Newcastle v West Ham - Player Ratings
By Wasim
January 11 2009
The game proved to be very entertaining and the draw was perhaps a fair reflection of the game. There were positives and negatives from the game, but one things for sure, we need to strengthen the squad. We need a new central midfielder, who could perhaps take freekicks and a new left back for starters.
Fair play to West Ham though, they came to St.James park and played really well and deserve credit for that.
Positives
* Fighting back after being behind to get something from the game.
* Young Carrolls performance.
Negatives
* Conceding two goals at home.
* Lack of experience on the bench.
* Lack of good set piece taker.
Player ratings vs West Ham United
Shay Given (7) - Made a crucial one on one save from Noble in the 1st half, while he was not at fault for either of their two goals.
Steven Taylor (5.5) - A less than convincing performance at right back for him today. Didn't get any dangerous crosses in, while he looked a bit shaky on defence as well. Seems to have less confidence these days.
Fabricio Coloccini (5.5) - Was kept busy by the West Ham attackers, and he won't be pleased to have seen his team concede two goals. The fact that both their goals were worked through the centre, questions will be raised about his positioning.
Sebastien Bassong (6) - His dual with Carlton Cole was one of the highlights of the match. He did well in a few one on ones with Cole, but like Coloccini he won't be happy with the defence conceding two at home.
Jose Enrique (4) - He didn't defend that badly BUT he never seems to learn from past mistakes. He gives the ball away far too much, and it happens every game. He needs to get that out of his game. If I were Joe Kinnear though, my first words after the match to the guys in charge of recruiting would be, "Get me a new left back before the next game!" For me, Enrique's okay, but as second choice.
Jonas Gutierrez (7) - Was good going forward and probably our biggest threat on attack. I would also like to say and put money on him being the leading winger in the league to win the ball from the opposition because he does that regularly in games, and its great to see that commitment on defence. Quality player, who plays for the Newcastle shirt, the way it ought to be played.
Danny Guthrie (6.5) - His passing is excellent, although his set pieces weren't that great though. Decent game from him, but he needs a better midfield partner.
Geremi (4) - His defensive work wasn't bad, but his set pieces were. He wastes a lot of good opportunities and for that he gets a low rating.
Damien Duff (6) - A good assist for him for Carroll's goal, while he did get a few balls in to dangerous areas, the players just weren't there to meet it though, generally. Not a bad game, would have liked to see him more involved at times.
Michael Owen (6) - Scored the opener when in space, but apart from that he wasn't in the game enough for me. I suppose thats the type of player he is, does little whole game, but more than often finishes the game with a goal.
Andy Carroll (7.5) - Took his goal brilliantly, and was dangerous in the air, winning many balls for us. He does have a lot to learn still to be a premiership player, but on todays showing theres no reason to believe he won't succeed at this level, if he continues working hard.
Substitutes
Charles N'Zogbia (7) - His pace and direct running was just what we needed. He did well when coming on, and him playing centrally like he did when coming on, is something we should consider for the next game.
Man of the Match: Andy Carroll
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Great to see Carroll score though.
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Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
and over exaggerated for carroll
think defence didnt have as bad a game as made out by these ratings
also thought guthrie had a very good game and would put ahead of carroll
but jonas MOM for me
The crossing was particularly bad on Saturday, but I was glued to the screen, it seemed at any moment something was about to happen, at either end.
He got a high rating, based on his goal and his threat in the air, while he also got himself in and around the box, and dangerous areas, as we needed him to.
I'd like us to get a quality central midfielder to partner Guthrie, because I think he has lots of potential to be a top midfielder in the premier league, he just needs someone to help him a bit to take his game to the next level. I must admit Bassong, Guthrie, Gutierrez and Coloccini have all proven to be good buys thus far. Credit to Wise and co for that.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
bassong was lucky not to give a penalty away but is still young and learning (6/10)
geremi was awful and looked miles off the pitch and way off the premiership pace .. he needs to go a.s.a.p (3.5/10)
caroll top hair cut lad ! took his goal well could have had 2 (6.5/10)
spiderman nearly won it in the end unlucky son (7/10)
Bassong does need to learn not to hold on to the strikers that much, because on another day, those errors could cost us points. He did however also make one awesome last ditch tackle to Deny Cole I think it was an opportunity to give West Ham all 3 points, so there's more positive for him to take out along with his age and natural strength.
I hope we don't start with Geremi in the next game, Butt should be back in the team hopefully.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
In this bleakest of seasons, having a local lad score on his first full debut at the gallowgate end, he should get 10 out of 10.
End of for me.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life