Player ratings

[Christiffa25]

Howard 7 - Not really anything he could of done for the goals. Did what was needed, when it was needed.

Coleman 8 - Was brilliant all night defensively and attacking. Brilliant player.

Jags 7 - Played well and handled the long ball tactics 2nd half well.

Distin 7 - Same as jags, but special mention to his improvement in ball play from the back.

Baines 7 - Little bit below his normal attacking poweress IMO. Maybe he's missing pienaar.

McCarthy 8 - Best game for us so far, he did all the little things so well, and never stops running.

Barry 7 - Did his job as required, very important to our new team.

Osman 7 - Without being outstanding, was his best performance of this season.

Mirallas 7 - Only just a 7, thought he was very average, couple of moments asside. Hearing he picked up a injury after 25 mins so that would explain.

Barkley 8 - My god the lad is good! Great finish for the goal. Feel very lucky to have him. Feels very much like the Rooney situation all over again but I'm a lot more hopefull of him staying.

Lakaku 8 - (MOTM) How long have we wanted a proper quality striker? We'v got one, he's got goals, passing, hold up play, everything. Hope he falls in love with the club and Jose has other ideas for his forward line.

 

[blue61]

I'd rather give a team score. 9 in the first half, I thought we were outstanding all over the pitch. 6 in the second half, collectively, we stopped pressing Newcastle and became very sloppy at times defensively. If we produce more first half performances than second half performances, we'll do just fine.

 

[Christiffa25]

I'd rather give a team score. 9 in the first half, I thought we were outstanding all over the pitch. 6 in the second half, collectively, we stopped pressing Newcastle and became very sloppy at times defensively. If we produce more first half performances than second half performances, we'll do just fine.

It was always gonna be a tough second half tbh. Newcastle are still a PL side with good players, at 3-0 down they had nothing to lose and were always gonna come back into the game more. Was a amazing goal by cabaye that you can't really do much about, the second IMO at the death then flattered Newcastle a bit really. We needed a fourth really to finish the game off and were a little unlucky not to get that second half.

Not as bad second half as the score perhaps suggest. I also think in time RM will learn us how to close those sort of games out better. We're still work in progress.

 

[Pblueman]

wouldnt argue with either of the two OPs had to pinch myself several times during first half.

 

[Shaun4658]

Barry and Osman didn't play well mate. I'd give them both 6, but I agree with the rest of your rankings.

Just hope Gibson is back for the city game on Saturday as Barry can't play. We'll need him.

 

[Walken]

Howard - 7 solid enough
Coleman - 9 Superb player, great energy, his trick of tackling a player while turning them and sprinting off with the ball is such a huge asset
Baines - 7 Good game, will play better with better support in front of him
Distin - 7 Solid
Jags - 7 Solid and looked to get forward when the opportunity was there
Mirallas - 7 Some bright moments, feel he is a little wasted in a strict RW position, might be more effective cutting in on the left
Barry - 7 Knows his role and does it well
McCarthy - 8 Great energy, looked much better in a deeper role
Osman - 6 Solid first half, was wasteful in the second half
Barkley - 8 Will be the best english midfielder for the next decade, a natural footballer
Lukaku - 8 Brings so much to the team

 

[Eggs]

...Coleman my MoM, thought Distin outperformed Jagielka. Was happy with McCarthy but thought he and Barry were 2nd best after the break to the French lad they brought on. Thought Ozzie played well, but I am a fan of the little fella.

 

[Walken]

...Coleman my MoM, thought Distin outperformed Jagielka. Was happy with McCarthy but thought he and Barry were 2nd best after the break to the French lad they brought on. Thought Ozzie played well, but I am a fan of the little fella.

Strange one that, is Cabeye still out of favour after the summer, he might be a tit but I dont think they can afford to be without him

 

[Eggs]

Strange one that, is Cabeye still out of favour after the summer, he might be a tit but I dont think they can afford to be without him

...before the game his manager said he wasn't quite match fit but could play a part if required. He looked the part when he came on and suspect there will be a queue for him in January.

 

[Goat]

Strange one that, is Cabeye still out of favour after the summer, he might be a tit but I dont think they can afford to be without him

He had a slight thigh strain I read.

 

[Tubey]

He had a slight thigh strain I read.

Pardew said after the match he had discussed things with him and they had decided he "wasn't quite ready to start", whatever that means.

Don't think it was an injury though, I think he was referring to his tittishness over the summer.

 

[Pblueman]

apart from the wonder strike he did look a bit off pace. what a goal though. glad he wasnt on for 90

 

[bluejock]

Howard 6
Coleman 10
Jagielka 7
Distin 7
Baines 7
Osman 7
Barry 8
McCarthy 8
Mirallas 7
Barkley 9
Lukaku 8

 

[Jamo Martinez]

Martinez 8.5

 

[Tree13]

...Coleman my MoM, thought Distin outperformed Jagielka. Was happy with McCarthy but thought he and Barry were 2nd best after the break to the French lad they brought on. Thought Ozzie played well, but I am a fan of the little fella.

When does Distin NOT outperform Jagielka? The Frenchman was rock solid as always, whereas I feel some of blame for Remy's goal must be levelled at Jags, who was brushed away far too easily. Jags is far more susceptible to a bout of hoofitis than Distin too.

Coleman and Baines were terrific in both attack and defence.

Howard was maybe a little out of position for the first goal, but Cabaye's effort was placed exceptionally well.

Barry was very good, McCarthy less so but definitely his best performance yet. Osman had a great first half but his contribution diminished sharply after he missed his back post chance early in the second half. Probably should have come off on 60ish minutes.

Barkley was imperious. Absolutely loved his performance last night, he seems to work very well with Lukaku. Didn't really put a foot wrong. Lukaku was MotM, narrowly edging out Barkley. I found myself thinking that he should have been taken off with 15 minutes left simply to ensure his fitness for the next game, but equally he was central to everything we did in attack. Streets ahead of our current version of Jelavic. Number one priority in January should be making this loan permanent, if Jose is foolish enough to sanction it.

The subs were not on long enough to make an impact IMHO. I was ecstatic with the first half and credit to Martinez for that, however the second half was poor and no adjustments seemed to be made to counter Newcastle's more attacking play after halftime. Their second goal was very disappointing, but it was always coming as we seemed happy to concede territory and possession to them in the final 30 mins.