Opta Jury: Stephen Carr
Stephen Carr is the latest subject of our popular Opta Jury feature.
Stephen Carr had the honour of being Sir Bobby Robson's final signing as Newcastle United manager, yet the Irishman had little chance to impress the avuncular tactician before the Knight's sacking.
Carr, therefore, was part of a tumultuous season at Newcastle, with new manager Graeme Souness battling to steady the Magpies ship in troubled waters. A final Premiership position of 14th was not what the fans were hoping for, but lengthy runs in the Uefa and FA Cups at least demonstrated the club's fighting spirit.
Carr featured in only 26 of Newcastle's games last season, which was the joint-lowest total he has ever managed in a Premiership season (discounting 2001-02 which he missed completely due to injury). He was usually deputised by popular rookie Steven Taylor.
A closer look at the former Tottenham defender's stats over the past two seasons reveals that not much has changed since Carr made his move to the North-East. Indeed, this consistency has made him one of the better right backs in recent Premiership campaigns.
| Stephen Carr | 2003-04 | 2004-05 |
| Appearances | 32 | 26 |
| Minutes On Pitch | 2,808 | 2,135 |
| Goal Attempts | | |
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Shots On Target | 4 | 2 |
| Shots Off Target | 16 | 7 |
| Shooting Accuracy | 20% | 22% |
| Chance Conversion | 5% | 11% |
| Passing | | |
| Goal Assists | 2 | 1 |
| Total Passes | 1,205 | 1,049 |
| Pass Completion % | 76% | 80% |
| Crossing | | |
| Total Crosses | 96 | 82 |
| Cross Completion % | 24% | 28% |
| Dribbling | | |
| Dribbles & Runs | 138 | 75 |
| Dribble Completion % | 75% | 79% |
| Defending | | |
| Tackles Made | 78 | 66 |
| Tackles Won % | 73% | 76% |
| Blocks | 21 | 11 |
| Clearances | 136 | 91 |
| Interceptions | 16 | 24 |
| Discipline | | |
| Fouls | 54 | 28 |
| Offside | 4 | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 8 | 5 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
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Carr's chance conversion was better during his first season at St James's Park but that was largely because he did not unleash as many shots at goal as he did at Spurs.
His pass completion was also better, but he accrued one assist fewer. It was a similar story with his crossing and tackling too.
Has Carr been a hit, a miss or is the jury still out? Have your say using the feedback form below.
