Spelarbetyg
Pressens spelarbetyg från Olympiakos matchen.
The Sun
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN: KIERON DYER (Newcastle) The catalyst for everything.
NEWCASTLE: Given 7, Carr 7, O'Brien 6, Bramble 7, Hughes 6, Dyer 8 (Jenas 6), Butt 7, Faye 7 (N'Zogbia 4), Robert 6 (Milner 6), Kluivert 6, Shearer 7. Subs not used: Harper, Taylor, Bowyer, Ameobi.
Newcastle-Online
Shay Given 7
Once again Shay had little to do in terms of saving shots as the Greek side were confined to speculative efforts but his handling and distribution was first-class. He looks happy again as United fight on two fronts. People talk about Shearer deserving a trophy, he isn't the only one. Shay does as well because he has been equally outstanding since joining the Toon.
Stephen Carr 6
Not a great performance from the Republic of Ireland man. He got caught out of position a few times and allowed his man to turn him once or twice far too easily for my liking. In the attacking 3rd he didn't get forward enough either. Overall though he stuck to his task, didn't hide and did enough to get a job done.
Andy O'Brien 7
Hyped up by his manager prior to the match O'Brien rewarded Souness' faith with a solid, concentrated performance. Gave away their penalty but for me that was a very harsh decision. Overall he was solid. Good in the air, strong in the tackle and composed. Well done OB, you did a job when called upon.
Titus Bramble 8
A fitness doubt before the match, Bramble strolled this game. He played at his own pace and put in a solid, professional performance. No nervous moments, no indecisiveness, just a composed and concentrated game from the big man. He's looking a £6m defender.
Aaron Hughes 6
Like Carr on the opposite flank Hughes got caught out of position a few times and turned by his man. No complaints from me however. Overall he did a job given the circumstances and for someone playing out of position, he's not doing too bad.
Kieron Dyer 7
Newcastle's main outlet. Prior to the match the Greek fans had him marked down as our danger man and he showed why he had them running scared with an energetic, penetrating performance. Got at their full-back, was good on the ball and it was his run that brought about our first goal. Dyer was subbed on the hour mark for Jenas. Fast becoming an important player and playing well. Lets see if he can do it in every game now!
Nicky Butt 7
Won the midfield battle and while the Greeks were down to 10 and then 9 men he did a lot of pressing and played a few delightful balls - one which found Milner who set up Kluivert for his goal. He's not pretty but he's effective.
Amdy Faye 7
Like his fellow midfielder Butt, Faye did a defensive job and it was his early pressing, forceful challenges and running that gave us a foot in the game and got us off to a good start in the game. Again, not pretty but very effective. His passing needs to be better though.
Laurent Robert 7
Like Dyer he was our main outlet and didn't he do well? Scored a cracking trademark free-kick to put us 2-1 up and was a constant threat on the ball with some neat passing and link up play. His set-pieces from corners were poor but he worked hard, created opportunities and scored a goal. That's all we ask Laurent, keep up the good work.
Alan Shearer 8
Captain marvel. A terrific performance from the No.9 who grabbed his 25th European goal, bullied their whole defence, won everything in the air and held the ball up superbly. He may be 34 but he can still cut it. My man of the match for his alround play.
Kluivert 5
Not a great performance from the Dutchman who looked lethargic. Easily pushed off the ball and not a threat at all - until he scored his 10th goal in a Toon top, his 40th in Europe. The 90 minutes will have done him the world of good but he must do better, a lot more.
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James Milner 6
Came on for Robert on 60 minutes and was lively throughout - taking on his man and beating him on a few occasions. Dribbled his way to the byline, cut into the box and set up Kluivert for his goal superbly. A real threat and an impressive cameo appearance. Well played.
Jermaine Jenas 5
Came on for Dyer on 60 and moved to the right. Gave Carr more protection and kept the ball well.
Charles N'Zogbia 2
Came on with 6 minutes to go and had little time on the ball.
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Graeme Souness 8
Picked the right lineup with two defensive midfielders to protect the back four and got his tactics spot on - hit the flanks quick and early. Once they went down to 9 men the message was to get a 3rd and to kill the game off, reserve energy for Sunday. A great night for the manager who talked a good game and played a good game. It's all going well for him and us at the moment. The performance wasn't particularly stunning and nor was the football, but who the hell cares when we are winning. He's certainly earning his corn and the team have improved greatly. Lets keep it going.
