Williamson and Perch given pass marks by Chris Hughton
Aug 20 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
CHRIS Hughton reckons Mike Williamson and James Perch passed their first Premier League test with flying colours – but has warned both there will be no let-up as Newcastle United strive for top flight safety.
Both were top flight debutants at Old Trafford as Newcastle suffered opening night defeat to Manchester United but Williamson, who didn’t play a game for Portsmouth last season, impressed with a resolute display alongside Fabricio Coloccini.
Things were tougher for Perch as he made his bow at right-back but Hughton saw enough to feel confident sending them out against Aston Villa’s flying wingers.
“I was pleased with both of them – particularly Mike. They were up against pretty much the best around and they did well," he said.
“It was a tough one for both of them at Manchester United when they were up against Wayne Rooney, Nani and Dimitar Berbatov but I thought they equipped themselves as well as they could on a tough night.
“Mike made the one mistake which he got away with but other than that I thought he was very comfortable against some great players. The likes of Rooney, Berbatov – their movement is superb and it's a tough night for any defender, especially one making his debut in the Premier League.
“I have no worries about Mike. He is a good player, a good trainer and he only wants to get better. He is the sort of player who takes things in and he will have learned from Monday. I think that both of them will only get better for the experience."
Hughton’s charges were back in training yesterday for the Villa clash and the boss will use the run-up to Sunday’s game to remind them that there is no room for error in the top flight.
Although still smarting from the Manchester United defeat, he believes the foundations for a successful survival fight are in place.
“The disappointment of losing hasn't gone away,” he said. “We don't like to lose any games but the reality is that we always knew it was going to be tough. There will be plenty of clubs beaten at Old Trafford this season and the season starts again for us on Sunday.
“For 33 minutes the performance was everything that I wanted from us. We limited them to a few chances and probably had the best chance, to be honest.
“But I was really disappointed with the timing of the goals. To lose the goal, the most important thing was to get to half-time without conceding another one but we did.
“I think we have to make sure we don't switch off at crucial times like that in future games and that is what I will reminding the players of before the Aston Villa game.” Meanwhile, United have once again been criticised by Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier for their negotiating stance over target Hatem Ben Arfa. Newcastle are refusing to budge on their initial offer of a £800,000 loan fee with an option to buy for around £5.5million – which appears to have angered the Ligue 1 champions.
Marseille are now using the French press to try and generate a bidding war for his services but most of the clubs linked with wantaway Ben Arfa are not serious suitors for the player. Newcastle know that their position is one of strength and are prepared to bide their time – although Ben Arfa’s wage demands are understood to be another stumbling block. “This case is not complicated. On the British side, I asked them to add an option to buy if they stay in the Premier League,” the Marseille chief said.
“We will not let the British take us for idiots. We know them. They saw what was happening with Hatem and they come back.”
United have once again been linked with Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard and Norweigan prospect Per Skjelbred, who plays for Rosenborg.
