We’re going to Wembley!!! A 3-1 win on aggregate against Southampton sees us progress into the final on February 27th.
Here come the ratings from a truly magical, spine tingling night on Tyneside.
Nick Pope – 7 – Made two saves on a relatively quiet night for the England giant, making one crucial stop to deny former Mag Adam Armstrong in a pivotal moment late on. Has been absolutely superb in the cup this season.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – Another top class performance from our combative yet composed leader. Marshalled our back four absolutely brilliantly and so classy on the ball. Chipped in going forward with an assist for Longstaff’s first strike.
Fabian Schar – 7 – Read the game well and always looks so calm in possession. Seemed a bit desperate in the second half, hoofing balls from the back rather than picking out a pass. Perhaps due to late nerves.
Sven Botman – 6 – Not the Dutchman’s best performance, defensively or aerially. Struggled to pop the ball into midfield as easily as he normally does, especially evident when Bruno was sent off.
Dan Burn – 7 – Defensively solid, winning his aerial duels with ease. Didn’t offer much going forward, but showed his leadership late on as we battled on with 10 men.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6 – The Brazilian will be absolutely devastated with his red card. Was putting in a beautiful midfield display up until his red, narrowly missing a wonderful curving effort in the second half. He bossed the midfield in the first half with high tempo play and several classy touches, barely giving Ward-Prowse a kick. However, he lost his head in the closing stages, making a host of rash tackles, the final one resulting in a straight red card and three-game ban.
Sean Longstaff – 9* – Our local hero has been threatening to deliver this kind of match-winning performance for a few weeks. Could’ve had a first half hat-trick, but took his two goals beautifully, the first with a low drive and the second with a composed first time finish after bursting into the box. Interestingly, the Geordie lad mentioned in an interview with NUFC TV that he’d taken some finishing advice from Alan Shearer this week. Fair to say, that advice has paid dividend immediately. Absolutely delighted for the lad.
Joe Willock – 6 – A mixed night for a slightly subdued Willock. Whilst he made some lovely runs in the first half, linking up nicely with Joelinton, it was his cheap giveaway that lead to Adams’ wonder strike. Went within himself slightly after that and was taken off on the hour mark as he looked absolutely knackered.
Miguel Almiron – 7.5 – Outstanding pressing and direct play in the first half, producing a brilliant assist for Longstaff’s second strike in the first half. His penetrative running in behind gave Southampton nightmares all evening. Subbed on the hour mark perhaps for some rest ahead of Saturday’s game against West Ham.
Joelinton – 8 – Combined superbly with Willock down the left early on and made some brilliant driving runs in the first half. Southampton couldn’t match his sheer power. Faded in the second half, much like many of his teammates, but still did that dirty work in the middle of the park after ASM replaced him out wide.
Callum Wilson – 6 – Slightly sharper compared to recent weeks, showing glimpses of the all round forward play we’ve become used to from him over the past few years. Didn’t get a chance in front of goal but he’ll fancy his chances on Saturday. Again, taken off on the hour mark = perhaps a hint that we’ll see him start again against his favourite opposition, West Ham.
Substitutes:
Alexander Isak – 6 – Failed to make an impact and subbed for a concussion late on. Lacked support in the final third but dribbling looked sharp.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6 – Didn’t offer much after coming on, failing to release the pass when he should’ve sooner. Not as effective in the press compared to Joelinton.
Jacob Murphy – 6 – Pressed well and forced Southampton into a few mistakes. Subbed in the dying minutes for Anderson.
Elliot Anderson – N/A – Brought on in the last minute to run the clock down.
