A game that lacked quality from both sides but great to see Newcastle back in action as we got the job done, progressing into the quarter finals of the League Cup with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
Here come the ratings as the Toon await their fate in the last eight:
Nick Pope – 7.5 – Dealt with a few high balls in the first half and made a really smart save in the second 45, getting down low to deny the visitors a potential equaliser before also smothering Solanke[s late effort. Wasn’t tested a great deal but stepped up when needed on a few crucial occasions. Five clean sheets in a row now at home.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – His set piece delivery on point all evening. Every-time we had a dead ball in an attacking position, you felt like we could score. Wilson and Schar’s glancing headers were both created by the right-back, who then bagged the assist for Adam Smith’s own goal.
Fabian Schar – 7 – Nearly scored with a great long range strike in the first half. Seemed to demonstrate attacking threat all night but failed to capitalise. Defended well with Botman, who he shares a fantastic partnership with.
Sven Botman – 8* – So elegant on the football, but showed his recovery pace on several occasions too, making a few superb challenges after winning foot races. Also played a key role in the air, dominating a physical Bournemouth’s Keiffer Moore and Dominic Solanke. A classy and commanding display from the big man.
Dan Burn – 6 – Defensively solid but lacked creativity going forward, although he did almost set up a back-post tap in for Miguel Almiron. Generally, our left side seemed to struggle from an offensive point of view (until ASM came on), as the Geordie giant lacks the technical ability to affect the game in the final third.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5 – Sloppy start but grew into the game, bossing a second half with a few moments of Brazilian class. Ended the night top of the charts for passes, dribbles, duels won and fouls suffered, showing his influence on the side even when he’s below his brilliant best.
Sean Longstaff – 6 – Should’ve slipped in Wilson early on, leaving Howe tearing his hair out as he opted to shoot instead. Made some key interceptions in midfield but passing was sloppy at times, especially in the first half.
Joe Willock – 5 – Not at his lung-busting best, as a few of his trademark bursts through the middle were quickly cut out. Plenty of energy but final ball was lacking, meaning he was replaced by Saint-Maximin before the hour mark.
Joelinton – 6 – Operating predominantly on the left side and made a few good driving runs early on, but he drifted out of the game after a decent start. Dropped back into midfield when ASM came on for the final half an hour. Hopefully our Brazilian battering ram is back to his best at Leicester.
Miguel Almiron – 6 – Missed an absolute sitter first half but did look a threat. Faded second half and was replaced by Jacob Murphy. Performs better against teams who play a higher line as Bournemouth came with a stubborn low block.
Callum Wilson – 7 – Denied what could and should have been a goal in the first half and made himself a nuisance in the box for Smith’s own goal. Missed a few half chances but could’ve had a goal or two on another night. Subbed on 70 to save his legs for the weekend.
SUBS:
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7.5 – Changed the game when he came on, occupying the Bournemouth right side and causing chaos with a few mazy runs that led to rare openings in the box. Will be desperate for a start on Boxing Day.
Jacob Murphy – N/A – Didn’t really offer a lot when coming on for the final 15 minutes.
Chris Wood – N/A – Skied a golden chance late on, which luckily for him was offside, but provided some nice link up play before that.
Jonjo Shelvey – N/A – Played the final few minutes after replacing Bruno. One poor giveaway almost cost us.
