Here’s how Newcastle United’s players rated during their 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon…
Tim Krul – 6.5/10
Wasn’t tested much as most of QPR’s shots went off target but showed typically good footwork when on the ball under pressure.
Massadio Haidara – 8/10
Raided down the left-hand side at will and really caused problems for the QPR defence. This was a superb performance from Haidara and Alan Pardew will not have failed to notice.
Mike Williamson – 7/10
Harry Redknapp’s men were far from spectators today and caused Newcastle plenty of problems at the back (finishing aside). The fact that they weren’t allowed to create all that much in the final third was mainly down to strong defending from Williamson and Paul Dummett at centre-back.
Paul Dummett – 7/10
Pardew recently expressed his delight at the Magpies defender’s form this season and it was more of the same today as Bobby Zamora and Charlie Austin were relatively well contained.
Daryl Janmaat – 6/10
At times, the Dutchman showed glimpses of brilliance and linked play up well in the final third. The problem for Newcastle was that those times happened once in a while, while the instances where Janmaat wasted crosses and gave the ball away were all too frequent.
Ryan Taylor – 7/10
Looked really promising during his first Premier League start since March 2012 but was forced off injured with yet more knee problems before the break. The St James’ Park faithful will no doubt hope the problem is not another serious setback.
Jack Colback – 7/10
Shielded the defence well and – how many times do we say this every week – got back to make superb tackles, while also standing firm in midfield.
Moussa Sissoko – 9/10
His side’s match-winner, Sissoko did so much more for the Magpies than just score their winning goal. The Frenchman raided forward with his trademark long-strided runs time after time and his ability to partake in patient build-up play ultimately proved the difference for Newcastle once again.
Remy Cabella – 6.5/10
Showed creativity and was willing to get into the penalty box all the time. Just lacking in that final ball, however, and is still looking well off the pace in terms of strength.
Sammy Ameobi – 7/10
Newcastle’s biggest joy came down the left-hand side, as opposed to the right where things often fell flat with Janmaat, and that was in no small part down to Ameobi’s efforts out wide. Working brilliantly with Haidara, Ameobi delivered several threatening crosses.
Ayoze Perez – 6.5/10
A dangerous presence, Perez was unable to get on the scoresheet today and looked a little lost for ideas at times without a strike partner. Looked better once Papiss Cisse came on to help him but needs to work on his weaker side as he is becoming all too predictable cutting onto his stronger foot.
Substitutes
Yoan Gouffran – 7/10
Covered well for Taylor after replacing him and got forward well down the right. Pardew’s men looked more of a threat from that wing whenever Gouffran was involved and he delivered a few testing crosses into the box.
Papiss Cisse – 6.5/10
Gave his side an extra outlet after coming on and Newcastle will no doubt look to him as a regular starter once his hangover (not a literal hangover) from international duty is over.
Adam Armstrong also came on with only a few minutes left – but still enough time to get himself booked!
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