What a night for the Toon as we progress to a League Cup Semi-Final, with goals from Dan Burn and big Joe taking us 180 minutes away from a date at Wembley! “Tell me ma…”
Here come the ratings from last night’s 2-0 win over Leicester:
Nick Pope – 7 – Was hot off his line all night denying Leicester any opportunities in behind. Barely had a save to make, but the England Goalkeeper didn’t let us down when called upon.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – Captained the side superbly, as always, and looked assured in possession. Such a fantastic leader for the back four. Not at his creative best in the final third but did a job on Harvey Barnes. Made one vital interception to stop Daka setting up Barnes for a certain goal in the first half. Went down with a muscle injury in the second half but soldiered on.
Fabian Schar – 7.5 – Read the play so well all game and played some wonderful passes forward. Made more recoveries (9) than any other player on the pitch and is starting to look like a Rolls Royce; much like his centre back partner, great performance.
Sven Botman – 7.5 – Another strong performance from the Dutch giant. Was calm in his play out from the back, won his aerial duels and tackled well. What a signing. Booked for quite a clever foul on Perez who had skipped past him.
Dan Burn – 8.5 – His best performance in Black and White topped off beautifully with a superb goal at the Gallowgate End. Pushed forward all evening supporting Willock and Joelinton and got into some fantastic positions. Booked for a foul in transition in the first half. A special night for the big man from Blyth!
Sean Longstaff – 6 – Extremely poor first half, spurning two big chances, giving the ball away cheaply on too many occasions and going into the book for a blatant foul as Leicester broke. However, he did recover well in the second half, winning the ball back in transition, covering so much ground and keeping it simple on the ball. Needs to improve his finishing, but his engine and ability to do the dirty work helped us get over the line.
Joelinton – 9 – The Brazilian was absolutely EVERYWHERE. Scored a fantastic goal with a cool left-footed finish and played a key role in our opener to set up Dan Burn. He caused havoc out wide, hit the post and was also a midfield general at times, dominating that left side and constantly leading the press from first minute to last. Stifled Tielemans who makes Leicester tick in midfield. What a player this man has developed into.
Joe Willock – 8.5 – One of the unsung heroes on the night. Demonstrated his superb athleticism up and down the left flank. Seemed to be relentless attacking the left hand side, especially in the first half, creating a lot of chances for his team-mates. Laid a sitter for Longstaff who couldn’t finish in the first minute. Not only did he carry the ball at pace and create chances, he too was a key part of our press, showing his qualities on and off the ball. Willock is only getting better and will cause carnage for any player who can’t match him for pace.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – Back to his best, showing the perfect mix of quality and aggression. Missed three long range efforts in the first half which he could’ve perhaps taken a bit more care and time over. Could’ve had a brace on another day but it was a strong midfield performance by the Brazilian. Some moments of sheer class, several stunning passes and battled like a warrior all night. Love him.
Miguel Almiron – 8 – Caused Leicester nightmares in the first half with his direct running and dribbling ability. Gave young Luke Thomas absolute hell all night, creating chances for his teammates and never ever gives up the chase when out of possession. Optimises the style of pressing play Howe is implementing and has added quality in the final third, too. Played a wonderful pass through to Willock on the first minute which created a big chance and helped himself to an assist with a beautiful pass through to Joelinton in the second half.
Callum Wilson – 7 – Looked a little off the pace in the first half but exhibited his quality in the second with some superb hold up play. This was particularly evident for our second goal where his little lay off to Miggy created the opening for Joelinton’s goal. Perhaps getting back to full match sharpness following his recent illness.
Substitutes:
Alexander Isak – 6 – Looked lively with his direct dribbling during his 20 minute cameo. Won a few important corners to run down the clock, can’t wait to see him back fit and firing.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6 – Delivered a few dangerous balls into the Leicester box with his ten minute cameo.
Jacob Murphy – N/A – Played five minutes.
