The Ronnie reports that Toon duo Alan Shearer and Nic Dabizas have been named in the Opta Index team of the week following Saturday's victory at Bolton Wanderers.

They add - Shearer not only picked up his third goal of the season at the Reebok Stadium but he made two other goals for Nobby Solano and Craig Bellamy. In addition, it was the threatening presence of Shearer that led to Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen handling outside his area and being sent off as Laurent Robert curled in the resultant free-kick for United's second goal.

Dabizas linked up with Andy O'Brien to help United keep their third clean sheet in their last four games.

The Opta citation on Shearer and Dabizas reads:

"Alan Shearer: The former England skipper was both goalscorer and provider as Premiership new boys Bolton were overrun by the power of Newcastle's attacking play. Shearer set up Nolberto Solano's opener just before half time and then with the hosts reduced to playing Bo Hansen in goal he grabbed the third for himself before putting Craig Bellamy in to make it four.

Nicos Dabizas: While most attention centred on Newcastle ramming goals past a makeshift keeper Dabizas was quietly going about a sound job at the back for the Magpies. Having frustrated England a week earlier it was now the turn of Bolton to struggle to find a way past the imposing Greek defender."

On this season's form Dabizas is fourth behind Steve Finnan (Fulham), Lauren (Arsenal) and Rio Ferdinand (Leeds United) as the top defenders in the Premiership under the Opta Index Ratings.

The Opta Index team of the week in a 4-4-2 line-up is:

Paul Gerrard (Everton); Steve Finnan (Fulham) John Terry (Chelsea) Nicos Dabizas (Newcastle) Gary Naysmith (Everton); Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal), Kerimoglou Tugay (Blackburn), Garry Flitcroft ( Blackburn) Robert Pires (Arsenal); Alan Shearer (Newcastle) Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea).

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001

Answers

Awesome players.

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001

Just goes to prove what you can do with statistics - as Softie has proven on a number of occasions!

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001

this is the 4th time Dabizas has made that list. TOP defender.

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2001