Player Ratings: Newcastle (Carling Cup)

Last updated : 12 November 2004 By Rich Godden
Carlo Cudicini- Despite his lack of matches, Carlo looks as good as ever. Made several of his athletic saves, making them look easy due to his great agility. If he keeps performing like this, Cech will have a mighty fight on to keep the goalies jersey. 8

Glen Johnson- Given a rough ride by Laurent Robert. But this is character building for young Glen. Made a number of mistakes though and his distribution was very poor at times, he won't displace Ferreira from the side with showings like this. 6

John Terry & William Gallas- As Mad David Speedie put it on the messageboard, our two centre backs had Shearer and Kluivert in their pocket all night long. We could have played until midnight and they still wouldn't have had a chance! 10

Wayne Bridge- Still not quite the player he was last season, but he has been suffering from a persistent calf problem. A step in the right direction though as he handled Bellamy well for much of the game, although the Welsh winger still managed to get some change from Bridgey. 7

Scott Parker- Fantastic! Played with such pride and passion, and no one was more commited to the cause than Scotty. Its performances like this which show why Chelsea bought the former Charlton man, and if he keeps it up he'll keep his place in the side. Simple! 9

Tiago- Has mastered the art of passing the ball backwards, just needs to learn how to get it forwards! But his performance will be remembered from a glaring miss when he was clean through. 6

Paulo Ferreira- Didn't do badly in midfield, but spent a lot of his time helping out Jonno at the back. But I wouldn't like to see him deployed in midfield again, he just wasn't as effective as he is at right back. 7

Damein Duff- Never given enough of the ball, and when he did get the ball did little with it. Hopefully this is Duff's bad performance out of the way and he'll be back to his best when Saturday comes... 6

Joe Cole- Frustrating night for Joe. Always wanted to do too much and never really did a lot! Got booked for a reckless lunge on Bellamy and was one foul away from getting sent off. 6

Mateja Kezman- For the quality of his play, Mateja would get a 6. But he worked his socks off for the side and I feel he is not the type of player who can hold the attacking line on his own. But for his workrate, Mateja gets a 7