NUFC player ratings vs Everton – Two 9’s, one 8.5, a couple of 8’s, several 7’s, a few 6’s and one 5

It felt like a nervy victory, with Everton having a lot of the ball in the second half. However, it was a controlled performance from Newcastle, as we restricted Everton to a single shot in the game. 

Howe decided to press less in the second half, as he noticed Everton were much more dangerous in transition when we were high up the pitch. By dripping deep, it looked like we were letting them get into the game, but in essence, it blunted their attack. Below we rate the performance of each player. 

Nick Pope – 6 – It was a very quiet evening for Nick Pope, as he didn’t have a single save to make. He claimed a couple of balls into the box to relieve pressure and he kept his distribution simple. 

Kieran Trippier – 8 – The on-field captain is one of the most consistent players in the Premier League. He was solid again and offered a good option on the ball in attack. His delivery from set pieces causes issues. At the back, he was pulled out of position by Demarai Gray on a few occasions. 

Fabian Schar – 9 – The centre back is getting better with every game, despite carrying a persistent injury. He was very good in the air on Wednesday and read the game well. On the ball, he distributed well and looked to move forward into midfield to create overloads. 

Sven Botman – 8.5 – This was a more challenging game for Sven Botman, as he came up against Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was a physical battle, but the Dutchman managed to keep him quiet. It was another mature performance and he played his part in the clean sheet. 

Dan Burn – 7.5 – It still looks slightly uncomfortable at times for Dan Burn at left back, especially when the opposition winger is running with the ball. Although he lacks pace, he is a good one vs one defender and that was on show on Wednesday. He also offered a threat at set pieces. 

Sean Longstaff – 7 – Longstaff works hard, but he can be loose in possession at times. His decision making in the final third was rushed when he did get forward. Despite this, he continued to do his best out of possession and played his part. 

Joelinton – 5 – Unfortunately, this was an evening to forget for Joelinton. He wasn’t at his best on or off the ball and looked short of fitness. He picked up a yellow card and may have received another on a different day. 

Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – This was a quiet evening for the Brazilian, but he still looked like one of the best players on the pitch. That speaks volumes about his ability. He offered a goal threat in the first half with a couple of efforts, one of which went put past Pickford’s post. Meanwhile, he got the assist for the goal and worked tirelessly out of possession. 

Miguel Almiron – 9* – Miggy has found a new level to his game. He has an excellent relationship with Bruno and Trippier, which allows him to have an impact on matches. His movement caused a lot of problems for Everton. The goal he scored was excellently taken and he nearly scored a similar one in the second half. 

Callum Wilson – 7 – The striker will be frustrated that he didn’t have many chances on Wednesday. He was patrolled well by the Everton defence. However, he did drop deep and get involved in the play more than normal. There was one great cross field ball to Miguel Almiron to launch a counter attack. There is more to his game than goals. 

Jacob Murphy – 6 – It was another chance for Jacob Murphy and he didn’t take it. He had one decent effort in the first half after bursting infield, but he gave the ball away too many times. 

SUBS:

Joe Willock – 7 – The sub appearance was an impressive one, as he offered drive in transition. There are few better ball carriers in our team. He looked the most likely to score a second. 

Ryan Fraser – 6 – The Scottish international was in the wars and worked hard, but he didn’t do a great deal. 

Elliot Anderson – 6.5 – There we’re some bright moments from the teenager and he looked dangerous. Dispossessed a few times but worked hard, ran at them and had one effort well blocked after a stunning piece of control in the box.

Chris Wood – N/A – Replaced a tired Wilson in the 87th minute. Made a nuisance of himself and helped run down the clock.