My ratings of the players today:
Brad Friedel - 1
Could have done better with at least two Newcastle goals, and is weak at dealing with crosses and corners, because he simply isn't fast enough to feel confident that he can come out and claim the ball. If a team is allowed to pressure him, his age shows.
Luke Young - 2
I am actually going to disagree with a number of boarders today who thought Young was better than Warnock today. He had a lot to do given the amount of times Albrighton lost the ball, but Jonas made a fool of him all game.
Stephen Warnock - 3
I think Warnock is tied with Dunne as being our 'best' defender out there today. He wasn't great, and he was caught out of position a number of times, but I thought he genuinely looked committed and came up with a number of decent interceptions. Routledge was not as good as Jonas, but still, I think if Jonas had been attacking Warnock today, he would have had less joy.
Richard Dunne - 3
Poor yes, but considering he was having to carry Clark as well as carrying out his own duties, I'm not sure we could ever have expected much better. Got taught a lesson by Carroll today, but I think many centre-halfs will suffer a similar fate this season
Ciaran Clark - 2
Tried hard, but was out of his depth. Why did he start ahead of Davies or Beye, who for all their faults are more experienced?
Marc Albrighton - 2
Tried too hard and was naive. In flashes he showed why he should not be dropped though, as there is no way Downing is better
Stewart Downing - 1
I don't know what he actually offers the team. He just doesn't seem to have any drive. I don't see how he can be a First XI player for us this season.
Stephen Ireland - 5
Had a very tough introduction to life at the Villa. Was compromised all game by being in a two-man centre midfield with Petrov, but when he could run forward into space, did enough to convince me that if we sort out our midfield around him, he could create goals for us.
Stilyian Petrov - 1
Our weak link in midfield. When you can make Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith look like speed demons, then you know you've had a bad game. Looked knackered even though he didn't travel to Vienna.
Ashley Young - 5
Never stopped trying even when most of the others had given up. Maybe made a few wrong decisions, but he was carrying the team for most of the match. Thank Christ we've still got him.
John Carew - 0
The penalty miss would have effected him undoubtedly, but it's no excuse for his woeful performance. He made Heskey look very decent by comparison. I think he will struggle to fit into the new style of play we are attempting at Villa now.