"In total command" – Newcastle Journal
"Absolutely outstanding" – Sir Bobby Robson
"Newcastle’s star man" - The Sun

England will hope whoever faces France at Euro 2004 will keep Thierry Henry as quiet as Jonathan Woodgate did on Sunday.

The Newcastle centre-half didn’t put a foot wrong against the all-conquering Gunners as Arsene Wenger’s men were held to a goalless draw at St James’ Park.

On the ground and in the air, Woodgate looked the complete defender as Newcastle closed the gap on Liverpool for that all-important fourth Champions League spot.

Sir Bobby Robson knew his £8million man had excelled just 48 hours after Henry had torn Liverpool apart single-handedly.

"Woodgate took the ball off Reyes and Henry, he stood on his feet and jockeyed, ran and got his foot in at the right moment," said the delighted Robson.

There was hardly a blemish on Woodgate’s performance as Robson noted.

"He didn’t miscue all match and won everything in the air," he added.

Woodgate hailed Henry as the best player in the world after their match-up. For once though the Frenchman was made to look ordinary – thanks to Woody.

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Paul Scholes 4

Steve Gerrard 3
Frank Lampard 3
Wayne Rooney 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Jermain Defoe 2
Michael Owen 2
John Terry 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Dean Ashton 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Darius Vassell 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1
Jonathan Woodgate 1

TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.