Soccer

Another comprehensive win achieved with us not playing as well as we did against Birmingham The score might have flattered us a bit in the end but even though Newcastle enjoyed a fair amount of possession I can only remember one real chance when Barton shot wide in the 2nd half

We scored the goals at the right time and once again it was the link up play between Meireles Kuyt Maxi and Suarez that did the damage

The atmosphere in the ground was mainly subdued which was probably due to the ridiculously early kick off time The Geordies were their usual 'witty' selves with their abuse of Carroll quite pathetic At the end of the day he left because Newcastle wanted the money - it's not his fault they chose to replace him with Shefki Kuqi Is there a worse trio of strikers in the Premier League than Ameobi Ranger and Kuqi?

Ratings:

Reina 7 - another easy game with no real saves to make

Flanagan 7 - unlucky to be booked and moved to LB in the second half Again though he showed some real promise

Carragher 7 - Another composed performance marshalling the defence

Skrtel 6 - has a tendency to get too close to his opponents and I get worried each time he does that it will cost us

Johnson 7 - Surprised to see him back but did well at LB and then RB Looks to me as if he has improved defensively in the past few months but perhaps at the expense of his attacking

Meireles 7 - did well gain despite being out of position

Lucas 8 - another storming performance although he had a spell in the first half when he committed 3 fouls that could have earnt a booking

Spearing 7 - looked to be enjoying himself up against Barton and Nolan

Maxi 7 - another goal and a good performance Another one who has stepped up under Kenny when called on

Suarez & Kuyt 8.5 - Joint MOTM and it was good to see them both score not least because it helps my quest to win our work Fantasy League It was down the other mind from me but it looked like another bit of brilliance from Suarez to earn the penalty and the passing for the 3rd goal was brilliant

Subs:

Carroll 6 - didnt get much service but a lot of abuse which was met with loud cheers from us

Shelvey 6 - brought on again at LB and I see Kenny suggest that this is to see if there is any Roberto Carlos in him Unlikely I would think

Cole 6 - hardly had a touch after last weeks dramatic entrance

So 5th is now ours if we win all 3 remaining games including the one against Spurs but we will have to turn in the sort of performances away that we have at home

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