The season is finally over. Fourth place is better than we could have imagined at the start of the season. The lads have been sensational and they can be forgiven for an ‘on the beach’ performance at Chelsea, which ended 1-1.
It was clear that the season has taken its toll on the squad and this display summed it up. There were some pleasing individual moments of quality, but the team were unrecognisable from the one we have become accustomed to.
Below we rate the performances of each player:
Martin Dubravka – 7 – It was good to see him back in a Newcastle shirt and he performed well. This was a reminder of his ability, especially when it comes to shot stopping. He doesn’t have the same front foot approach that Nick Pope has, but he played a key role in the point today.
Kieran Trippier – 4 – There have been a lot of social media posts about Kieran Trippier being spotted out celebrating Champions League qualification and he wasn’t at his best here. It was clear that the evening exploits had impacted him and the own goal was evidence of that.
Fabian Schar 7 – It was a solid performance from Schar. He will be hoping that he can retain his place next season. Chelsea had a lot of territory but the centre back pairing defended the box well.
Sven Botman – 7 – Like Schar, he played a key role in restricting Chelsea to only one goal. He made a clearance off the line at one point to keep the score-line level. Botman will benefit from the time to rest. Next season, he could take a real step forward as a player.
Matt Targett – 5 – It was clear that Targett hasn’t played a lot of football, as he dis struggle with the pace of the game. Chelsea had a lot of joy down that flank. There were some nice defensive contributions, but this wasn’t his best performance.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6 – The Brazilian was on his own in midfield, with the other three options all injured. It was a difficult task to have control in the central areas, as he didn’t have players alongside him to do that. It was a tidy performance with four tackles and two interceptions, but he wasn’t at his best.
Anthony Gordon – 7 – This was probably his best performance in a Newcastle shirt. The movement for his goal was excellent and it was important that he got off the mark. It will take the pressure off going into next season. His work rate was impressive and he showed that he has the potential to play centrally.
Elliot Anderson – 7 – Like Gordon, he was impressive in the final third and his role in the goal was important. It was good movement to offer support on the flank and the cross was played perfectly. Anderson has a lot of talent and hopefully, he can push on next season. He will get game time.
Miguel Almiron – 5 – It was a lively performance from Almiron with zero final product. He carried a real goal threat, but he couldn’t find the back of the net. In the first half, he had three big chances, but he didn’t take one of them. If he was on form in front of goal, we would have won the game.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 8 – This was an excellent performance from the Frenchman and it served as a reminder of his abilities. His directness caused a lot of problems for Chelsea, before he tired. It was clear that he wasn’t fully fit. His unselfish part in the goal showed how he has developed under Eddie Howe. During the game, he completed six dribbles.
Alexander Isak – 6 – The Swede carried a threat in transition and he had three shots in the game. It is clear that he will trouble any defence, but Chelsea did deal with him well when he isolated their defenders.
SUBS:
Jacob Murphy – 5 – He didn’t really get a chance to influence the game, as Chelsea were the more dominant team in the second half.
Callum Wilson – 5 – Similar to Murphy, Wilson didn’t really get into the game. He did have a few chances to threaten in the final third, but it wasn’t there for him today.
Dan Burn – N/A – He didn’t have time to impact the game.
Lewis Miley – N/A – Like Burn, he wasn’t on for long. He did come close to getting a winner, but his effort struck the bar. It was great to see him get on the pitch. Had his shot found the back of the net, it would have been an incredible story.
Jamal Lewis – N/A
I always thought there was an unfair element about Dubravka being usurped by Pope.
Dubravka has been a superb keeper for us, and had he played the season behind Tripps, Botman, Schar and Burn we could have had better GA numbers.
A good chance for him to remind people how good he is. Unfortunately someone WILL come in for him in the summer to play as their first choice keeper.
For those of you who have been complaining about Burn, I think Targett showed you just how good the big Geordie is. Too many times Chelsea pushed the ball up the wing and with Targett playing tight inside they had a clear run to the flag. With Burn in that position he’s straight on the man.
No competition in my book. It’s Burn all the way.
I read somewhere the opinion that Bruno can be a bit careless and puts the ball at risk too much too close to our box. He lost the ball twice in the middle of the field just outside the box at Everton, trying to beat players when boot would have been the safer option.
With nothing to lose Howe gave Miley his debut.
Miley, Anderson and Gordon. Average age 19 and a bit – – brilliant.
I’d guess that with nothing to lose he also took the opportunity to showcase Dubravka, Lewis, Targett, Almiron and St Maximin. Expect 3 or them to leave in the summer.
BykerBill(Quote)
Byker Bill :-
To be fair to Bruno he is doing a job for us as a holding midfielder which is not his best position and has been carrying a foot injury for some time.
Almiron is a great squad member but lacks the consistent clinical finish and can’t cross a ball with his right foot and slows the attack by cutting in on his left all the time.
St Max will create chances and must have been pulling his hair out at Almiron yesterday.
however he doesn’t cover players and at the level we wish to play at neither should be considered as regulars.
We still need a new left back although Burn has done well.
Joseph(Quote)