Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
By Wasim
August 31 2009
Alan Smith was judged Man Of The Match for his performance against Leicester City this evening, by Tyne-Talk's resident player rater Wasim4nufc. He narrowly claimed the title ahead of Nile Ranger and Danny Guthrie who also received high ratings. Read on to see how the rest of the team faired......
Player Ratings
Steve Harper (7.5) - Was extremely solid today, making some good saves and coming to get one or two crosses when he needed to.
Ryan Taylor (6.5) - He had a decent game, but nothing close to his best game either. Made some good runs forward.
Steven Taylor (7.5) - Commanding at the back and just the presence we need. He communicated well with the defence, and we so need him to stay!
Danny Simpson (7) - Struggled in the air against Howard, but otherwise had a good game, for someone whose usually a right back. Good to see someone with pace in the centre of defence.
Jose Enrique (7.5) - Always tried to get forward when he could, while looking comfortable with the ball at his feet. Dealt strongly with his defensive duties as well. His really been very consistent this year, and I sure as hell hope we can keep him for the season.
Danny Guthrie (8) - Showed good ball control as always while his goal was a superb strike. Lots of composure and its great to see midfielders scoring more frequently this season.
Alan Smith (8) - Looks to have found his role this season. Did well as captain too, with him always talking to the others and making sure we kept focus with the job at hand. I can see Butt struggling to get into the team now.
Joey Barton (6) - Seemed to lack match sharpness but he did have his moments here and there. He did however give the ball away sometimes too.
Geremi (6.5) - Inconsistent game from Geremi. Did some amateur things like give the ball away needlessly, but almost scored with some neat skill moments later for example. Worked hard though for the team, most of the time.
Kevin Nolan (7.5) - Seems to be his old self again. He made some great runs, kept the ball and was the perfect link between midfield and striker. I can understand why Bolton want him back!
Nile Ranger (8) - Considering it was his first league start, he deserves a high rating. Here's why. He won quite a lot in the air, provided the pass for which Guthrie then scored from and worked tirelessly up front. He simply seemed to get better as the game went on and thoroughly deserved his standing ovation.
Substitutes:
Vuckic, Kadar and Donaldson - N/A although Kadar looked decent.
Man of the Match: Alan Smith
Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)
Date: 31/08/2009 22:41
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 31/08/2009 22:43
For me I still think Ranger deserved his MOTM champers with Smith coming a close 2nd for his commitment
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: Omar_786 (IP Logged)
Date: 31/08/2009 22:47
ranger, smith, enrique were solid !
nice passing from joey b... even though our side had no pace we did the basics well
toon toon
He's The Next Ronaldo (Sir Bob R.I.P)
nice passing from joey b... even though our side had no pace we did the basics well
toon toon
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: wasim4nufc (IP Logged)
Date: 31/08/2009 22:52
Looking back I was probably harsh not to make Ranger MOTM, but I think its a good thing if its a hard decision who to make MOTM. If I had to be critical of Ranger's performance he did only manage one shot at goal while I thought Smith was good in his role as captain and defensive midfielder. Both deserve credit though, and so do the rest of the team for showing the commitment and will to grind out the result even if it wasn't our best performance.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 31/08/2009 22:54
Completely agree not very often we are in a position to determine who should be MOTM lolol
Nice ratings overall
Nice ratings overall
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: waffles (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 04:41
I think Geremi has been very respectable these last two games, but I don't think he can play a full 90 minutes. His solid play comes in spurts. He should have had a second goal with his strike. He'll make a great 20-30 minute substitute once we get more fit.
Our midfield has been class this season. They have great chemistry with each other and are putting the ball in the back of the net. I'm sure it helps that Ryan Taylor, Guthrie, Barton, and Nolan are all from Merseyside, but their communication with each other has been quite impressive.
I feel like Ranger deserves MoTM for all the chances he created rather than had. Nolan, Barton, even Smith all got shots on target due to his great hold up play.
Our midfield has been class this season. They have great chemistry with each other and are putting the ball in the back of the net. I'm sure it helps that Ryan Taylor, Guthrie, Barton, and Nolan are all from Merseyside, but their communication with each other has been quite impressive.
I feel like Ranger deserves MoTM for all the chances he created rather than had. Nolan, Barton, even Smith all got shots on target due to his great hold up play.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: senyabtoon (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 10:50
good ratings and i also think ranger was motm buy a country mile
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: detox1978 (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 13:27
I think Smith edged MOTM as he helped out alot with Howard and timed his tackles very well in difficult conditions.
