by JC_81 » Sun Mar 19, 2006 9:41 pm
Fair enough assesment Stu but I have to say I disagree about a couple of things.
Reina -6 - Had little to do, but to me looked quite indecisive when coming off his line. It's his job to shout to the defender if he's coming out. Twice in the 1st half the communication wasn't there, once with Sami, then Carra in quick succession.
Carragher - 6 - At fault for the goal and gave away free kicks in some dangerous positions. His form has dipped over the past few weeks but he's been a rock for so long and everyone's allowed a dip in form.
Hyypia - 7 - Dominated Shearer in the air, positionally sound as always.
Agger - 8 - The best of our 3 centre backs today. Stood up to the physical threat of Shearer and his distribution was excellent. Always finds time on the ball, this kid's going to be a player.
Kromkamp - 8 - His best display yet. He was described as a wing back when we signed him, now we know why. Good defensively and going forward. How did we manage to swap Josemi for him?
Warnock - 7 - Good performance. Commited as always. Looked a yard quicker today now he has had a few games to get his sharpness back.
Gerrard - 8 - Our best player today imo. He owed us a big performance after his recent displays. He dominated Parker and pushed him right back, his goal was top drawer.
Hamann - 7 - Solid. You know what you're getting every time. He always has a good game against Newcastle.
Kewell - 7 - I thought he did well, his movement created a lot of space for our other attackers today and he should have been played in by Cisse and then Garcia.
Cisse - 7 - You saw the good and the bad today. His pace caused problems and his cross for the 2nd goal was good, but his temperament has to be questioned again, as has his greediness.
Crouch - 8 - Involved in all the goals, you can't ask for much more. Was great as the focal point of our attack. His link up for Gerrard's goal was excellent.
Subs...
Garcia - 6 - Found space well but decision making was poor. Below his best again
Alonso - Unlucky not to score, had some nice touches and one good run down the left.
Fowler - Anyone else think he looked a bit miffed at only getting on in the last minute?
Happy with the result and the performance. Looks like we've got a couple of good players on our hands with Agger and Kromkamp and our players showed they are versatile enough to play in different formations when needed. A much needed win given the other results this weekend.