NUFC player ratings vs West Ham – Five 9s, several 8s, the odd 7 and two 6s

An unbelievable result in the capital as Newcastle ran away 5-1 winners at the London Stadium last night.

Here come the ratings following a devastating display from Eddie Howe’s Mags:

Nick Pope – 6 – Made a smart save to deny Paqueta a goal from a direct free kick. Got done for the West Ham goal, however, as he was caught in no man’s land for the corner that Zouma headed in. Distribution wasn’t great but did receive treatment so may be struggling with that injury that kept him out of England duty? Not his best night but it didn’t matter in the end.

Kieran Trippier – 9 – Masterful defensive performance from England’s best right back. Superb in the tackle, read the game beautifully and offered us an outlet going forward. Made some vital interceptions and switched the play wonderfully all evening, finding Saint-Maximin time and time again. Two interceptions, three key passes and five duels won sums up a brilliant showing.

Fabian Schar – 8 – Another rock solid showing from the Swiss. Played a majestic pass through to Joelinton for his first goal, splitting the West Ham defence with a beautiful through ball from defence. Defensively astute, read the game well and dominated Antonio with help from Botman. Five interceptions and four tackles in a classy display.

Sven Botman – 8 – Made an unbelievable tackle on Antonio in the first half, sliding in with a last ditch effort to deny him a clear shot on goal. That perhaps made up for the fact he lost Zouma for West Ham’s goal. Passed the ball beautifully into midfield, sliding the ball through the lines. Won the majority of his aerial duels, made four clearances and an interception. Solid and dependable performance.

Dan Burn – 6 – Struggled to deal with Bowen’s direct running and pace, getting done easily in the opening minute which almost led to a goal. Looked a bit leggy after his huge shift against Manchester United at the weekend. Made six tackles, however, in a game which threatened to get away from him. Would be tempted to rest him for the returning Targett at the weekend.

Sean Longstaff – 8 – Barely put a foot wrong all evening, did the simple things so effectively and never stopped running. Passed the ball brilliantly, completing 90% of his passes, and got in and around Rice. Made two tackles, won four duels and put in another solid display, both in and out of possession. Has become an integral part of the side in recent months.

Bruno Guimaraes – 9 – A masterclass from the Brazilian, dictating play, taking the ball under pressure to get us on the break, creating chances and almost scored himself. Bossed the midfield battle against the superb Rice, got an assist for Joelinton’s second and pulled Fabianski out with that searching pass just before Isak made it four. Just seemed to be absolutely everywhere when we needed him most. Truly a special talent who makes it look easy. We’re extremely lucky to have him.

Joelinton – 9* – Incredible showing on his return into the side. Took his first goal like a striker in his prime, beating the offside trap before rounding Fabianski and slotting home. Combative as ever throughout the match and took his second goal wonderfully, smashing a left footed drive across the goalkeeper. Booked for a foul on Paqueta in the second period, but it was his physicality and drive that helped upset their rhythm at times. An absolute warrior who I would absolutely love to play with.

Jacob Murphy – 8 – Another superb showing from Murphy who seems to be the latest player developing superbly under Howe. An absolute pest in the press all night, even forcing Aguerd into an error for our third goal. Helped himself to an assist in the process and was really unlucky not to score with Fabianski tipping a good curling effort round the post. Only touched the ball 38 times but seemed to be a threat every-time he got it. A positive performance from a player playing the best football of his career at present.

Allan Saint-Maximin – 9 – Back to his best. Caused West Ham carnage in the first half and again unlucky not to go in at half time with three assists. Showed a beautiful piece of skill and quality for Wilson’s header and didn’t stop there, whipping dangerous balls into the box all evening. Fabianski somehow denied him a goal in the second half with a beautiful curved shot from just inside the box. His spell on the sidelines has definitely helped as his hunger out of possession appears to be there and his decision making on the ball has improved tenfold. Taken off just after the hour, which tells me he starts against Brentford. Brilliant display.

Callum Wilson – 9 – Has benefited from a few weeks off and looks razor sharp again after not looking quite right in recent months. Took his early goal well with an angled header into the far corner and never looked back from there. Was a menace for his favourite opponents all night, helping himself to his second of the evening capitalising on a stupid West Ham error. Only had 19 touches all night but each one was purposeful, with his hold up play and movement much improved. A true goal scorer displaying his killer instincts tonight. Buzzing for him and loved the celebration for the first goal.

Substitutes:

Alexander Isak – 8 – Looked razor sharp off the bench, making good runs, linking the play and taking his goal sublimely; a beautiful half volley from outside the box, chipping the West Ham back line after Fabianski was caught way off his line. Ridiculous talent and ice-cool.

Anthony Gordon – 7 – Put a real shift, winning the ball back brilliantly in the build up to Isak’s goal. Still appears to be lacking match sharpness but he was a threat and showed maturity with his defensive work. Another promising cameo from the former Everton man.

Joe Willock – 7 – Rested for Joelinton this evening but offered fantastic energy and endeavour when he came on. Full of confidence at the moment which is contributing towards some outstanding football. Looks the real deal and will only get better.

Matt Targett – N/A – Played five minutes.

Javi Manquillo – N/A – Played five minutes.