A massive result at St James’ Park as goals from Isak and Almiron gave us a precious three points against Wolves. Here come the ratings from yesterday’s 2-1 win on Tyneside:
Nick Pope – 6 – Looked very shaky with the ball all afternoon. Could’ve easily been sent off for a clumsy challenge on Jimenez following some sloppy footwork in the first half. Did make some key saves to deny Neto and Moutinho in the second half, although some feel he should’ve been more decisive for their goal, failing to claim a loose ball before Trippier’s slip.
Kieran Trippier – 7 – A strong performance from Trippier other than the gift for Wolves’ only goal, where his slip and scuffed clearance allowed Hwang to tap in. Set-Piece delivery was much better, highlighted by a fantastic assist for Isak’s header. Much better from the skipper, recovering from a poor display last weekend.
Fabian Schar – 8 – Brilliant defensive showing from the Swiss international, replacing Lascelles in the starting eleven. Was so dominant in the air against Jimenez, made some superb tackles – one was outstanding to cut out a Wolves counter in the second half – and carried the ball out of defence with confidence. Although Lascelles will have felt disappointed to be left out, Schar brings another dimension to our build up play.
Sven Botman – 7.5 – The big man looked much more composed here after a sloppy passes at Man City. Defensive positioning was excellent and he popped some nice passes into midfield, completing 100% of his passes in the first half. Missed a golden opportunity in the last five minutes following some beautiful build up play from a corner. A really good performance from the Dutch giant.
Dan Burn – 8 – A really strong defensive performance, making some brilliant tackles to stop the rapid Traore in the first half. Gave Neto little joy in the second half, did well in his one on one duels, was a threat from set pieces (almost assisted Bruno from a corner) and battled on despite looking absolutely shattered late on. His never say die display was summed up by his last-ditch block to stop Semedo’s cross from coming into the box with seconds left to play.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6 – Not his best showing and was on the fringes of the game at times, which is unlike him. Was sometimes crowded out and looked sluggish when tracking back in transition. Showed moments of genius, one moment in particular being a magical back heal to put Almiron in behind. Although his possessional play wasn’t at his best, his defensive contributions (eight duels won and three tackles) highlight what he offers off the ball when he’s below his best on it. Very promising that we can win games when Bruno is not at his best!
Sean Longstaff – 7 – A solid midfield display. Picked out Almiron with a brilliant weak foot pass in the second half in the lead up to our second goal, pressed well, put himself about – taking one for the team early on with a crunching 50/50 – and gave 110%, as always.
Joe Willock – 9* – My man of the match today, covering every blade of grass in an all-action but equally mature performance. Beautiful pass through to Miggy for our second goal, showing real composure in the final third. His energy and willing running was superb all afternoon, where he supported ASM in attack but constantly got back to get a toe in. A huge shift where he showed real quality, on and off the ball.
Jacob Murphy – 7 – A really positive display from Murphy, who replaced Almiron in the starting eleven. His link up play with Trippier was slick, especially in the first half and his pressing from the front effective all afternoon. Delivered some wicked crosses and released the ball quickly. He may not be the answer moving forward, but he didn’t let us down here.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7.5 – The Frenchman made a mixed start but grew in confidence in what ended up being a superb first half display. Gave Semedo massive problems with his quick feet and link up play with Burn and Willock, playing two or three lovely balls in behind for the electric Isak. Was so unpredictable all afternoon – which sometimes works against him – but played a key role in our most dominant spell of the game. Perhaps a little unlucky to be subbed in the second half, although he did switch off defensively once or twice and may have been starting to tire.
Alexander Isak – 9 – His pace in behind, relentless pressing, clean ball-striking and technical dribbling gave Wolves absolute nightmares all afternoon. The Swede gives us a totally different dimension in attack in comparison with Wilson. Still getting back to full match fitness but his dribbling looked so dangerous and pace in behind will cause teams hell over the next few months. He’s not known for headers – despite his height – but he took his brilliantly and could’ve scored more had it not been for some superb last-ditch blocks. He looked every bit a £60m player.
Substitutes:
Miguel Almiron – 8 – An absolute pest when he came off the bench. Took his goal well and carried the ball at pace against tiring legs. Could’ve got himself an assist after a brilliant burst and cut-back set up Botman, who somehow fired over late on. Great to see him back on the scoresheet.
Callum Wilson – 6 – Put himself about and looked to waste time to break up Wolves’ play. Will have been disappointed to be left out the starting eleven – let’s hope that and Isak’s display motivates him to raise his levels.
Matt Ritchie – N/A – Played five minutes, replacing Murphy in the closing stages.
