Match Report 050305 at Newcastle United: Players want to win the Champions League

0-1 and it was a very dull performance, with 5 of the regulars missing. And the rest looks like as if they are still suffering from the League Cup hangover. We were never into the game and I don't think we will score apart from 2 Gerrard efforts. It may be more fair to have a draw but Robert's superb freekick changed the result.

On a bright note, Pellegrino finally shows his worth. He was superb at the back and completely marked out Shearer. More performance like this and Rafa will have no problem in extending his contract. Everton also lost so the damage of the lost is reduced to the minimum. If we don't finish 4th then the only way we can participate in the Champions League next year is to win it this year. But then we need to freshen up at Germany and wish we get an easy draw, if ever there is such a draw.

Player Rating:
Carson: 6 A quiet debut with very few things to do, and the Robert free kick is unstoppable.
Finnan: 6 A dull performance.
Carragher: 6.5 One of the better player on the pitch.
Hyypia: 6 An ordinary performance from Sami.
Pellegrino: 7 His best performance for us so far. He completely marked out Shearer.
Gerrard: 6.5 Surprisely on the right and have 2 shotting efforts but off target.
Biscan: 6 Doing the job of Hamann quite well.
Smicer: 6 Not an effective game for Smicer. I would be surprised if Rafa extend his contract based on a performance like this.
Riise: 6 More as a wing back position, but he should be doing more of the attacking work instead.
Garcia: 6 He had a spectacular bicycle kick early in the game but unfortunately it's just over the bar.
Baros: 5.5 He is too selfish and I think he is playing for his name instead of for the club. I won't be surprised if he is sold.

Substitutions:
Nunez/Le Tallec/Warnock: Unable to impress.

Rafa: 5 A dull display but he is robbed 5 regulars, especially Traore, Hamann and Morientes are well missed.

Newcastle United: A first win for Souness against us, and Newcastle is on the high. I won't be surprised if they can finish high enough to qualify for UEFA cup, or they winning a cup double. Maybe this is really the year for Shearer (although not winning the big thing)

Man of the Match: Pellegrino. Shown us wht Rafa rated him so high. More performance like this would be nice.