Newcastle United

2.35

• 
  0

  0

  1.50

  Tim Krul Flop of the Match

  Kept his side level in the first half with two great saves, first getting down well to prevent Michu's effort before standing tall to thwart Shechter when through on goal. However, his good work was undone by a poor clearance in the build up to Michu's goal and then a sloppy save that allowed De Guzman to double the lead.

• 
  0

  1

  2.00

  Davide Santon

  Often looked to overlap on the flank and provide support for Ferguson and then Sammy Ameobi in the second half.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Danny Simpson

  Steady at right-back, but offers little going forward. Sometimes found wanting against the impressive Pablo Hernandez, and was replaced with 20 minutes to play by Gael Bigirimana.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Mike Williamson

  Made a couple of mistakes which he was fortunate to see swept up by Steven Taylor and Tim Krul respectively. Solid in the air though.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Steven Taylor

  The stand-in captain stepped up to the plate with a strong defensive display, making a number of crucial tackles to thwart Swansea's fluid attack. Possibly could have done better for Swansea's first goal, but was outnumbered in defence.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Shane Ferguson

  Deployed on the left-hand side, the northern Irishman continued to trouble the opposition with a series of crosses, although failed to find the standard of previous outings. Also never looked to take on Angel Rangel at right-back and was replaced at half-time by Shola Ameobi.

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Vurnon Anita

  The Dutchman was always prepared to show in the middle of the park alongside Tiote and his tackling was solid throughout. May be yet to consistently make an impact for his new side, but showed glimpses in the second half.

• 
  1

  0

  3.50

  Hatem Ben Arfa

  Lively display from the Frenchman, who once again looked the most likely for his side this afternoon. At his best when cutting in from the flank, and was unlucky not to score another spectacular goal after his effort from distance drew a great save from Tremmel.

• 
  1

  0

  2.50

  Cheikh Tiote

  Alan Pardew said in the pre-match build up that the Ivorian's season began today, and Tiote gave an improved performance on his return from suspension. His tendency to hold onto the ball instead of clearing often had the crowd frustrated, but he patrolled his defence well this afternoon.

• 
  0

  0

  2.50

  Demba Ba

  Limited to long balls from his team-mates for much of the game, but battled away well. Should have opened the scoring from a Ben Arfa cross, but was unable to guide his free header on goal, and missed an equally golden opportunity early in the second. Finally scored let on, but should have done so much earlier.

• 
  0

  0

  2.00

  Sammy Ameobi

  Dropped deep early on in search of the ball, but also offered an option in behind when in possession. A promising display, but the youngster was wasteful late on before being replaced by Sylvain Marveaux.

Substitutions

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  0

  0

  2.00

  Gael Bigirimana

  Came on in place of Simpson for the final 20 minutes, but failed to help boost his side.

• 
  0

  0

  Mehdi Abeid

  Made a late cameo in place of Sammy Ameobi.

• 
  0

  0

  3.00

  Shola Ameobi

  His introduction at half-time clearly lifted Newcastle, with the striker able to hold up the ball and allow his team-mates to pile forward.

Swansea City

2.88

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Gerhard Tremmel

  Was on hand to thwart Ben Arfa's driven effort in the first half and also to cut out Shola Ameobi's cross as Ba looked to get in on goal.

• 
  1

  0

  2.50

  Garry Monk

  The Swansea captain coped well alongside Williams, although his clearances were often miscued. Again, fortunate that Ba did not take advantage of the space he was afforded.

• 
  1

  0

  2.50

  Ángel Rangel

  Easily kept Shane Ferguson at bay in the first half, but did not have as much joy in the second, with Sammy Ameobi's pace difficult to cope with while Davide Santon also provided an added headache.

• 
  2

  0

  2.50

  Ben Davies

  The Welsh youngster continues to deputise well for Neil Taylor, although was at times beaten by the tricky Ben Arfa.

• 
  2

  0

  2.50

  Ashley Williams

  Looked solid in the air and battled away well against Ba, but fortunate to keep a clean sheet this afternoon - something more down to with Newcastle's failings in front of goal.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Leon Britton

  Performed his job well - sitting deep to protect his defence and lap up any stray balls, and is brilliant at regaining possession before launching the counter attack.

• 
  5

  0

  3.50

  Michu

  Lively display from the Spaniard, who forced a good save from Krul early in the game and proved problematic when attacking from deep throughout. Took his header with ease in what is an increasingly familiar sight in the Premier League.

• 
  3

  0

  4.00

  Pablo Hernández Top of the Match

  The visitors' best player, Hernandez was at the heart of the majority of Swansea's attacking play. His through ball found Dyer early doors, while he drew two great saves from Krul before teeing up Michu to open the scoring.

• 
  2

  0

  2.50

  Nathan Dyer

  Started brightly and should have opened the scoring following Pablo's defence-splitting through ball, yet dragged his shot just wide. Often looked a threat until his substitution early in the second half.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Jonathan De Guzmán

  Combative in midfield and also prepared to drive forward to provide support in attack. Capped his display with a great finish to double Swansea's lead and in turn ensure victory.

• 
  1

  0

  2.50

  Itay Shechter

  A nuisance throughout, with the striker linking up the play nicely. However, failed to threaten Krul when gifted a great chance on goal in the second half. Replaced after 65 minutes by Agustien.

Substitutions

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Wayne Routledge

  Replaced Dyer early in the second half. Played a superb ball to release Pablo and impressed upon his cameo return to St. James' Park.

• 
  2

  0

  3.00

  Kemy Agustien

  Introduced with 25 minutes remaining in place of Itay Shechter. Looked strong in the middle of the park, and was keen to get forward with driving runs.