NUFC player ratings vs Leicester – One 10, two 8’s, a few 7’s, several 6’s and two 5’s

Well, that was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions – as it always is supporting Newcastle United!

A pretty poor performance from both sides and a game that threatened to go down as a very forgettable on suddenly came to life in the 94th minute as Bruno Guimaraes blew the roof off St James’ Park with a 94th minute winner!

That’s now five in a row on home turf for the Magpies as Howe’s men go marching on towards Premier League safety. Is a top ten push on? It just might be!

Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on each player’s performance:

Martin Dubravka – 6 – Made one save all afternoon. Got a hand to the Lookman strike but couldn’t stop his close range effort trickling over the line. Would be harsh to suggest he could’ve done better as he must’ve saw it late.

Emil Krafth – 8.5 – Absolutely outstanding performance from the Swedish defender this afternoon. Has to be his best performance in the famous black and white, building on what was a solid display against Wolves last week. Kept Lookman and Dewsbury-Hall quiet after their goal, staying switched on throughout, winning battles and tracking runs well. Seven tackles, three interceptions and 80% duels won.

Fabian Schar – 5 – Very poor on the ball this afternoon which lowers his score considerably. Some wayward clearances and his attempts to find attackers in the final third were easily cut out on

Dan Burn – 6 – Should’ve done better with a header second half which could’ve put us in the lead. Not at his dominant best, as we look

Matt Targett – 7.5 – Sign him up. Another rock solid performance from the on-loan Villa man. Kept the ball alive at the death which he could’ve easily let go for a goal kick. Him and Willock absolutely integral to the eventual Bruno goal.

Jonjo Shelvey – 6 – Didn’t offer much going forward or show us that impressive passing range, but he battled hard all afternoon. Chipped in with a few big tackles to break up play and lead the press at times in the first half.

Bruno Guimaraes – 10* – Bruno the redeemer. What a player this Brazilian maestro is. 11.6km covered, eight duels won, two goals. He’s so calm and clever in possession but also a real warrior who can do the dirty work AND make things happen in the final third. It’s the first 10/10 I have ever given out and hopefully the first of many! I won’t be the only Geordie who has fallen in love with this bloke already!

Joelinton – 6 – Another fairly quiet afternoon for the midfield enforcer, who is giving away free kicks more than he’s winning the ball back of late. Still getting back to his best form, but is never a passenger.

Allan Saint-Maximin – 6 – Lacking confidence and struggling to ghost past his man like he does so easily at his brilliant best. Create a few half chances with decent cut backs in the first 45, but frequently chose to shoot in the second half when perhaps could’ve gone for the pass – which was frustrating when his efforts were often poorly hit or blazed over. Needs a goal.

Miguel Almiron – 8 – Probably the Paraguayan’s best display for a long while! Ran himself into the ground with some fantastic work out of possession. On the ball, he had a few superb tricks up his sleeve and looked like someone playing to save his future at the club. Can hold his head up high. Unlucky to be subbed, but did look shattered after the shift he’d put in!

Chris Wood – 5 – Isolated and feeding off scraps. Battled away but didn’t pose a threat all game and was replaced on the 69 minute mark.

Substitues:

Joe Willock – 7 – Created the second goal with some brilliant individual play, driving through the midfield of Leicester from our own half and setting up Guimaraes with a deflected cross.

Jacob Murphy – 5 – Poor performance after coming on in the final 20 minutes. Didn’t get on the ball much and often picked the wrong pass when he did.

Dwight Gayle – N/A – Plenty of energy in the few minutes he was on, but hard to give a mark when he came on so late.