NUFC player ratings vs Aston Villa – Two outstanding 9s, three 8s, a few 7s and the odd 6

It was great to see us back in competitive action and it was quite the performance. Newcastle United ran rampant at St James’ Park and ended the game as 5-1 winners. It was a remarkable attacking performance and underlined that we will be in contention at the top of the division once again. Aston Villa were tipped as challengers for the Champions League and fell a long way short against us. Below, we rate the individual performances of each player.

Nick Pope 7 – The England international was back from his finger injury for his first competitive fixture and he looked as assured as ever. The goal wasn’t down to him, as it was a good finish by Moussa Diaby. There were a couple good saves in the second half and he looks like he will have a big part to play this season.

Kieran Trippier 7 – As ever, Kieran Trippier was good in both halves of the pitchand created a number of good chances. There were four key passes made during the game and defensively, he looked solid. 

Fabian Schar 6 – The Swiss international didn’t do anything wrong, but he looked short of match fitness. He was caught out of position a couple of times and he wasn’t stepping out of defence as often as he usually does. Still, it was good to have him on the pitch and his presence was a calming influence.

Sven Botman 8 – Arguably, he was the best performing defender. It was his cut back that got the assist for Alexander Isak’s first goal and he did offer a threat in the Villa penalty area. Defensively, he made two tackles and read the play well, but it was on the ball that he impressed the most as he completed 93% of his passes.

Dan Burn 6 – It was tough for Dan Burn as he often had Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby to deal with, while Matty Cash regularly pushed on. Burn was definitely targeted, but he performed well. He completed four tackles during the game.

Sandro Tonali 9 – There were doubts about whether he would start. Despite this, he was excellent and showed why Eddie Howe trusted him with a start. Tonali scored the opening goal, showing the drive he can provide from midfield. He came close to adding a second just minutes later. An 89% pass success rate shows that the pace of the Premier League didn’t trouble him. 

Bruno Guimaraes 6.5 –  There will be better performances from Bruno Guimaraes this season. Villa shut him down in our loss against them last season and they targeted him again. He wasn’t given as much time on the ball as he does in other matches. That said, he still offered a calming presence on the ball and was combative in both halves of the pitch. 

Joelinton 7 – There is a level of performance we expect from Joelinton and he delivered it on Saturday. He completed all three of his attempted tackles and ensured we dominated the midfield areas. The Brazilian came close to scoring in the second half, but his header was cleared off the line. 

Miggy Almiron 7 – Like Joelinton, there is just a standard that we expect from Almiron and he was exactly that against Villa. The only thing that let him down was his decision making in the final third. On another day, he would have got an assist or a goal. Two tackles and a 97% pass success rate show that he did contribute though. 

Alexander Isak 9 – A lot of fans expect Alexander Isak to have an excellent season. He got the campaign off to the perfect start with two goals. The second was a superb chipped finish that showed the technical ability he has. Isak will feel annoyed that he didn’t get a hat trick, as he had a couple of other great chances. He will be a massive threat this season. 

Anthony Gordon 8.5 – It didn’t quite happen for Anthony Gordon last season. He now looks ready to start matches for us and he was excellent on Saturday. He got the assist for the first goal with a great cross and he was causing problems all afternoon with his directness with the ball. Worked hard, looked so sharp in possession and his movement was electric.

SUBS:

Harvey Barnes 8 – There won’t be better cameos this season, as Harvey Barnes came on and caused chaos.He took his goal well and also contributed an assist for Callum Wilson. Aston Villa really struggled with his pace.

Callum Wilson 7.5 – It was a classic Callum Wilson performance from the bench. He looks a massive threat when he does come on. Wilson took his goal well and could have got another. He will be disappointed he didn’t end the game with a brace.

Jacob Murphy 7 – Murphy didn’t have much time on the pitch, but he grabbed an assist with a good burst and through ball to Barnes.

Sean Longstaff N/A – He didn’t have long enough to contribute. 

Elliot Anderson N/A