EPL 2011: Newcastle United v Chelsea Player Ratings (Newcastle United)

Tim Krul – 9 Contrary to what the scoreline suggests, the Dutch goalkeeper had an excellent game. Backed up his performance at Old Trafford with yet another fantastic display. Saved Frank Lampard’s penalty in the first half along with a string of saves to keep out Sturridge and Drogba before the two late goals were scored.

Danny Simpson – 6 Was given a torrid time by Juan Mata throughout the game and Salomon Kalou when he came on in the 75th minute. Was better than Ryan Taylor at left back though.

Fabricio Coloccini – 6.5 Was a commanding presence in the Newcastle United defence until injury forced him off in the 28th minute.

Stephen Taylor – 7 Was brilliant as he led the back line of the home team brilliantly after the departure of defensive partner Coloccini. Taylor could not do anything about the final couple of strikes from Chelsea, which ended the tie.

Ryan Taylor – 4 Newcastle’s worst player on the pitch. Was disastrous on the left flank. It was his no show on the left flank that led to the penalty and most of Chelsea’s attacks were launched from his end of the pitch.

Danny Guthrie – 7 Was a good performance overall from the former Liverpool midfielder. Was better than the other midfielders who played for Newcastle on the afternoon.

Yohan Cabaye – 6 One of those games that the Frenchman will want to forget quickly. It may be that the occasion got the better of him. Misplaced passes were aplenty from this man, who also committed a silly foul in the area to give away the penalty.

Gabriel Obertan – 5 This guy was no good against Chelsea. His crosses were dealt with comfortably throughout the night and I do not remember him beating 32 year old Ashley Cole on the run either. Woeful performance from the limited winger, who was rightly siphoned off by Sir Alex.

Hatem Ben Arfa – 5 A highly disappointing performance from the former PSG man. Was taken off at half time for Shola Ameobi.

Demba Ba – 9 Was unlucky not to have had a goal. A very energetic display from the Newcastle front man and on the balance of play, one feels like he should have had a goal to his name after drawing a fantastic save from Cech followed by a header off the post in the 35th minute of play.

Substitutes

James Perch – 6 It was not an easy task to replace Coloccini at the center of defence but he should be pleased with his display. Could not do anything about the two late goals scored by Chelsea.

Shola Ameobi – 8 A vintage display from one of Newcastle United’s longest serving players in recent history. He displayed awesome strength and determination to drive Newcastle forward. Was extremely unlucky not to have had a goal after beating Petr Cech with a ferocious shot from 25 yards out, which went out after hitting the cross-bar.

Sammy Ameobi – 7 Should be proud of his display. His movement off the ball and drive nearly leveled the scores before Chelsea completed the 3-0 rout as his shot was cleared off the line by England and Chelsea skipper John Terry.