NUFC player ratings vs PSG – Two 10s, several 9s, a few 8s and the odd 7

It’s hard to find the words after that. Newcastle United have been robbed of one of the greatest wins in the club’s history thanks to more VAR incompetence. Absolutely gutted, but we can’t take away from what was an incredible effort from all 11 Mags involved. Here come the ratings from the Parc de Princes.

Nick Pope – 10* – Incredible performance. Seven saves, five of them from inside the box. Two of them absolutely outrageous, with Barcola’s chance seeming like a certain goal but for Pope’s reactions. Was also quick off his line, doing superbly to smother Mbappe and Dembele. Couldn’t have done any more and can hold his head high.

Kieran Trippier – 8.5 – The definition of composure and class at the back for Newcastle. Linked up well with Miley and Almiron down our right hand side and kept Mbappe quiet, forcing the Frenchman to take up a central role in the second half. Brilliant performance.

Jamaal Lascelles – 9 – A captains performance. Won everything in the air, making one or two huge headed clearances from dangerous balls into the box. Coped with Mbappe well, made eight clearances and won five duels. Deserved a clean sheet.

Fabian Schar – 9 – Another heroic performance from the Swiss centre-back. 11 clearances, two vital blocks and picked out a few nice passes from deep. Played with real discipline and determination.

Tino Livramento – 10 – An incredible performance from Tino, who was outstanding at both ends. Absolutely astonishing bit of play for the goal, ghosting past five PSG players before setting up Miggy’s shot that then fell to Isak. Showed incredible pace, power and athleticism to cope with Dembele and Hakimi, made three tackles and looked so sharp and positive in possession. The penalty decision was a total farce, hitting his chest before it rebounded off his arm; which was low and in a natural position.

Lewis Miley – 9 – Looked the part and at home in the Champions League at 17 years old. Played with composure well beyond his years. In a moment that may have gone unnoticed, he span the PSG midfield and played a through ball which Isak wasn’t anticipating; one of many moments that showed his impressive footballing brain. Two interceptions, some brilliant tackles, six clearances and three blocked shots. What a player we have on our hands. He should be unbelievably proud of himself.

Bruno Guimaraes – 9 – Stunning first half display and kept on fighting in the second. Always wanted to get on the ball and dictate play, showing his incredible quality in tight spaces and ability to battle out of possession, too. Seven duels won in midfield, four blocked shots, four tackles and three clearances. World class operator.

Joelinton – 8 – Brilliant to see him battle against Europe’s elite in midfield. Booked early on, which may have hampered his physicality in the challenge, but he dominated in the first half and covered so much ground in the second to try and protect our lead. Looked heartbroken at full-time.

Miguel Almiron – 9 – Unbelievable shift from the Paraguayan, who played his part both on and off the ball. Remarkably won 12 duels, made seven tackles and won four free kicks. His pressing was relentless, seeing him rob PSG defenders on several occasions. Should’ve had an assist for his early pass to Isak before his parried shot was tapped in by the striker.

Anthony Gordon – 7.5 – Had some big chances to unleash a shot or break through on goal when confronted with the last man. Could he have stayed on his feet when Skriniar dangled a foot out? Still, he ran himself into the ground, drew several fouls and gave us an outlet on the break.

Alexander Isak – 7.5 – Should’ve scored with a glorious chance in the first half following a Miggy cut back, but gambled superbly to fire us into a 1-0 lead after Donnarumma spilled Almiron’s effort. Faded massively in the second half and struggled to hold up the ball when we needed him to late on. Put in a real shift and pressed from the front, so he was probably shattered.

No substitutes highlights the mammoth effort we saw from the eleven out there.