A tough one to take for Newcastle United, who ran out of steam and lost it at the death in a 3-2 defeat to the champions Man City. Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on each player’s performance:
Dubravka 7/10 – Made some solid stops and is able to clutch the ball to his chest more often than not. Still has a tendency to flap at crosses, but his quick distribution is a welcome addition to the Howe style of play.
Trippier 7/10 – A defensive organiser and creative force, his aerial presence prevented City from switching the ball to Gvardiol on a handful of occasions in the second half, but was sliced open by De Bruyne for Bobb’s winner.
Schar 6/10 – Put in some good challenges and threw himself at an onslaught of shots and crosses, however was slow to react to Bobb’s winner.
Botman 6/10 – It is good to have Botman back more consistently, however Newcastle’s defensive line while compact was easily picked apart by De Bruyne (even if the Belgian is one of the best in the world).
Burn 5/10 – Exposed a few times by the brilliance of Foden and the running of Walker which stretched our defensive left hand side. The first City goal game down his side, but his physical presence cannot be understated.
Bruno 8/10 – Another stellar performance from Wor Bruno who set up the first Newcastle goal with a wonderful first time ball to Isak. He later put his body on the line to stop an easy tap in after an hour.
Longstaff 5/10 – Looked leggy in the second half and gave away a dangerous freekick right on the edge of the box. It also felt as though he was bypassed often by City who played around him.
Miley 6/10 – The young midfielder struggled with the intricacy of City’s midfield passing, but made some nice line-splitting runs and has a good understanding of the right hand side of the pitch with Trippier and Almiron.
Almiron 7/10 –Was back to his best against Sunderland and really thrives when our press is consistent and frantic. He was a constant buzz of energy down the right hand side and caused problems for City’s defence, but tired into the second half.
Isak 7/10 – Took his goal very well, turning onto his right foot to bend the ball into the far corner, but felt quiet in the second half because of the nature of our defensive set up.
Gordon 8/10 – Scored a fantastic goal from just inside the box, cutting in past Gvardiol to sweep the ball past an outstretched Ortega. His ability to run with the ball is second to none in this Newcastle side. Came off with five minutes to play.
SUBS:
Hall – N/A – Came on for the final few minutes, replacing Almiron but operating down the left. Added some energy but barely touched the ball.
Think 6 is harsh for Dubravka at least an 8 you’ve give Bruno an 8 who left a great big gaping hole by pushing to far forward for de Bruyne equaliser he’s the number 6 got to know when to hold happening a lot this season that gap in front of the back four
Darren Bebb(Quote)
If you look at 442’s youtube you will see that that is his actual job, when in possession push forward and orchestrate the attack. Cover is provided by normally Longstaff until it breaks down when everybody gets back. That’s the high intensity, not the press.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Fact is prem and up that gap in midfield is huge becoming more evident this season lots of people are commenting on it now I love Bruno and stuck up and championed Eddie Howe but it’s not getting addressed and it’s becoming a weakness for us if Howe is keeping the 433 he needs a holding/defensive midfielder number 6
Darren Bebb(Quote)
I agree, It’s become an issue because we have been too fatigued to cover that gap as we did last season, one way is to ensure we have a proper 6, but I think the plan was to use Tonali and Bruno as a double pivot, one covering the other. We will see. With the winter break, players coming back from injury, no fixture congestion and a couple of new players I expect to get back to winning ways and end up with mid 60’s points.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think I’m saying the gap is Howe’s strategy rather than Bruno’s incompetence.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Aah the guimaraes love in continues.
He was taught a lesson yesterday by some actual top class mf players.
Other than that gorgeous pass to isak he spent his time trying to windup Rodri and was a walking red card (again ) in the 1st half.
As for putting his body on the line in the 2nd half, rewind that move back 10s and check who it was dithering (again) in MF to allow the mancity transition.
He’s a good player and the best MF player at nufc ( at least until we get a chance to decide on tonali and the hoped for progress of miley) but the constant over-egging of his contribution is wearing thin.
Guimaraes Has not the temperament , talent or leadership nufc need to get beyond where they are right now.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
We have not got the discipline required in this side, the midfield needs an overhaul and if we need to offload Bruno and Longstaff so be it.
We are not too good to be relegated either although a 10 point deduction for Forest may help. We are only safe from relegation when we pick up points and we are not picking up any.
The number of teams I have seen play good football and get relegated over the years bears testament to this.
Don’t be blind we have some tough games on the horizon and players have to step up to the mark.
Joseph(Quote)