Also, think Enrique wasted alot of passes.
Also, think Enrique wasted alot of passes.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 16:01
Well done on the ratings Wasim.
MOTM hard to say,
Ranger - Brilliant.
Smith - I'm not usually a fan but he worked very well last night.
MOTM hard to say,
Ranger - Brilliant.
Smith - I'm not usually a fan but he worked very well last night.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: wasim4nufc (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 16:03
Chris Hughton comments on Alan Smith:
"It was an excellent display. What we've got with Alan is that he's enjoying a run of games for the first time in a long time.
He's going to get fitter and fitter and better and better. His commitment is outstanding and I thought he really set the tone tonight."
Totally agree with that. That's why I think him being captain is a good thing.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
"It was an excellent display. What we've got with Alan is that he's enjoying a run of games for the first time in a long time.
He's going to get fitter and fitter and better and better. His commitment is outstanding and I thought he really set the tone tonight."
Totally agree with that. That's why I think him being captain is a good thing.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 16:09
Ranger was really good and was a hard role to play but I thought Smith edged it as some of his tackling was fantastic and his all round battling was great
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 17:02
Still don't think we're getting good value for Smith until he starts scoring goals. Hopefully that will come soon.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 17:06
Your right, that was a weak effort last night.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 17:10
Left-footed and all, from what I heard. It's harsh, but I can't help but judge him against the fee paid and the wages he's (likely) on.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 19:35
I do agree with Hughton's quote above though. He is building on a series of games/fitness levels which we havent had before with him. He is being given the responsibility of captaining a side on a regularly basis rather than intermitently (sp) and that shows. He needs the responsibility I feel to stick a game and make the challenges he made last night without getting carded - and he truly got stuck in.
Take away the run of games and use him as a bit part again and he will probably end up injured and go back downhil performance wise.
I am not his biggest fan and have to say I've suprsied myself but i am starting to see a side to him we havent had at this club yet but that he showed at his previous clubs. Commitment and the ability to get stuck in and do a lot of leg work.
If he keeps it up I may even become a fan of his.......
Take away the run of games and use him as a bit part again and he will probably end up injured and go back downhil performance wise.
I am not his biggest fan and have to say I've suprsied myself but i am starting to see a side to him we havent had at this club yet but that he showed at his previous clubs. Commitment and the ability to get stuck in and do a lot of leg work.
If he keeps it up I may even become a fan of his.......
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: lostmekeys (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 21:22
smith, yeah, great give him a run, he's sure to be more effective down here. but the captaincy? not for me.
i havent been this guys biggest fan, but one player has been playing as captain all season, just without the armband. instead of doing the wrong things, like he has previously, pumping his fist to the crowd before making a stupid tackle in front of the ref, or going missing up the pitch when a move broke down, our best centre half has been doing all of the right things. he's talking to his defence, ordering them out of the box when needed, has become more aware of early signs of danger and has taken responsibility in every game so far.
i'm now all for steven taylor getting the armband, as soon as possible
i havent been this guys biggest fan, but one player has been playing as captain all season, just without the armband. instead of doing the wrong things, like he has previously, pumping his fist to the crowd before making a stupid tackle in front of the ref, or going missing up the pitch when a move broke down, our best centre half has been doing all of the right things. he's talking to his defence, ordering them out of the box when needed, has become more aware of early signs of danger and has taken responsibility in every game so far.
i'm now all for steven taylor getting the armband, as soon as possible
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: becksa09 (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 21:30
honestly im happy with Smudge this year - he has looked pretty good in CM other than the WBA game where everyone looked a little sloppy. I think he has shown fitness unlike any other time in his NUFC career.
Personally i would have made Steven Taylor skipper but aslong as he is ok without the armband then im cool with Smithy, or Kevin Nolan being skipper. We have some strong personalities out there like Barton, Nolan, Smith, Butt and Taylor and Harper so i think we are ok for commitment.
Personally i would have made Steven Taylor skipper but aslong as he is ok without the armband then im cool with Smithy, or Kevin Nolan being skipper. We have some strong personalities out there like Barton, Nolan, Smith, Butt and Taylor and Harper so i think we are ok for commitment.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 01/09/2009 22:08
Out of choice I would give Taylor the band without a doubt, Ive said that last season and wouldnt take issue with it this season.
