Player Ratings: Newcastle v Sunderland
By Wasim
February 2 2009
A derby which could have changed our season had we won. Unfortunately we weren't good enough to win. Our first half was below par, although our left side offered great threat going forward. The second half saw us have more possession although we never really created clear openings.
The penalty may have been fortunate but all in all, we now have to focus on bringing in players before the deadline and then focusing on the next game.
Its going to be a battle to survive, but one that we capable of achieving.
Positives
* The link up play of Gutierrez and Enrique on the left.
* Bassong looking strong at the back.
Negatives
* Points lost at home.
* Local pride lost.
* Only 2 points from being bottom.
Player ratings vs Sunderland
Steve Harper (6.5) - Not quite Shay Given, but he had a reasonable game in goal. Was unlucky that despite making a save Sunderland still scored from the rebound.
Steven Taylor (7) - Was great going forward and didn't defend too badly either. Won us the key penalty also. Looked good on the ball as well.
Sebastien Bassong (7.5) - A solid defensive performance from Bassong. He dealt well with Jones, and was our best defender.
Fabricio Coloccini (5.5) - Almost cost us the game when Chopra stole the ball from him, and was also at fault for the goal. He should have been closer to Cisse, instead of playing the off side trap. He's confidence seems to be going, just as the teams is.
Jose Enrique (7.5) - He had a brilliant first half. Didn't play as well in the second half, but credit to him, he gave his all and did well. Perhaps he's starting to show off some of his potential.
Damien Duff (5.5) - Offered nothing wonderful in the first half, while although he had a better second half, he just isn't as big a threat as Jonas is.
Nicky Butt (6) - Not a great display from Butt. Expected more from him. Might need time to get use to playing with Nolan though.
Kevin Nolan (6.5) - Made some decent runs into the box in the second half, but not the best debut I have ever seen. Did make some solid tackles in midfield though.
Jonas Gutierrez (7.5) - Quality performance from him. Gave his all, caused problems, maybe just lacks a good final ball/cross. Never the less he had a good game.
Shola Ameobi (6.5) - Took his penalty briliiantly but overall he did not have a good game. In fairness though its his first game back since injury. Didn't link too well with Carroll too which was a concern.
Andy Carroll (6) - Tried hard, but he sometimes plays the ball backwards when he doesn't have to and stops a potential attack. He needs to learn, when to pass and when to look up. Nearly scored with a good header though.
Substitutes
Peter Lovenkrands (n/a) - Too little time on the pitch to judge.
David Edgar (n/a) - Too little time on the pitch to judge.
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Wastes chance after chance
Laziest player in the world
Cant even raise his game for a passionate derby
constantly gives free kicks away
Sell him for a quid today. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase!
Butt was avarage but again we missed Martins. No-one can shoot from distance or make a shot of nothing.
The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
His goin forward and play with guiterrez was really good to see aswell as the pressure he was putting on the right sided players of sunderland further up the pitch.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
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Drop Colocinni he had a few shocking games. And Taylor is a brilliant player. Why not?
The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!