NUFC player ratings vs Chelsea – Two 8’s, four 7.5’s, a few 7’s, three 6’s and one 5

As Newcastle fans we don’t demand a team that’s wins, but a team that tries – and the lads put in a massive effort once again today!

We were robbed of a clear penalty on Jacob Murphy, while an obvious red card for Kai Havertz – who cowardly elbowed Dan Burn in the face – was also waved away by VAR.

Granted, a moment of real quality has beaten us in the end, but we should hold our heads up high, as we did not deserve to see our unbeaten run come to an end.

Here come the ratings on a frustrating yet commendable afternoon for the Magpies:

Martin Dubravka – 6 – Could do little about Havertz’s moment of quality. Claimed a few high balls and only had one save to make, catching the German’s header that was straight at him.

Javier Manquillo – 7 – Solid all afternoon, got up and down the right hand side well, joining the press regularly. Won plenty of free kicks and corners – which we were a huge threat from – but sometimes lacked quality when we got into decent areas.

Jamaal Lascelles – 7 – A steady return to the starting 11 for the club captain. Lost possession a few times with some slack passing which is not one of his strengths. Did himself no harm, but I thin we’ll return to a back four against Everton next week.

Fabian Schar – 7.5 – Forming an outstanding partnership with Dan Burn. Another impressive afternoon for the Swiss man. Strong in the air, read the game well and stayed on his feet, also going close a few times at the other end.

Dan Burn – 7.5 – Switched off for the Havertz goal which cruelly cost us a point, so he has to be marked down slightly. Such a shame as he had been titanic all afternoon, especially carrying a cut to his temple. Won absolutely everything in the air and was always a threat in the opposition box. Should hold his head up high.

Matt Targett – 8* – Another phenomenal showing from the on loan Villa man. His quality from set pieces is fantastic and defensive positioning excellent. Always on the money with his delivery – which caused havoc all afternoon – and unlucky not to get a few assists. Fights for every ball too and was quick to join the press. Brilliant at both ends and my man of the match.

Bruno Guimarães – 8 – Looks an absolute class act in the centre of midfield. Tenacious in the tackle throughout – making more than any other NUFC player – drew fouls, made more passes into the final third than his Toon teammates and flashed a shot wide early in the second half. Booked for at tactical foul in the second half. Will be a phenomenal part of the clubs short, medium and long term futures.

Sean Longstaff – 7.5 – Massive credit to the Geordie midfielder, who came into the side against a top four team and didn’t look out of place. Ran himself into the ground, broke up play well and recovered after a sloppy start. Lacks quality but makes up for his with endeavour. Battled away all afternoon, really commendable performance.

Miguel Almiron – 6 – His pace and energy is always a plus, but he lacks quality going forward. Final ball often let him down, aside from one powerful volley that was parried well by Mendy. Worked hard for the team, however he doesn’t do enough for a wide man who need to deliver in the final third.

Jacob Murphy – 7.5 – One of the best performances I’ve seen of him in the black and white. Robbed of a penalty in the second half after dancing past Chalobah. Caused problems all afternoon but does lack some killer instinct and quality. Tracked back well and subsequently booked late in the second half.

Chris Wood – 6 – Caused a few issues and won his battles in the air well, but a few careless touches and passes let him down at times. Perhaps may have had a goal in the first half following a Dan Burn flick on, but the big man’s touch seemed to put him off.

SUBS:

Allan Saint Maximin – 5 – Only had just over 20 minutes to have an impact, but he never really got going. Still coming back to fitness and wouldn’t be surprised to see him start against Everton on Thursday night.

Ryan Fraser – N/A – Only played the final few minutes.

Dwight Gayle – N/A – Came on in the 91st minute and was booked soon after.