By Jimmy
December 29 2004

After watching the game from the comfort of his armchair, Jimmy gives us his player ratings for Newcastle United vs Arsenal. A game which United certainly didn't deserve to lose!

Well, From sitting at home watching the game on telly, I think this..

Given - 6-Solid display as ever, Not even Shay could have stopped thier goal!


Taylor - 8-His best display so far this season for the youngster, showed he doesn't get nervous on the big stage, Very good tackles, I thought he was unlucky to get his card. Looking forward to when he gets his chance at centre half.

Bramble - 7-It was about the right time to put in one of his better performances. (right before January). He looked solid, his distribution was 50/50 from what I saw. Overall an improved performance to say the least.

Hughes - 7-Gutsy performance as ever, worked hard.

Bernard - 7.5-Looked dangerous going forward, linked up with Robert well. He kept Freddy quiet most of the game.


Defence - 7.5- Suprisingly solid display, looked dodgy in the first 20 minutes but they settled nicely. Still needs new faces though so freshen it all up at the back.


Bowyer - 6- Never stopped running, really worked hard, but alot of misplaced passes, and he gave away some needless freekicks. He needs to get more shots put away like he did at Leeds.

Jenas - 8.5- Star man, passed well, tackled well, worked hard, created and allowed the likes of Dyer and Bowyer to get forward.

Dyer - 7- Can't fault his work rate, he ran all day tracked back and got forward. Shame he can't pass, shoot or tackle.


Midfield - 7.5- Gusty performance, did well against the Arsenal midfield, closed them down and didn't really give them room to do anything. Good to see


Robert - 7- Suprisingly he actully did his fair share of getting back behind the ball, when he was in possession he looked dangerous, he linked up with Bernard well. His major fault tonight was his very poor set pieces. He only had about 3 decent crosses all game, thats usually his strong point.

Ameobi - 8- Considering he was only passed fit today, he was our most dangerous player, he caused Sol Campbell all sorts problems from the word go, He held the ball up well, and impressed with his ball control.

Bellamy - 6.5- Drifted out of the game after the first 20 minutes, he might of been away on numerous occassions if Ashley Cole hadn't been relentlessly fouling him and not being punished for his offences.


Forwards - 7.5- Did well, caused the Arsenal defence problems, we could have done with Shearers finishing today. If Shearer was playing we might have sneaked a couple of goals.


Officials - 3- Should have booked Ashley Cole after his second or third blatent foul, not his sixth or seveneth. Missed a blatent penalty in which Ashley Cole should have recieved his second Yellow. Taylor got booked for one foul.. Arsenal got away with about 20.

Discuss and post your own ratings here