from the 3-0 win over
West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, rating the players, the manager,
the Toon fans, and the referee's performance.
Shay Given - 7
Shay produced one stunning save which was enough to keep us in the
match and proved a pivotal moment from which we were able to go on
and win the game quite comfortably as it turned out. In my opinion,
Shay is probably the most under-rated goalkeeper in the Premiership.
He has been consistent for a few years now and the 'breath-taking'
saves come as no surprise to Newcastle fans. Once again he was reliable
as ever and stood firm when called upon to produce that stunning,
world-class save which would have brought West Brom an equaliser.
Peter Ramage - 7
Ramage is improving with every game and put in another decent performance
again. He is currently playing with no fear and can only get better
with the more experience he gains. While he isn't the greatest going
forward and needs to work on his crossing, he did send in a brilliant
effort from which Shearer scored so you can't ask for more from a
full-back. An all-round solid game from the youngster who has not
put a foot wrong since making his debut last season.
Steven Taylor - 7
There were a few moments where Taylor missed a header or two but the
defence kept a clean sheet and he was very much at the heart of it
all, with a solid no nonsense game. He will have to handle Heskey
and Forssell next Saturday, two dangerous strikers on their day, but
he's playing to such a level, it seems he can handle everything. All
he lacks is experience and when that does come, it's frightening just
what he can achieve. Once again, solid as a rock.
Jean-Alain Boumsong - 7
Boumsong looked and performed like the player we saw towards the end
of last season. Strong and read the play well but he needs to produce
more displays like this week in week out. We don't want anything flash,
just solid consistent displays. All in all the Frenchman had a good
game I feel. Subbed late on for Bramble with what appeared to be an
injury of some sort. He should be OK for the Birmingham game though.
Celestine Babayaro - 7
Is it me or is Baba knuckling down all of a sudden? The rumour mill
is rife with suggestions that we are looking for his replacement and
it seems Babayaro has been believing what he has been reading. If
pressure is making him play like this then maybe we should sign a
new left back in January, imagine how he would play then. A solid
performance from the Nigerian who it has to be said, has been playing
like this all season. When he plays he's proving to be a solid consistent
performer.
Nobby Solano - 8
On his return to the midlands Nobby showed just why he is loved by
Newcastle fans. His inventiveness and creativity is second to none.
His passing and vision is superb and I for one am delighted he is
back down the right wing donning a black and white shirt. You know
what you get from Nobby... class. And he showed plenty of it in this
game with his deft touches and flicks, passing and eye for a run,
indeed it was he who set Dyer away for Owen's second and much of our
play went through the little Peruvian. Sensational stuff, a real joy
to watch.
Emre - 8
Emre pulled the strings in midfield like he did in the Derby and we
have a real gem in this lad. Eager, confident and a superb playmaker.
He reminds me of a young Georghie Hagi and if he becomes half the
player he was then we have a superstar on our hands. Emre ran a mock
in the midfield as well as tireless tracking back. Another who keeps
improving game by game as his fitness increase. There is a lot more
to come from this talented Turk too.
Scott Parker - 7
Time to forget about the England setup Scott, your face doesn't fit
it seems. However, keep playing like this for us and Sven must take
note, whether he likes you or not. But who cares? As long as you keep
the tenacious, battling performances up for Newcastle then you'll
be playing regular football for years to come. Another good game from
Parker who protected the back-four well and played a few neat balls
at the other end. A solid performer who since signing, hasn't put
a foot wrong.
Charles N'Zogbia - 7
N'Zogbia was tricky, direct and basically a headache for the West
Brom defence. Since Luque suffered his hamstring injury this lad has
really grasped his chance and now is deserving of a starting place
in the first-team such has been his impact. The little Frenchman offers
good balance and an attacking outlet as well as helping out in defence.
The cross he sent in for Owen's opener was a delight and his whole
game is improving on every level. A real find by Sir Bobby and John
Carver.
Shola Ameobi - 5
Shola, Shola, Shola. Do the Ameobi? Do yourself a favour... After
an amazing Derby day display what was this performance? You were given
the chance to show what you had and basically, you might have blown
it. How many more chances do you want? As far as I am concerned I
would give you the next home game against Birmingham to show everyone
that you could just be big Al's successor. Play like you did today
however and forget it. Must do better, every game.
Michael Owen - 9
What a player this lad is. How many millions did we pay for him? Probably
the best money we've spent since splashing out on Shearer. Two superbly
taken goals capped a fine game from the England man, despite a poor
first-half. Could and perhaps should have scored five but two will
do for me. Keep that up and the Premiership golden boot will be coming
your way and I'll be laughing all the way to the bookies. My
Man of the Match.
Subs
Alan Shearer - 8
Left on the bench. Busted lip. Going thin on top. Most players would
have done a Robert and walked off in a strop! Not big Al. Did what
he does best and came of the bench and scored. Wor Jackie's record
- not long now. Storming cameo.
Kieron Dyer - 8
Well well well look who it is. I almost forgot about you Keiron. Why
oh why can't you do this week in week out for an entire season? What
an awesome show. Tore the Baggies defence to shreds. His pace is frightening.
The only thing is... how long before the hamstring goes again? Nonetheless,
well played and a welcome back.
Titus Bramble - 6
A late substitution for Boumsong. Came on and did OK given his short
time on the pitch and United's superiority at that stage.
The Boss Man
Graeme Souness - 8
On cloud nine at the minute. After hearing excuses, after excuses
maybe just maybe the excuses were genuine? Finally players are returning
and so far we are going well. 3-0 away from home is not to be grumbled
at... especially considering WBA turned over Arsenal not so long back.
In such an inconsistent league (excluding Chelsea and erm...Wigan?)
a bit of consistency could see us really push up the table. His players
are back more or less now, so no more excuses. With no European distraction,
a good league position is a must for Graeme. Showed faith by keeping
Ameobi up front over Big Al but his faith wasn't rewarded. Pressure
lifted of his shoulders... for the time being at least. Well done
Souey, you got it spot on.
Magpies
Toon Fans - 7
Good support throughout with Owen in particular getting most of the
adulation with one or two new "Owen songs" being aired.
Good support for Souness too and the predictable "your support
is fucking shite", "shall we sing a song from you"
etc. while boring, is better than nowt I suppose. Oh, and a welcome
return of "hey hey Shearer" ditty.
Referee
Howard Webb - 9
Probably the best referee performance we've had in a while. Kept the
game flowing, made the right decisions and used his common sense.
Shola for example treaded a tightrope with his persistent fouling
but Webb was intelligent and communicated with the players, despite
lots of pressure from the home support and plenty of moaning and whinging
from Albion players. |
