Newcastle v Middlesbrough - Player Ratings
By Wasim
May 12 2009
Mark Viduka was judged Man Of The Match for his performance against Middlsbrough at St James' Park last night, by Tyne-Talk's resident player rater Wasim4nufc. Read on to see how the rest of the team faired .......................
Player ratings
Steve Harper (7.5) - He couldn't really be blamed for their goal, and was good at collecting corners when it was within his reach. He did well for me.
Habib Beye (7.5) - What an engine this guy has. Kept overlapping on the right, and was excellent in defence. Was unlucky to be involved in their goal but certainly showed what a key player he is for us.
Sebastien Bassong (8) - For me he was excellent. He handled the aerial balls efficiently and was solid most of the time, bar the odd occasion when Emnes got away.
Steven Taylor (8) - The scorer of the crucial equaliser, while he also made some key blocks. Overall he was solid and was up the battle as always.
Damien Duff (7.5) - He filled in excellently at left back, and deserves a pat on the back. He seemed to be a seasoned left back and for me that was impressive. Didn't quite perform as well in the 2nd half, but good game overall.
Danny Guthrie (7.5) - His delivery from set pieces were good generally while he also got stuck in and showed great passion for the shirt.
Kevin Nolan (7) - He got better as the game went on, although he seems to be lacking that goal scoring threat from midfield which made him a key man when at Bolton. Did set up the 3rd goal so perhaps he doesn't have to worry about that for now.
Nicky Butt (8) - Simply outstanding! I cannot fault him for anything tonight. His passing was good, tackles were won by him and he seemed to motivate the team with his commitment.
Jonas Gutierrez (5.5) - He flattered to deceive. He showed one or two encouraging moments but was well below par tonight. Was substituted and rightfully so.
Michael Owen (6) - He wasn't in the game as much but didn't have a bad game as such. Was taken off at the right time though.
Mark Viduka (8) - For me he was the difference between the two sides. His class and touch up front caused them endless problems and it was no surprise that he had a hand in one of the goals. Was also unlucky to hit the post with a great shot. Our best moves of the night generally involved him though so that says enough.
Substitutes
Peter Lovenkrands (7) - Killed the game off with a well taken goal and was lively when he came on.
Obafemi Martins (7.5) - Scored within a minute of coming on and inspired us when we needed inspiration. Great substitution by Shearer.
Andy Carroll (6) - Should have done better with his two late chances.
Positives
* We out of the bottom three, enough said!
Negatives
* Lets ignore them and enjoy the moment!
Man of the Match: Mark Viduka
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Steve Harper (7.5) - solid performance, confident on crosses.
Habib Beye (7) - Worked the flank well. unlucky on the OG.
Sebastien Bassong (9) - Dominated in the air and kept a lively forward quite.
Steven Taylor (7.5) - always looked dangerous on set pieces. Threw himself into challenges, which really helped settle the early nerves.
Damien Duff (6.5) - did a decent job, albeit rarely tested. Wouldn't want to see him play there against Villa.
Danny Guthrie (7) - Not a winger, but filled in well. He took his set pieces well.
Kevin Nolan (7) - Lack of movement from Owen limited his options on the ball to simple passes, which he did well.
Nicky Butt (6.5) - made some key tackles and was always buzzing around when needed. Passing is still woeful, several long balls that went out for goal kicks.
Jonas Gutierrez (6) - The only player to stretched boro with darting runs, sadly he's taken on Duff's title of 'produces nothing'. Substitution welcomed, which speaks volumes for his performance.
Michael Owen (4) - did a Shola, never saw him win a header or chase anything all game. When we attacked he made all the wrong runs. Often I look at midfield for not creating anything for him, but today Viduka won everything in the air and made himself loads of space, only for Owen to be absent.
Mark Viduka (9) - looked different class.
Substitutes
Peter Lovenkrands (7) - pace injection at the right time.
Obafemi Martins (8) - changed the tide of the game from largely Boro dominance. They had to defend more and this was visably to handle Martins.
Andy Carroll (7) - did his best with Butt's lumps.
Manager
Shearer: I was please with the line up. Substitutions were perfectly timed. He should get special praise for sorting out set pieces - especially corners. If he drops Owen for the next game i'll be really impressed with him.
Positives
* Owen wont be missed
* Viduka showed why he gets paid so much for so few games and will be a great asset going into the Fulham game.
* We're out of the bottom three..!!
Quote:wasim
Negatives
* Lets ignore them and enjoy the moment!
MOM: Viduka
i gotta say fair play to viduka he could have said i dont want to be a part of this but really showed the class he has ppl complain about his pace but he never was quick thats not his game he faired really well even showboated a little
This game wasn't pretty, and the center of the pitch looked wide open for Boro. Too many uncontested through balls past Butt forced Taylor and Bassong into action. Of our goals, only Taylor's showed any kind of finesse. The other two goals were out of effort. Nolan, Viduka, and Martins fought hard to win balls at the top of the box, and luckily that paid off.
I agree, that the center midfield defensively was poor primarily because Nolan was way up the pitch and Nicky Butt is too old and slow to cover that much ground, but if that's where he was supposed to be, then he did his job. The fact that he fought in the box and was a key contributor not only to the Lovenkrands goal, but also to the Martins and Taylor goals suggests that he was playing in position.
yet to be convinced by nolan, though he has come in at a tough time, and to a changing team each week. we'll see a better nolan next season i'm sure
+Since he never attacks he should do more defensive duties.