Player ratings - Villa (a)

Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 12 February 2006

Given - made one good save from a volley out of the box, but the rest of the game was routine bar the penalty save of course - 8

Babayaro - got a good reception when he went off and rightly so, he had a decent game, shame he threw it away and left us in bother - 5

Boumsong - no mistakes apart from one dodgy clearance. One excellent piece of defending that really got us out of jail as well. - 7

Bramble - similar to Boumsong but no real mistakes. The pair of them are winning more in the air which is good. - 7

Ramage - quiet game defensively, had a steady game though. - 7

Charlie - excellent game; lively, dangerous, got a goal as well. - 8.5

Parker - immense. Covered so much ground, gave the ball away once that I can remember and even then he won it back. - 9

Emre - kept things ticking over, so good at finding space for himself and others too. Knows how to spot a pass. Great game - 8.5

Nobby - played through the boo's and put in a good performance, had a hand in both goals. - 8

Alan Shearer - victimised by the ref who pinged him every time he jumped. Still set up the goal and worked hard though. One great tackle as well after he lost the ball - 7.5

Foluwashola Ameobi - this is more like it. A goal early on and a constant threat. Beat his man several times and really looked confident. - 8

Subs

Dyer - 7 - couple of runs but nothing too threatening. Great to see him back though.

Elliot - 7.5 - had a really good game when he came on, which was important seeing as we were a man down.

Bowyer - didn't really do anything, had one chance to breakaway but couldn't beat the defender. 6


A great team effort today, and once again we look a threat from open play. Confidence and team spirit has returned (huddle at start of the game) and more performances like this in the home games coming up would see us fly up the table.

Defence also looked much more assured, although the goal we conceded was soft. (Set piece)


Referee had a bad game. Insisted on penalising Shearer when it seemed easier to give decisions the other way. I haven't seen the penalty incident on TV, but it looked like he was running away from goal so not sure about the red card.

Villa played dirty, epitomised by Lee Hendrie's persistent fouling, Their boring tactics earnt them what they deserved, and a spirited performance from us was worthy of a win, albeit we were hanging on by the end.