NUFC player ratings vs Sheffield Wednesday – Two 3s, three 4s, several 5s & 6s + the odd 7

A night of awful finishing from Newcastle in South Yorkshire, as Sheffield Wednesday dumped us out of the FA Cup. No time to sulk though, Leicester in the Quarter Final on Tuesday – we go again.

Here come the ratings from a game that saw several fringe men flop:

Martin Dubravka – 5 – Couldn’t do much about the goals. Made a good save to deny Wednesday a third in the second half but had one or two unconvincing moments playing out from the back.

Javier Manquillo – 6 – Created two big chances for Isak in the first half. Offered an outlet and joined attacks well, but sometimes lacked the quality and composure in key areas. Probably one our best performers on the night.

Jamaal Lascelles – 4 – Poor showing from our club captain. Showed no composure or stature in the game. Looks totally devoid of confidence at the moment which is expected with a lack of game time.

Sven Botman – 5 – Probably his worst game for Newcastle, yet he was still one of our better defenders on the night. Made some big tackles and always composed on the ball but it’s evident he lacks a relationship with Lascelles.

Jamal Lewis – 3 – A pretty awful performance after he was handed a rare start. Gave the ball away cheaply in the first half from a throw in leading to a Wednesday chance. Didn’t look focused at all and could’ve done much better to stop Wednesday’s first goal. Hooked on 68 for Trippier. Chance missed.

Joelinton – 5 – Seemed frustrated all evening and failed to dominate like he does usually in midfield. Did very well to set up Wood, who skied his huge chance, but he missed a couple of opportunities himself and was loose in possession, with his poor touch leading to Windass’ second.

Sean Longstaff – 5 – Didn’t get in the game at all. Lost the ball on too many occasions in the first half and never really got going, aside from one ball in behind for Murphy. A poor showing.

Elliot Anderson – 4 – Seemed to be forcing it in the first half and trying too hard. Almost gifted Wednesday a goal early on with an awful back pass and missed an absolute sitter in the second half where a tiny bit of lift on the shot would’ve been enough from point blank range. Struggled all night to portray his potential.

Matt Ritchie – 7 – Possibly our best player on the night who started the game, worked his socks off and set piece delivery was pretty good in the first half. Made one brilliant run through the middle which almost ended in a goal, only to miss-hit his final effort. Took a bad knock in the second half which seemed to slow him down.

Jacob Murphy – 4 – Squandered a one-on-one opportunity in the first half which I’m not sure what he was trying to do. Got into good areas but often lacked the conviction and decisiveness needed in the final third. It’s a worry he’s the man we turn to when ASM is out…

Alexander Isak – 6 – Looked pretty sharp in the first half, making good runs and coming short to receive the ball, but did miss a golden opportunity with his head early on. Should’ve scored.

Substitutes:

Chris Wood – 3 – Missed a HUGE opportunity around the 81st minute, blaring his attempt from inside the area over the bar. Shocking miss under the circumstances.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7 – Changed the game when he came on and scored a goal which should’ve been ruled out for offside. Made a few cutting passes our attack couldn’t make the most of and looked desperate to keep us in the cup.

Joe Willock – 5 – Failed to make a telling impact on the game. Didn’t have the space to stretch Wednesday; who sat deep late on.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – Set piece delivery was outstanding as always and he played one brilliant first-time pass to put Joelinton in behind, only for Wood to miss seconds later. Leadership qualities clear to see as soon as he came on the pitch.

Miguel Almiron – 6 – Made some brilliant runs in behind but lacked composure and quality in key areas to create a clear cut chance.