NUFC v LFC Player Ratings
By Wasim
December 28 2008
The scoreline says just how poorly we played today. Credit must go to Liverpool for the way they played though, their passing, movement and hard work was of a high level and for all to see. We started the game well, but once Liverpool got into their rhythm we just couldn't match them. We managed to create one or two nice opportunities and got a goal, but on this day,
Player ratings vs Liverpool
Shay Given (8.5) - Its unusual for a goalkeeper to concede 5 and still get this high a rating but the SAVES he made in the 1st half were top drawer, and we could well have conceded so much more if not for him. The best keeper in the league, without question!
David Edgar (6) - Took his goal nicely, but he just is not the answer at right back, when Beye is injured. Gave away the penalty and should be in the squad as centre back cover only in my opinion.
Steven Taylor (5) - Certainly didn't stake a claim for the right to be the 1st choice centre back again. Struggled to handle the movement of the Liverpool attackers and he'll want to forget about today, because the sooner he does, the better.
Fabicio Coloccini (5) - Probably his worst game in a toon shirt. The marking seemed non-existent while Liverpool looked as if they could score almost at will. He'll need to lift his game but fatique must be setting in also, as his played each game for us this season.
Jose Enrique (5.5) - Looked lively initially and really seemed up for it, however once Liverpool hit their stride, he was shown to be a weak link. Was taken off at half time and that says enough.
Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - Worked hard, had a decent game considering the scoreline, while his through balls were dangerous at times. Didn't get enough of the ball in the 1st half, and after that we were chasing the game.
Nicky Butt (4.5) - Apart from one or two quality sliding tackles, he just did not protect the defence while also gave the Reds space to work into and to dictate the game. Disappointing from him, as his been on good form lately.Taken off and rightly so though.
Danny Guthrie (6) - He was almost anonymous in the 1st half, but had a better 2nd half, while also setting up our only goal. His set pieces weren't bad, so thats a positive.
Charles N'Zogbia (5.5) - His effort can't be faulted too much but his final delivery can. He seems to promise so much but delivers very little, which is frustrating, mind you, his been changing positions a lot so that can't be helping him.
Damien Duff (7) - Was our best outfield player, by a mile. Looked sharp, full of tricks, and made some excellent runs. He began to tire late on, but a good game from Duffers non the less.
Michael Owen (4.5) - Was so little involved, I kept thinking, "we need Oba Martins". In a game where we had such little possession, he offered very little threat to the Liverpool defence. His goal scoring ability speaks for itself though, so perhaps the midfield should take responsility for his almost non existence.
Substitutes
Geremi (6.5) - He did well when coming on, with his brilliant free kick unlucky not to result in a goal. I'd be tempted to start with him in the next game.
Shola Ameobi (6.5) - He provided us with a new dimension when he came on, and did well. He seems an improved player.
Kazenga Lua-Lua (7) - I was very impressed with him when coming on. Looks good on the ball,likes to run at players, and looked lively overall. A bright young player coming through the ranks, great to see!
Man of the Match: Shay Given
Guthrie was no better than Butt, was worse in the first half with how many times he gave the ball away.
Can't give any outfield player higher than a 6.
Honestly don't know what to give Given, made some amazing saves yet let in 5.
We were pants really! Ameobi should have started in place of Butt...still, I don't even think that would have affected the scoreline. Although we may have had a few more chances first half.
Liverpool are a great side this season, I do think they will win the title. Lets be honest, I'd want them to win over Chelski or Manure anyday!
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Apart from a couple of runs late in the second half, he was appalling and looked like a little boy lost in a big lads game.
Also Ameobi was a disgrace. All this has been said before but the guy comes on makes one crunching tackle and then cant be bothered to run or harry. This bloke must be got rid of as he is stunting the growth of others at the club. How he gets in ahead of Carol is a joke.
Gerrard was awesome and desrved his standing ovation from every corner of the ground.
Agree that duff shows great enthusiasm and toil but unfortunately too often his work lacks the all important killer ball and shot.
Lots of dead wood, lots of work to do and so little time. Tick tock.
Yesterday wasnt about how bad we were, simply how good they were because many teams accross Europe would have been destroyed yesterday in a very similar fashion.
Having said that, this match needs to be forgotten now, as we have a big fa cup game in 3 days time. We need to perhaps start with a Kazenga Lua Lua and play him in a free role with Michael Owen up top or something, because Hull wouldn't know too much about him. my team would look like this:
Taylor Coloccini Bassong Enrique
Gutierrez Guthrie Geremi Duff
Lua-Lua
Owen
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Taylor gets 10 out of 10 for his well timed, textbook forearm smash on Reina
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