Player Ratings: Newcastle (h)

Last updated : 10 November 2003 By Rich Godden
Carlo Cudicini- One of the easier games that Carlo will play this season. He can only save what's put in front of him and he effectively dealt with everything that came his way. And, after his Highbury gaffe, he has now kept four clean sheets in five games- that's what I call a good response! 7 out of 10

Glen Johnson- Stupidly sent off at Lazio in mid week and needed a good game to prove to Claudio that he wasn't a liabilty. And what a game he had- capped off with a magnificent goal to open the scoring! Such is Glen's presence down the right, we can actually afford to play with no right winger! The right back equivalent of Roberto Carlos?? Well, he's getting there! 8

John Terry- As commanding as ever, didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon. Although he will rarely have an easier day than this. 7

William Gallas- Back to last season's form- which can only mean bad news for the strikers of the Premeirship. 7

Wayne Bridge- Arguably his best game in a Chelsea shirt so far. Set up the first and last goals, always looked comfortable in possesion and couldn't be faulted defensively. 8

Claude Makelele- Does this guy ever have a bad game?? 8

Seba Veron- Another excellent performance by the Argentinian playmaker. Controlled the tempo of the match throughout, changing it from walking pace to blistering attacks in an instance- the mark of a great player! 8

Frank Lampard- Overshadowed by the performances of others, but still kept up his usual standards. Used possesion well and marshalled the midfield well. Got a bit lucky with his penalty though- Given probably should have saved it! 8

Damien Duff- What a player Damien Duff is! And to think that he is not yet the finished article! Newcastle will be glad to see the back of him as he ran them ragged all afternoon. Took his goal superbly! 9

Adrian Mutu- Another good game for the Romanian, who seems to be the perfect foil for Hernan Crespo. In fact he is the perfect foil for any of our strikers! Ran his heart out and didn't allow the Newcastle defence a moment's rest. 8

Hernan Crespo- In the Matchday Magazine, Neil Barnett commented on Hernan Crespo's movement off the ball being similar to Luca Vialli's (i.e magnificent). And he is right- Hernan causes defences so much trouble. My Chelsea Mad co-editor Liam Corbett summed it up perfectly... three touches, one goal- quality! 8

And now to the subs, who also played their part- although it qould be unfair to give them a rating!

Joe Cole (on for Mutu)- What an exciting player to watch, especially when you're winning a game by such a big margin! The crowd can't get enough of him!

Eidur Gudjohnsen (on for Crespo)- After last season, many people wondered if Eidur was still up to playing for Chelsea. Well, this season, he has been in superb form. Doesn't play as much as he maybe deserves to and his performance as a sub deserved a goal- which is exactly what he got!