Player ratings and analysis following United’s 3-0 win over Portsmouth in the League Cup at St. James’ Park the other night with manager, ref and opposition ratings too.

Harper - 6

One save very early on that I missed but other than that Harps had little to do throughout the game from what I can recollect - except for general sweeping up which he was very impressive with and maybe one or two other half chances he had to deal with. He was largely a bystander in the second-half.

Taylor - 7

Playing at right-back in place of Carr Taylor had a pretty solid match defensively and actually got up and down the flank in support of the attack quite well, especially in the first-half where in quick succession he made two lung bursting gallops forward. His distribution was OK too and he got himself into the box once or twice. He has to stop the theatrics though because he just looks like a complete cock-end and he needs to bring those arms in a bit and time himself better. Got beat once or twice as well but overall, a confident and assured performance from the young centre-back. Replaced by Ramage with minutes remaining.

Moore - 7

Captain on the night the Toon man put in a composed and unfussy performance, shackling Cole and Lua Lua well and marshaling that back-four of ours to almost perfection, especially with the off-side trap. Won lots in the air too and his calm and assured leadership gave the rest of the defence confidence.

Bramble - 8

This was the type of performance from Bramble that makes you want to slap him because he really was excellent and did not put a foot wrong, not once. His passing was also decent and it was his bone crunching tackles that shook the Pompey attack out of an early rhythm, which proved a huge factor in the way we played at the other end because they withdrew into their shell as a result and in Lua Lua’s case went into complete hiding. An excellent performance and credit where credit is due.

Babayaro - 7

Would you believe me if I told you the Nigerian put in two thunderous challenges and looked committed? Well he did and he was, Babayaro had a pretty decent game defensively and supported Duff well at times when the Ireland man came on, although his passing was a bit wayward and in the air he wasn’t too convincing but overall he had a good game.

Solano - 9

In the first half he along with others just wasn’t having any particular kind of impact despite working hard but after the break he was the catalyst of many a fine move with his vision, touch and passing range which made a mockery of the conditions. He also took his two goals well and got himself a rare header. If we are to play him he needs to get himself into the box more because you can picture many a full-back forgetting all about the little man and he has proved down the years he isn’t too bad in the air. My man of the match and whatever fatigue problems he has shown in recent matches he put in a good shift against Portsmouth and more than lasted the distance.

N’Zogbia - 7

In the first-half he was perhaps our best player along with Milner and Bramble and was our only real threat with his running, evasive trickery and direct thrusts towards their goal and while he didn’t quite have the same impact after the break he played a key role in the center and showed his desire to get on the ball and in the game by popping up in other positions.

Butt - 7

Without Parker in the team it was Butt’s job to protect that back-four and to provide the midfield with an anchor to play off and around and he did it effectively and with conviction for me. His passing was quite good, his tackling tough and hard, his discipline valuable and his support in attack when we had a man over always a danger to Pompey with the former England man getting himself into numerous shooting positions which he sometimes took up and other times switched play. Overall he was canny good I thought, surprisingly good and has been like that in recent weeks from what I’ve seen of him. Replaced by Dyer with 30 minutes left to go.

Milner - 8

Playing out wide on the left Milner played two types of game: in the first-half he pressed, harried and snapped away while trying to provide some width and working like a dog, while in the second-half he was more attacking and spent more time playing the ball and finding himself space, even switching flanks - all to good effect. He was simply everywhere and for me was the hardest working player on the pitch which set an example to the rest of the team who followed suit. His end product is still missing but his effort, passion and running was a key factor in this game. Could have scored himself a wonder solo effort in the first-half after some amazing play but it wasn’t to be. A fine performance from the lad.

Martins - 4

Not a great game for the Nigerian who didn’t impose himself enough on the game to get into it and while the conditions and our penchant for the long ball early on played a part in his disappointing performance he didn’t exactly make the runs and show strength on the ball to give the midfield much of a choice but to ignore him. He showed his pace twice in the 45 on a night when he should have been running at their defence at every turn and his only real sight at goal saw him test James’ nerves with an audacious chip that landed on the roof of the net. Other than that not an awful lot. Must do more. Subbed at half-time for Duff.

Rossi - 8

The on-loan youngster’s first start in a Toon shirt saw him score his first Toon goal, justifying Roeder’s decision to play him. But Rossi gave us more than just a goal, he gave us something we’ve lacked up front all season - movement and sharpness which the Man Utd man had in abundance, taking his goal extremely well and proving a real threat throughout. Surprisingly strong on the ball and a tireless worker he has played himself into the team for tomorrow with this promising performance. Well played the lad.

Subs

Duff - 7

He changed the game when he came on for Martins, hugging that left touchline allowed Milner to roam and at times we looked very good down the left and while he is still to reach any kind of peak for United since his move this was a good performance from the Ireland man who set up Nobby for his goal and linked up brilliantly with the forward line at times. He still overdoes it though and needs to start looking up and passing it more and not be so ball greedy or head down all the time. More crosses like the one sent in for Nobby please!

Dyer - 5

On for Butt the forgotten man came on and immediately showed that electric pace of his with a lung bursting run which took him a few moments to recover from. He came close to scoring too and got himself forward with ease at times. I’m not even going to comment on his latest injury though…

Ramage - N/A

Boss

Roeder - 7

Our poor start to the season has rightly brought pressure on Roeder and there were many questions being asked of him and his team prior to this match but he and his troops answered them all, and in style as it turned out with a comfortable win. I thought he got the selection and tactics right and the team were clearly charged up before the match as they were flying into tackles and working their balls off, so well done to Roeder and the lads. But… if we don’t win at the weekend this win and performance in the League Cup will mean nowt. Fingers crossed.

Referee

Andre Marriner - 7

He had a decent game I thought given the conditions and tried to let play flow, he was also right to allow the game to go ahead and to be fulfilled even though the ball was sticking in parts and players were losing their footing all the time. Unfussy and officiated well.

Portsmouth - 6

They disappointed me to be honest and they also bottled it I thought. O’Brien and James were their two best performers, the rest neither here nor there really. I know they were missing a few players but so were we and given their excellent form and our own poor form, we looked a class apart. It was good to see OB and Cole back at St. James’ Park and they got a good reception from me and a good few others. Lua Lua, well he was insignificance, not worthy of jeering but equally not worthy of applause as he did nowt in a Toon shirt.