NUFC player ratings vs Watford - Two 7's, three 6's, a few 5's, one 4 and several 3's

by Ollie Wilson · 15 January 2022, 18:31

Sometimes draws feel like defeats - and this was one of those games.

An absolute hammer blow to our chances of survival and yet another game where we've failed to make the most of our lead. It really is a long way back from here for the Magpies now.

Here come the ratings from another disappointing afternoon out at St. James Park:

Martin Dubravka - 5 - Pretty assured in goal and couldn’t do much about the goal as was right in the corner. Caught the ball reasonably well.

Kieran Trippier - 7 - It was clear to see he was a level above the rest on the field in terms of his reading of the game and experience. Absolutely loves a tackle, won a lot in the air and showed glimpses of real quality again. Feel like we need to get the ball to him more.

Jamal Lascelles - 3 - His passing is absolutely useless and seems to lose concentration in games. On a few occasions, gave the ball away with no pressure on him whatsoever, with one of his mistakes almost gifting Sissoko a goal. Beaten in the air by Watford winger Joao Pedro for the equaliser.

Fabian Schar - 4 - As our only ball playing centre half, his passing was limited in this one, with him also poor positionally at times. It feels like we've seen his best days in the black and white and for me, the Swiss international needs to be moved on now.

Paul Dummett - 6 - Considering it was his first game back from injury I thought he was pretty solid apart from the goal. Obviously lacking in passing ability, with some cheap giveaways down the line, but makes up for it in endeavour that others perhaps lack. Possibly at fault for the goal as he wasn't quick enough to stop the cross.

Jonjo Shelvey - 3 - Felt like he was hiding slightly today. Didn’t show for the ball enough from the centre backs which caused us to lack creativity going forward. We never looked in control of the match and Shelvey is a main component in that. Howe is a fan, I’m not.

Sean Longstaff - 3 - Howe claimed in his press conference that he sees a future for Longstaff at The Toon - I’m not convinced. Lacks real quality for a central midfielder, has no presence and isn’t mobile enough. Total bystander in the match and is offering nothing going forward, either. Needs a move to revitalise career?

Joelinton - 7* - MOTM again for me. I stand by the statement he is the first name on the team sheet right now. Ran himself into the ground, won the midfield battle against Moussa Sissoko, broke up the play and was positive on the ball too, carrying it forward well. He sometimes looks like the only NUFC player who actually wants to play for the team. Could've been an 8/10, but marked down for the first half miss he should've buried. Must’ve loved the Brazilian flag in the Gallowgate which seemed to spur him on. One of few players I would keep.

Ryan Fraser - 6 - Can’t fault the blokes effort, never stopped running all afternoon. So much so, had to be subbed due to fatigue. Lacking quality again and his partner in crime, Callum Wilson.

Allan Saint Maximin - 6 - Absolutely shocking first half from the Frenchman. Must’ve been some words said at HT as came out a different man. Excellent individual goal, which bumps up his mark, but made the wrong decision on too many occasions, was too slow to track back and kept losing the ball cheaply.

Chris Wood - 5 - Battled away against Watford's back four and held the ball up well at times, however he was extremely isolated and looked a little rusty. Limited service and the team not playing to his strengths didn't help. Had a few half chances with his head in the first half, but a mistimed jump cost him after he rose highest at the back post.