A special night at St James’ Park, where we took a huge step towards Champions League football thanks to a well deserved 4-1 win over Brighton.
Here’s come the ratings from last night’s
Nick Pope – 6 – Got megged for the goal and perhaps could’ve done better. Barely had a save to make. Deserves praise for being so quick off his line, yet his kicking was pretty wayward all night.
Kieran Trippier – 9* – Defensive and set-piece masterclass. The best player on the pitch for me. His set piece delivery was bang on all night, helping him chip in with two assists. Barely gave Mitoma a kick and played a key role in our third goal, shrugging the Japanese winger off the ball before setting us up for the counter attack. What a player, what a leader!
Fabian Schar – 7 – A few sloppy giveaways in an otherwise rock solid first half display, but was caught out of position for the Brighton goal, drifting away from Undav who broke through on goal.
Sven Botman – 8 – Made some unbelievable last ditch tackles’ one crucial one being to deny Mitoma a big chance just minutes before we made it 2-0. Excellent on the ball, especially in the first half, popping the ball into midfield and breaking Brighton’s lines. After a few below-par displays, the Dutchman was superb here.
Dan Burn – 8 – Took his header beautifully and was solid at left back all night. Showed a bit more confidence on the ball and kept Brighton’s right hand side relatively quiet. Buonanotte barely got a kick and Enciso wasn’t much better, with both well marshalled by our big man from Blyth.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – Well overdue a goal and he deserved his moment in stoppage time. Ran himself into the ground – despite carrying a clear ankle knock – and looked absolutely shattered at the end of the match. A much better performance from the Brazilian, winning 10 duels, making four interceptions and four tackles. So much passion, plenty of classy touches and unlucky to be booked in the first half.
Joe Willock – 6 – Missed a decent chance in the first half, flashing a left footed effort wide of the post. Looked tired and had heavy strapping on his leg, but gave his all before he was forced off before the hour mark with a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, it looks like his season could be over.
Joelinton – 8 – Monstrous performance in the middle of the park from the Brazilian beast. Seemed to be absolutely everywhere and bossed the battle against Brighton; even if he was lucky to get away without a yellow after EIGHT fouls! Won eight duels and made two interceptions in an all around brilliant performance.
Miguel Almiron – 9 – Relentless and incredible off the ball all night. Seemed to have the energy of three men, putting in a simply remarkable shift. Led the press from the front and was superb in the first half, putting Brighton under severe pressure in their own box and constantly stealing the ball from Estupinian. Created a host of chances, chipped in with a lovely assist for our all important third and should’ve had one himself after firing a second half volley at Steele. Made four key passes, two tackles and two interceptions in an all-action display.
Callum Wilson – 8 – Came alive in the last 10 minutes of the game, helping himself to a goal and an assist. His run and finish were brilliant for our third and he showed real composure to set up Bruno moments later. His performances in the past ten games has been truly remarkable. Should’ve had another brace, missing a one on one chance against Steele late on. Held the ball up brilliantly at times and pressed well.
Alexander Isak – 6 – Put in a shift but is definitely wasted on the left hand side of our attack. Seems too far away from goal to make the big difference we know he’s capable of. Caused Caicedo some problems early on, but made the wrong decision on a few occasions, failing to release the ball at the right time. Still, he gave it his all, had some success in the air and looked exhausted when he was taken off late on.
Substitutes:
Elliot Anderson – 7 – Put himself about in the second half and showed tactical maturity to play the central midfield position. Sometimes lost runners, but won a few fouls and dragged Brighton players out of position. Will be pushing for a start next game due to the Willock injury. Did a really solid job in the circumstances.
Allan Saint-Maximin – N/A – Left Offiah on the deck with a jinking run late on. Found Bruno after beating his man but the Brazilian took a heavy touch.
Anthony Gordon – N/A
Javier Manquillo – N/A
Matt Targett – N/A
