NUFC player ratings vs Chelsea – One 9, two 8.5’s, three 8’s, a 7.5, a few 7’s and a couple of 6’s

The Magpies are now guaranteed to be third on Christmas Day. What a remarkable run of form for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who sealed their fifth straight Premier League win to move nine clear of Chelsea.

We now go into the World Cup break sitting on a mammoth 30 points after 15 games – an incredible return from a side who had won just one game after 15 games last season.

Here come the ratings from a spectacular evening on Tyneside.

Nick Pope – 7 – Made a smart save to deny Gallagher in the second half but rarely called upon other than that. Getting more confident with his feet after every game, a brilliant bit of business. A truly fantastic goalkeeper, our best since Given?

Kieran Trippier – 8.5 – This guy is the definition of consistent. Never puts a foot wrong, a superb tackler, wonderful quality and always drives the side forward down the right. A true leader on the pitch, was always commanding his troops and motivating them to perform. Five tackles, 50 passes, two key passes and ten crosses sums up a superb afternoon.

Sven Botman – 8.5 – Convinced this man is going to go down as one of best ever Premier League centre backs. Makes football look easy at times, won everything in the air and won all of his ground duels also. Completed 90% of his passes, two interceptions and two tackles optimises a fantastic afternoon for Dutch man. Astonishing how hasn’t even made the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

Fabian Schar – 8 – Took a nasty whack from Broja in the first minute but recovered well. Hasn’t lost a game whilst partnering the defence with Botman. Four clearances, won all of his three aerial duels and looked solid as a rock all afternoon. Said in his post match interview he was “struggling for words” – sums his own turnaround since the Bruce era pretty well.

Dan Burn – 7.5 – Awesome defensively again (especially his absolute CRUNCHER late on) but does lack quality to impact the game going forward. Seemed to run out of ideas when in the final third but cannot fault his defensive display. Doesn’t seem to have forgotten his battle with Havertz from last season, squaring up with the German near the end of the match!

Joe Willock – 9* – Brilliant performance from the man who simply loves a goal against London sides. Back to back goals for the Englishman who in my opinion is better than fellow countryman, Conor Gallagher who made the England squad. Drifted past players effortlessly all afternoon and was a constant threat in our left channel. A stunning goal, bundles of energy, one key pass and five duels won sums up an outstanding afternoon. I hope Southgate was watching that one.

Joelinton – 8 – I don’t think we give Joelinton enough credit for his immense tactical understanding and technical ability. Delivered the game plan perfectly, relentlessly pressing from the front and winning the ball in midfield. Will have been disappointed to have not made the Brazil squad for Qatar, but with performances such as tonight – a call up will not be far away.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7 – Bossed the game in the first half, albeit his weight of pass a little wayward on the final ball. Seemed to tire second half and very lucky to not be booked for a appalling attempt of a challenge on Pulisic late on. Probably his poorest half of football in the black and white for some time but still a solid seven nevertheless. 86 touches, 55 passes and five duels won epitomises a good afternoon for the Brazilian now on his way to Qatar.

Sean Longstaff – 6 – Well off the pace first half and seemed to slow the game down due to indecisive decision making. The game passed him by a bit and was booked for a cynical foul late on. Not his best performance and failed to follow up on the Southampton showing last week. As ever, he gave 110%, which was key to seeing us over the line!

Miguel Almiron – 8 – Led by example pressing incredibly well all evening. He just never stops running and possesses incredible stamina. Gave the debutant Hall nightmares all evening, chipping in with the assist for Willock’s beauty cutting in on his favoured left foot. The assist, two key passes and six duels won summarises a good performance from the Paraguayan.

Chris Wood – 6 – A willing presser from the front but failed to make the ball stick all evening and didn’t have a sniff at goal. Lacked mobility and cutting edge quality to effect the game. Subbed for Wilson on the 70 minute mark to a good applause for a very endeavouring shift.

Substitutes:

Callum Wilson – 7 – Won some key fouls and held up the ball brilliantly to see us through to the final whistle.

Jacob Murphy – N/A – Played five minutes.

Matt Targett – N/A – Played five minutes.