NUFC player ratings vs Norwich – One 9, a brilliant 8.5, a few 7.5s, several 7’s and two 6’s

That’s four league wins in a row for the Magpies! A comfortable 3-0 win away at Norwich this afternoon, sending us up to ninth the Premier League and in with a very real chance of a top 10 finish.

Here come the ratings after another brilliant display from the men in black and white:

Martin Dubravka – 7 – Another solid display in goal. Didn’t have much to do all afternoon, but made a smart save from a free kick in the second half to preserve his clean sheet and was a safe pair of hands from high balls.

Emil Krafth – 7 – Has filled in fantastically in Kieran Trippier’s absence over the last few months. Rock solid display which we have become to expect from the Swede, but also some nice play in the final third leading up to our opener. One of the players that Howe has improved dramatically since coming into the job.

Jamaal Lascelles – 7.5 – Given a rare start with Schar rested and filled in very well. Next to nothing came down his and Krafth’s side in what was a very assured display on his first start for a few months. Would expect to see Schar back against Liverpool but this was a rock solid display from the club captain.

Dan Burn – 7 – Another no frills display from the Blyth man. Recovered from a slightly lax start and was unlucky not to score from a brilliant glancing header in the first half.

Matt Targett – 7 – A little bit shaky first half with Norwich getting in behind on a few occasions, but soon reverted to his rock solid best. Got forward well when given the chance, offering an outlet on the overlap.

Sean Longstaff – 7 – Given a rare start for the rested Shelvey. Battled well in midfield and, after a sloppy start, he distributed the ball well to our more creative players. Definitely battling for a squad place next season and in my opinion, should be given one.

Bruno Guimareas – 8.5 – Another outstanding display from the Brazilian maestro. Took his goal beautifully, with a delicate chip against former Toon man, Tim Krul. Wonderful pass through to Murphy that led to our second goal also, with this one of several lovely eye of the needle passes he made. Completely dominated the midfield all afternoon and makes the game look easy at times. I’m in love.

Joe Willock – 6 – Didn’t happen for him this afternoon at times. Drove well with the ball but lacked the killer bit of quality to contribute towards a goal and lost possession a few too many times.

Jacob Murphy – 7.5 – Played well against his former side and unlucky not to have a goal. Lacks quality in key areas, but put in a real shift and played a key role in our opening two goals.

Allan Saint-Maximin – 7 – Can tell he is lacking confidence as on another day could’ve ripped Norwich apart, especially second half, but some signs of improvement as he created a couple of chances. We have to stick by him as a fanbase because I am adamant he will come good again. Completed more dribbles today than previous weeks (8/11) and made two key passes. Hopefully a turning of the side for the French magician.

Joelinton – 9* – A coming of age performance from the Brazilian powerhouse. Topped off an absolutely fantastic season (arguably player of the season), with two goals this afternoon after playing in a more advanced role in Wood’s absence. Took the first goal brilliantly, with a missile into the top corner of the net, got himself into the right place at the right time for his second and was strong in midfield when dropping deeper in the second half. MOTM.

SUBS:

Miguel Almiron – 6 – Came on with around 20 minutes to play and unlucky not to score extremely late on, only for his shot to smash into the side netting. His goal last week has given him a new lease of life. Unlucky not to start in my opinion.

Matt Ritchie – N/A – Played 15 minutes and didn’t have an effect on the game. One to move on in the summer.

Dwight Gayle – N/A – Played five minutes and again, one to move on in the summer.