The Newcastle United players are put under the spotlight here, as we assess the individual performances of each player during the 3-3 draw versus Villarreal on 5th August 2006. Ratings are also given for the manager, the fans, and the referee.

Shay Given - The Irishman will probably be the first to hold his hands up and admit that he had a poor game. He definitely could have done much better with the first two goals, for it was surprising not to see him get his body in the way of the ball. Also had a lucky escape when Villarreal hit the post, after he had allowed the ball to pass through his legs. Furthermore, his distribution was extremely inaccurate, and he looked uncertain as to where to position himself and the wall during a Villarreal free kick. 4

Stephen Carr - Shay’s team-mate for club and country put in a few decent challenges, but was responsible for the tangle-up which led to the first goal. Looked sluggish when attacking, often happy just to pass the ball forward to an isolated Nobby Solano. 5

Craig Moore - The Australian was by far the most assured of our centre backs, using a combination of good positioning and anticipation to sweep up the danger. Worryingly, Moore seems to be the only centre back able or willing to pass the ball to the feet of our central midfielders - something that must be done to get the best out of the personnel playing in midfield and up front. 7

Titus Bramble - The former Ipswich defender was obviously not mentally prepared for this game. A lapse of concentration led to Villarreal hitting the post within the first few minutes. Meanwhile, lack of composure led to several wayward passes. 4

Celestine Babayaro - The left back linked up very well with Damien Duff, and passed the ball around superbly. The pair of them kept Villarreal’s right hand side pinned back for the majority of the match, and Babayaro thus found himself under very little pressure defensively. He still had the opportunity to impress in defence however, making one excellent last-ditch challenge in the penalty box. 7

Nolberto Solano - The adopted Geordie showed his outstanding quality at times, putting two or three outstanding balls into the box, including the free kick which led to our first goal. Unfortunately, this match also highlighted his weakness at getting around the full back, and with little attacking support coming from either Carr or the central midfielders, the Peruvian put in a largely anonymous performance. 6

Scott Parker - The skipper looked like a cat caught in headlights, often getting caught in possession by the hardworking Villareal midfield, and he was slow at moving the ball around. Often looking unsure whether to attack or defend, he did neither. 5

Emre - The midfield maestro played his usual game, coming deep to collect the ball from the defence and spraying the ball around. His short passing was very good, but despite showing excellent vision, his more ambitious passes were generally inaccurate, but this was probably an indication of low match fitness. The signs are good with Emre though, he will be a very important player this season if he stays free of injuries. 6

Damien Duff - Our new signing looks a bit sluggish right now, but he showed glimpses of his quality with some good passing, some good runs both on and off the ball, and even played an excellent through ball to Albert Luque. 6

Albert Luque - Our number seven showed moments of talent including an excellent cross into the box, some good passes, and made some excellent runs. Also, he tracked back well to win some tackles. It is clear however that Luque cannot be relied upon to play the role of number one striker, for he is not comfortable at living off high crosses and long balls. He made it clear from his football that as a second striker in a team playing football on the deck he could do a very good job. 6

Shola Ameobi - The striker again showed that if in the right place at the right time, he is more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net. Unfortunately, Shola never seemed to get near the ball in the box despite some excellent crosses by Solano and Luque. His anonymity in the box would be explained by his hard work in helping the unsupported Solano on the right flank. However, as the only out-and-out striker in the first team squad, he should be expected to remain disciplined and stay in goalscoring positions. 6

Substitutes:

Steven Taylor - Braveheart put in a steady but unspectacular performance, didn’t do much wrong, but didn’t do too much right either. 6

Jean-Alain Boumsong - The Frenchman offered further fuel to his critics by getting nutmegged inside the area, and by slipping twice when under little pressure. He was lucky that none of the opposition were in position to capitalise from his errors. 5

James Milner - The former Leeds United winger worked really hard when both attacking and defending, but it was difficult to tell whether he was meant to be playing as a striker or as a winger, and as a result of being caught in the no-mans land between midfield and up front, he was ineffectual in the final third. 6

Charles N’Zogbia - The French prodigy did well to stake a claim for a first team place, with his pace, skill and drive opening gaps up in the Villarreal defence. 7

Nicky Butt - The Toon outcast put in a performance that will have done him the world of good. He looked comfortable on the ball, and always looked to keep the ball moving forwards rapidly, and never lost us possession. He looks keen to win back his place and prove himself to the fans. Perhaps such a mentality will allow him to put in several good performances. Good luck to him. Also scored two goals, in case anyone didn’t notice. 7 and my Man of the Match

Peter Ramage The defender played one great left-footed cross into the penalty area, butwas otherwise anonymous but untroubled by the opposition. 6

Matty Pattison - The South African didn’t have much of an influence of the game during the time he was on the pitch. 5

Alan O’Brien - The youngster looks to be quite useful as an impact substitute, he used his pace and direct playing style to full effect, winning the two corners that led up to both of Nicky Butt’s goals. 6

Other important people:

Glenn Roeder - The gaffer fielded a team which although it contained the best eleven available individuals, the balance in central midfield and on the right flank did not seem right. It can also be said that we were not mentally prepared for this fixture, and Roeder has admitted this was the case and taken full responsibility for it. He did appear to get the team working better after half time, while his substitutions not only allowed several players to get a run-out, but also provided us with fresh-legged and determined players - just what was needed when trying to overturn a two goal deficit. 6

Villarreal - I can foresee another excellent season for the Spanish outfit, who showed a high level of organisation, discipline, and team ethos, reminding me of Wenger’s Arsenal. One can only imagine how good they are when the likes of Riquelme and Nihat are available. They need to work on defending set-pieces however, having conceded three goals from such a situation. 8

Mark Halsey - The man in black put in a sensible performance, perfectly happy to keep the cards in his pockets, and let the game play on when possible. He might have perhaps awarded us a penalty for handball, but it was a close call, and it’s only a friendly. Overall, Halsey was a perfect referee for a friendly match. Hopefully he can be just as good in any of our matches he happens to be refereeing this coming season. 8

The Home Support - A very decent 20,114 turned out for this match, and although they were quiet at times, they gave most players good support. The booing of Butt was a disgrace though - despite what has happened in the past, each player wearing the shirt deserves our support for every minute they are on the pitch. Bygones should be bygones. 5