We got shots on target! We even got a goal! It was a game of two halves really. Encouragingly, there was little hoofballing today and that paid dividends when it came to possession and control of the game, which makes me wonder why Pardew hasn't always instructed to players to just retain possession and pass it on the deck. The first half was frustrating to watch at times, with the midfield looking almost afraid to attack. We were screaming out for extra bodies in the final third the whole time, but most attacks fizzled out due to the sheer lack of Newcastle players bothering to show up for the attack. The second half was much better once the boys seemed to find their attacking intent (thank you Benny). We really had Fulham under the cosh. The only worrying thing again was that despite having so many attempts at goal, we only scored once. Anyway, I thought I might as well have a go at doing some player ratings. KRUL 7 - Didn't have much to do all game, but good stop when called upon from that free kick. DEBUCHY 7 - Didn't set much of a foot wrong all game. I know all the criticism he's been getting lately. He was admittedly rubbish against City, but last season there were one or two performances where he really stood out. Somewhere under there, a good player is hiding and occasionally he shows it. Now if only he can do it consistently... MBIWA 7 - I thought he had a good game. Made some good tackles and clearances and generally defended well. Gave away a silly free kick in the second half but that did little to overshadow his overall performance. COLOCCINI 6.5 - Put in a solid shift, and defended well despite being caught out once or twice. SANTON 6 - Didn't have particularly much to do defensively, but did alright when called upon. He disappointed me a little attacking-wise today. His crossing was off, and too often he didn't manage to beat his man when marauding down the flanks. ANITA 6 - Had a decent game, but a few too many errors marred an otherwise decent performance. I liked the way he linked up play from time to time. Obviously he's the type of player who benefits from a shorter passing game. Didn't get forward enough to help out in attack for my liking though. SISSOKO 6 - Maybe he should be given a 7, but his passing in the first half was almost comical at times. He impressed me with his tirelessness. He really showed he's a box-to-box midfielder. Where does he get all that energy from? BEN ARFA 8 - Man of the match for us today. Although there were times during the first half I screamed at my TV because of some awful decision making. I can't blame the lad though - he doesn't look like he has much faith in his teammates, and with Ameobi and Cisse being useless up front I can almost forgive him for trying it all on his own. He made it all happen in the second half though, and every meaningful attack seemed to come from him. That world-class goal will probably confirm his conviction he needs to carry the team on his own. MARVEAUX 5 - Invisible for most of the game. To the extent I nearly forgot about him on here. How much did he contribute exactly? Things started happening after he was replaced by Remy. AMEOBI 4 - Probably the less said, the better. About as much use as an inflatable anchor. CISSE 5 - Am I alone in wondering when he'll ever score again? Showed some skill here and there, but generally his poor first touch and finishing let him down. Again. Time to consider replacing him with Remy, perhaps? SUBS: GOUFFRAN 6 - How many more sitters will he miss? Third time's a charm I hope... CABAYE 6 - Gave away a daft free kick and made some silly fouls, but he helped change the pace of the attack today. REMY 7 - Impressive cameo. I'd love to see more of him!
