NUFC player ratings vs Burnley – One 8.5, two 8s, four 7.5s, a few 7s and three 6s

A solid three points at St. James Park with a comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley. Goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak secured the victory, making it five games unbeaten ahead of Wednesday’s clash with PSG. Here come the ratings from a wet St. James Park.

Nick Pope – 7.5 – Made a huge save in the first half to deny Burnley’s Amdouni and tipped over a glancing header in the second half. Another solid display, securing his fifth straight clean sheet. Didn’t have much to do, but stepped up in a few key moments when needed.

Kieran Trippier – 8.5 – Another masterful display from England’s best right back. Brilliant assist for Miggy’s wonder goal, winning the goal high up the pitch. Had 122 touches, making 73 passes (five of them key). Defensively superb, as always, winning nine duels and making four tackles. World class operator and always keeps us ticking in possession.

Jamaal Lascelles – 7 – A steady defensive display and was decent on the ball, too. Always difficult coming into the side cold and stringing together two 90 minutes in a few days but did well. With Botman set to miss our next few games, we may need the skipper to step up again soon.

Fabian Schar – 7.5 – Cultured showing from the Swiss, who played as a LCB in Botman’s absence. Strong defensively on his less favourited side and picked out some nice passes from deep. Had one chance from a set piece but couldn’t manage to bring it down, should’ve done better. Kept us on the front foot and read the game well.

Dan Burn – 6 – Really poor in the first half, slipping for a huge chance in the first ten minutes as Luca Koleosho’s pace caused him real problems. Was a bit shaky in possession also in the first half but grew into the game in the second and did better at both ends.

Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – Our midfield maestro ran the show at times, displaying moments of genius in possession and the heart and tenacity to chase every ball and close Burnley players down. Played a beautiful first time pass through to Isak in the first half to put him clean through, made five key passes, four tackles and two interceptions. Great to see the Brazilian at it again after superb displays against Sheffield Utd and Man City.

Sean Longstaff – 7.5 – Kept the ball moving nicely in midfield all afternoon. Links up so well with Trippier, Almiron and Bruno on the right hand side. Goes under the radar and covers so much ground. Broke up the play, produced a good block late on and set up Anderson’s headed chance in the first half. In transition, Longstaff is so important; sometimes our midfield looks vulnerable without him.

Elliot Anderson – 7 – Excellent first half putting himself around in midfield and throwing himself into every tackle. So unlucky not to score at the back post with a header into the ground expertly stopped by Trafford in the Burnley goal. Won six duels and looked a real threat in the first half. Taken off just after the hour mark.

Miguel Almiron – 8 – Beautiful curling finish for his goal from outside of the box, breaking the deadlock after our slow start. Looked really lively all afternoon, cutting in from the right hand side and combining with Trippier. As ever, he pressed like a maniac for the whole duration and put in a huge shift.

Anthony Gordon – 7.5 – Very lively again all game, carrying the ball at pace and forcing turnovers with his high intensity pressing from the front. Booked for kicking the ball away in the first half, confirming a one-game suspension, but won the penalty in the second half positioning his body perfectly to draw the slide tackle. Will be missed at West Ham next Sunday.

Alexander Isak – 6 – Should’ve taken a chance in the first half after being released through following a brilliant pass from Bruno. Made a mess of it in the end and looked a level or two below his brilliant best, sometimes getting the ball caught under his feet. However, he took his penalty well, scoring in three successive games.

Substitutes:

Sandro Tonali – 6 – Looked lively down the left of our midfield three and was unlucky not to contribute more with an assist after setting up Isak. Looked rapid in parts but still getting to know his other team-mates.

Joelinton – N/A – Subbed off moments after he came on with an hamstring injury.

Tino Livramento – N/A – Played a minute.

Jacob Murphy – N/A – Played a minute.