Back-to-back wins for Eddie Howe’s Mags as we follow up our 4-1 win over Fulham with a 5-1 battering of Brentford at St James’ Park.
Here comes the ratings from a five-star afternoon on Tyneside:
Nick Pope – 7 – Only had a couple of saves to make, but stepped up when needed with two solid stops. Toney sent him the wrong way from the spot and he did give away one corner needlessly when he could’ve let it go, but it was a solid display.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – A superb showing from England’s best right back. Brilliant performance going forward typified by one assist, three key passes and four crosses completed. His cross for Bruno’s first goal is simply mesmeric. When Burn, Botman and Schar all play, it releases Trippier to really impact the game going forward.
Fabian Schar – 7 – Solid showing from the Swiss international, accompanying Botman in keeping Toney quiet. He seemed to get under the ex-Mag’s skin, yet refused to get drawn into any needless battles. Could’ve done better with a disallowed early Brentford goal, perhaps stepping up a bit early.
Sven Botman – 8 – A real Rolls-Royce centre back. Our best ball playing centre back for many years, seeing him play some lovely balls in behind Brentford’s midfield. Completed 87% of his 47 passes, made four tackles, dominated Toney all afternoon and read the play well. Made it look easy! Great signing.
Dan Burn – 6 – Gave away a sloppy penalty in the second half which briefly allowed Brentford back into the game. Seemed to struggle with Brentford’s pace on the counter attack at times and was sloppy on the ball early on, giving it away on a few too many occasions.
Sean Longstaff – 7 – Recovered well from a sloppy start. Didn’t get forward much but was solid in midfield. Made a few good interceptions to halt Brentford counter attacks.
Joe Willock – 8 – A fantastic energetic display from Willock this afternoon, building on his impressive outing at Fulham. Showcased his brilliant forward running and appears to have improved his passing range, too. Again, unlucky not to score this afternoon, but goals will come if he keeps playing like this.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9* – What a footballer. Bruno sported a new bleach blonde hair style today and it appeared to give him his goalscoring edge back. Two goals, four tackles and 43 passes completed sums up a superb midfield showing from our Brazilian maestro. Took both of his goals beautifully. Already a cult hero, this lad could go down as one of our greatest ever players.
Jacob Murphy – 7 – Deserved his goal after a tricky spell. It was a tap-in but you could see it meant the world. Was quiet other than his goal and the odd decent cross into the box, but he pressed well and is always willing to put a shift in.
Miguel Almiron – 8 – Another one of Eddie Howe’s magical transformations. Playing full of confidence, chasing everything, creating chances and scoring goals. He’s quick, but he looked even more likely today, with his brace at Fulham giving that added boost. It’s three in two now for Miggy who is making Grealish look like a clown for his comments last season. His goal was fully deserved for his continuing hard work. Love him.
Callum Wilson – 7 – Clearly frustrated that he didn’t get himself a goal. Set Murphy up brilliantly for his goal and was a real handful for Ben Mee all afternoon. Touch wasn’t always there and he spurned one big chance late on, however we always look more likely to win when he starts! Clearly giving it everything to be on the plane to Qatar come December.
SUBS:
Joelinton – 7 – Played in an advanced position down the left, replacing Murphy, and caused Brentford plenty issued. Crossed the ball for Pinnock’s own goal, won headers and produced one lovely flick to lay the ball off for Willock.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7 – You could see the Frenchman was desperate to make an impact in his 15 minute cameo. Didn’t see much of the ball, but dribbled past Brentford players with ease at times and played a lovely ball to Joelinton leading up to the own goal.
Elliot Anderson – N/A – Solid little cameo from the Geordie man, committing players to challenges and getting stuck in at the other ends. Don’t think a first start is a million miles away.
Matt Targett – N/A – Played five minutes.
Chris Wood – N/A – Played five minutes.
Another terrific result but another example of someone marking the result, rather than the performances.
Praising Murphy for his goal is a bit like praising Wilson last week when he tapped in for a foot.
Surely on any other day your comments about Burn would result in a 4 or even a 3? But no – we scored 5 goals so you give him a 6!
As with Miggy last week, Bruno scored 2 so he’s untouchable, but his game wasn’t a 9.
BykerBill(Quote)
We had two or three gifts in this match, but pressing high up the pitch resulted in two errors.
This would never have happened under the”magnificent Bruce” who incidentally is once again is enhancing his managerial credentials at poor W.B.A.
I can’t believe he still gets away with it!
As for the marking Schar wasn’t any better than Burn but Botman looks the real deal and deserved his 8.
Agree with BykerBill on the rest.
Joseph(Quote)