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For the second consecutive time, a two-legged tie in the Europa league involving Newcastle was decided by a solitary goal. It wasn’t until the last strike of the match this time that the outcome was decided.
Last night’s game was not much for getting you off your seat, as the two teams lacked a certain creative element to wow the onlookers. But Newcastle United were able to get the job done with a moment of magic from the feet of Sylvain Marveaux.
The win meant that Alan Pardew’s men go a little closer to ending the Geordies’ 44-year trophy drought, and in the process knock out one of the prime contenders for this year’s competition.
Man of the Match: Steven Taylor
Rob Elliot (GK) – 6/10
Did reasonably well, but got lucky from the Boussoufa free kick in the 85th minute which thudded off the crossbar. Stood firm when called into action, which was only once except the free-kick situation, when he stood strong to palm away a Samuel Eto’o effort from an acute angle. Has great distribution skills, both with his kicking as well as his long throw outs, but saw a couple of them being intercepted and brought the pressure straight back. Sometimes tried to be too cute for his own liking while trying to start things off with short passes to Tiote, even when he didn’t have space to maneuver.
Davide Santon (RB) – 6.5/10
Defensively astute, but could never quite stretch the game even when Anzhi were down to ten men. Has a natural inclination to cutt back inside, but with no authority with his left foot, brought attacks to a halt.
Steven Taylor (CB) – 8.5/10
A man of the match performance from the stalwart of the Newcastle defence. He was the difference between the two teams in the first half, as he put in blocks one after another to keep the Magpies in the game. His presence was felt on the offensive end as well, as he got himself in positions to trouble the Anzhi defenders on set pieces. The only blemish on the night for him was the opportunity he missed from six yards out to put Newcastle in front.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (CB) – 6.5/10
It was the first real shaky game for the French international. Lost out deep in his half on one occasion, and was then carved open via a neat one-two. The horror moment came when he played a listless ball from the penalty box straight at Ahmedov, but Anzhi weren’t clinical enough to punish the defender. Regained composure however, and put in some vital tackles to break up Anzhi on the break.
Massadio Haidara (LB) – 7/10
Showed real maturity at left back, especially on the defensive end. However, he was indecisive going forward and had nothing to show for his efforts but for a few crosses put in.
Vurnon Anita (CAM) – 6/10
The Dutch international failed to impress once again. Showed little composure on the ball and nothing on the creative front as well. Ran his heart out, but was lucky to stay on the pitch after a horror tackle on Zhirkov which resulted in only a yellow.
Cheick Tiote (CDM) – 6.5/10
Took over the captain’s armband after Yohan Cabaye was taken off due to groin troubles, but showed a lack of leadership qualities. Lost the balls on numerous occasions and failed to switch play decisively when Anzhi went a man down.
Yohan Cabaye (CM) – 7/10
Was the epicentre of all good things that Newcastle did going forward. The Magpies lacked a certain zing after he had to come off.
Sylvain Marveaux (RM) – 8/10
The Frenchman was the the only real threat to the Anzhi goal and caused Zhirkov trouble throughout the game. Put in some beauties from the set pieces and had a final say in the game with the cross that lead to the goal.
Moussa Sissoko (CAM/LM) – 6/10
Not a game to remember for the Frenchman, who has taken the Premier League by storm. Started the game on the left and was brought back to the centre later on to involve him more. Missed a beautiful lay-off and then a header from about a 10 yards out.
Papiss Cisse (FW) – 7/10
Nothing except the goal. Was starved of service once Cabaye went off.
Substitutions:
Jonas Gutierrez (CM) – 6.5/10
Came in for the injured Cabaye. Not much from the Argentine going forward, but lent a solidity at the middle of the pitch for the home side.
Adam Campbell (LW) – 6/10
Full of enthusiasm and running, but lacked positional sense. However, he certainly brought energy to the Newcastle team.
Vladimir Gabulov (GK)- 7.5/10
Authoritative in the box and dealt with all the things that came his way. No chance in preventing the goal.
Andrey Eshchenko (RB)- 7/10
A threat on the right going forward in the early goings and played in Eto’o early on for an opportunity which the Cameroon international dragged wide. Came up trumps defensively on most occasions against Haidara but got very little change out of the Frenchman going the other way.
João Carlos (CB) – 7/10
Enjoyed a comfortable evening as Cissé was starved of any quality service. Had to be at his best later on after Gonzales saw red.
Ewerton (CB) – 7/10
Like his partner at the back, Ewerton didn’t see much action. Was troubled by the presence of Taylor on the set-pieces and was beaten by Cissé for the winner eventually.
Yuri Zhirkov (LB) – 6.5/10
A high boot on Marveaux may have seen him heading down the tunnel on another day. Thwarted much of Marveaux’s efforts but eventually got carved by the Frenchman, when the latter found space to whip in the cross for the winner.
Jucilei (CDM) – 7/10
Held his own at the middle of the park and provided a shield to the backline. His presence ensured that Newcastle were unable to show much in terms of penetration through the middle.
Carcela-González (RM) – 4/10
Energetic on the right in the first half. Then conceded two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes to turn the game on its head.
Odil Ahmedov (CM) – 7.5/10
Provided the pivot for the Anzhi team. Had only one chance at goal when Yanga-Mbiwa’s errant free kick struck the Uzbek, but managed only to hit the side netting.
Lassana Diarra (CM) – 7/10
He was great on the break, and if not for a certain Steven Taylor, would have put the visitors two to the good early on.
Mbark Boussoufa (LW) – 7/10
Started to create havoc in the early stages but failed to have much of a say as the game wore on. Hit the crossbar in the 85th minute.
Samuel Eto’o (FW) – 6.5/10
Couldn’t dictate the game as he would have liked. Was bottled by the efforts of Taylor and Yanga-Mbiwa. Expect much better from the world’s highest paid footballer.
Substitutions:
Oleg Shatov (CM) – 6/10
Replaced Lassana Diarra for the final 15 minutes but didn’t have much of an impact on the game.
