NUFC player ratings vs PSG – Three 10s, four 9s, two 8s, a few 7s and one 6

I’m pretty much lost for words. The best footballing night I’ve ever witnessed in my life, as Newcastle put four past PSG in the UEFA Champions League, sending us top of Group F!

A truly magical night on Tyneside in a performance and story that will be told for generations to come. Here come the ratings from St James’ Park:

Nick Pope – 7 – Made his first save in the 77th minute to parry Ousmane Dembele’s powerful strike. Could do nothing about Hernandez’s glancing header, but his kicking was poor all night. Still, he stepped up when needed to deny Dembele at 3-1!

Kieran Trippier – 9 – Another top class performance and kept Kylian Mbappe absolutely silent all night. Led the team brilliantly, marshalled our back four and made some fantastic passes into midfield and down the line to Almiron, also setting up Longstaff’s goal with a smart ball into the box. Two clearances, two tackles and a blocked shot summed up a superb night.

Jamaal Lascelles – 9 – Has been absolutely incredible since coming into the side against Man City last week. Made some unbelievable slide tackles, read the play well and showed his recovery pace to deny Dembele and Barcola. I won’t be the only one who is unbelievably pleased for the club captain – he deserves this as much as anyone.

Fabian Schar – 10 – Best performance I’ve seen from him in black; and white and that was before his goal. Defensively perfect, dealt with everything PSG threw at him. Seven clearances, two interceptions, two tackles and one worldie which will be remembered forever. Stunning. One of the club’s great bargains at £3m.

Dan Burn – 9 – Dealt with the rapid Dembele very well, snapped into tackles but didn’t over commit and was positionally very strong. Took his goal beautifully, leaping like a salmon at the back post to power home. Played a huge role at both ends.

Bruno Guimaraes – 10 – Central midfield masterclass. A performance brimming with passion, sublime passing, brilliant footwork and the tenacity and skill to outwork and outclass the entire PSG midfield. Ran the show and delivered that brilliant dinked cross to set up Burn’s goal. I just hope other clubs weren’t watching…

Sean Longstaff – 10* – Fairytale story for the lad from North Shields. My man of the match, covered every blade of grass and scored a brilliant goal at the Gallowgate End. Seemed to be everywhere and always sniffing out danger when PSG looked threatening. He looks after the ball so well, adds so much protection to our defence and allows Bruno to thrive. Getting better and better every week – England calling?

Sandro Tonali – 8 – Linked up brilliantly with Bruno in the first half. Looked really lively in the left channel and put himself about in midfield, making some brilliant challenges. Pressed really well and looked absolutely knackered just after the hour mark, when Elliot Anderson replaced him.

Miguel Almiron – 9 – Absolutely electric in the first half and took his goal very well after gambling on Isak’s initial shot. Played a key role in our second, too, winning the free-kick that led to Burn’s header. Link up play and movement was razor sharp and his defensive positioning was also impressive. Forced off with 20 minutes to play.

Anthony Gordon – 8 – Worked tirelessly out of possession, turning over the ball and getting us up the pitch when we were under pressure. Won nine duels and made three tackles in an extremely disciplined, selfless and tireless performance. His fitness levels are incredible and the crowd really feed off his intensity and pressing.

Alexander Isak – 7 – Tired as the game went on, which is no real surprise after three starts in seven days. Still gave it his all, pressed from the front and battled on after a nasty whack which led to a first half cut to his head. Saw his shot saved before Almiron tapped in the rebound to make it 1-0.

Substitutes:

Elliot Anderson – 7 – Looked really dangerous when he picked up the ball and ran at PSG, but needs to learn to release the ball sooner when he beats his man. Dribbling was superb at times and showed bursts of impressive pace, too.

Jacob Murphy – 6 – Put himself about and broke up play to run down the clock. One bad giveaway almost cost us late on, but nothing came of it after his careless pass.

Matt Targett – N/A