I do however feel as I said above that Smith has used the responsibility of the band to his advantage and that shows
I do however feel as I said above that Smith has used the responsibility of the band to his advantage and that shows
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: wasim4nufc (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 09:22
Quote:Carys
I do however feel as I said above that Smith has used the responsibility of the band to his advantage and that shows
I agree with that. As much as I think Taylor should have been made captain, before the season started, I do feel Smith has taken up the challenge of the captaincy and led by example and really set the tone for the team. For that reason I wouldn't fix something that isn't broke just yet.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 09:48
I'd have preferred Taylor to have had the armband before the season as well I've never had much time for Smith.
Now I've seen the commitment shown by Smith and how he's played like a captain, I've changed my mind. Let him keep it.
Now I've seen the commitment shown by Smith and how he's played like a captain, I've changed my mind. Let him keep it.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: lostmekeys (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 15:24
i think we're in danger of overstating smiths improvement here.
he could also have had two red cards, in particular the sheff wed game where he deserved to go.
captain?
he could also have had two red cards, in particular the sheff wed game where he deserved to go.
captain?
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 17:28
I wanted Taylor before the season started but Smith has done excellent with the arm band, might as well keep him and then if Smith ever gets subbed or misses a game then give it to Taylor
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 20:14
Wow.
I completely agree with lostmekeys.
I do not at all like the current trend of giving a guy the armband to 'motivate' him (see also: Gallas, William). The selection of captain should be a reflection of who is the de facto leader of men on the pitch. From what I've seen and heard that's been S. Taylor, not Smith. I wonder, though, if Smith wasn't given the armband because Hughton feared Tayls would be sold.
I completely agree with lostmekeys.
I do not at all like the current trend of giving a guy the armband to 'motivate' him (see also: Gallas, William). The selection of captain should be a reflection of who is the de facto leader of men on the pitch. From what I've seen and heard that's been S. Taylor, not Smith. I wonder, though, if Smith wasn't given the armband because Hughton feared Tayls would be sold.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: lostmekeys (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 20:34
Quote:tunyc
Wow.
I completely agree with lostmekeys.
I do not at all like the current trend of giving a guy the armband to 'motivate' him (see also: Gallas, William). The selection of captain should be a reflection of who is the de facto leader of men on the pitch. From what I've seen and heard that's been S. Taylor, not Smith. I wonder, though, if Smith wasn't given the armband because Hughton feared Tayls would be sold.
gonna frame that!
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 20:36
Best mates are we!
But seriously, soon enough we'll be right back to
![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: Biffins Bridge (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2009 23:52
Maybe if he is captain and playing half decent there was/is a chance that someone will pay half decent money for him. Just a thought.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: Note To Self (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 00:34
If he did become captain and was putting in consistent good performances...would we want to sell him?
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 17:41
YES!
I wouldn't mind his being a departure in January at the historically inflated prices we're seeing right now-but only if we'll get in someone new, which we won't.
I wouldn't mind his being a departure in January at the historically inflated prices we're seeing right now-but only if we'll get in someone new, which we won't.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: wasim4nufc (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 18:11
I wouldn't. The thing is we can't afford to sell any players in January. Whether we have new owners or not. So I'd say lets get behind all the players, whether they were signed for free or 10m, lets give them a chance to prove themselves, just like Smith is doing, as a defensive midfielder this season.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 20:47
I support all the Toon's players. But if we're interested in the club's finances, we have to admit he's not the greatest value for money. If he consistently stays out of the book and bangs a few in, I'll revisit that.
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 21:15
Unless we are walking away with the league by Jan and promotion is guaranteed more sales will happen as the books will need to be balanced and players prices go up in Jan. It will be hard to say no, and keeping the wage bill down is more important incase we miss out
Re: Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd v Leicester City
Posted by: wasim4nufc (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2009 21:26
I do agree with keeping the books balanced and the finances of the club are important, I just think, that with the way Ashley has been doing things, he's sold players and not replaced them and the time has come now where we cannot see anymore go. Its a well known fact that a club has the best chance of promotion by bouncing back in its first season after relegation. Lets not get carried away with trying to balance the books in such a way that the squad becomes so weak, it will be unable to mount a serious challenge for promotion, which could be the case, should we sell more players in January.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.