NUFC player ratings vs Wolves – Two 9s, a few superb 8s, several 7s and the odd 6

A huge win for Newcastle United and much-needed improvement on the midweek chaos at Blackburn, as Eddie Howe’s Mags beat Wolves 3-0 at St James’ Park. Here come the ratings following our first home victory of 2024:

Martin Dubravka – 8 – It may seem a high mark when he didn’t have THAT much to do, but he made a few key saves at crucial times and took the pressure off the defence by claiming one or two looped corners. His low save to deny Fraser’s low shot was superb just before he stopped Sarabia’s back-post effort.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – Solid and reliable, in and out of possession. Had his hands full at times with the tricky Ait-Nouri but played him well. A shame to see him come off with a calf injury just five minutes into the second half.

Fabian Schar – 9 – I thought he was a bit all over the shop at Blackburn, but the Swiss international was outstanding here. He played brilliant balls out of defence for each of our three goals, splitting the Wolves midfield open and allowing us to break. His assist for Livramento’s late goal was superb and he defended well all game, setting the tone with a vital saving challenge to stop Neto early on. Top class.

Sven Botman – 7.5 – Great to see the Dutchman put in a commanding display after arguably his worst display in a black and white shirt at Arsenal last weekend. He was calm on the ball, read the play well and tracked runners well to cut out Wolves attacks.

Dan Burn – 7.5 – Beaten a few times early on as Neto drove at us down their right, but he settled well, was better positionally, made a couple of important blocks and almost got an assist, setting up a Willock header that was stopped on the line. Neto going off at half-time may have helped, but he was really solid after struggling badly in our last few at St James’ Park.

Sean Longstaff – 6.5 – Worked hard, got back into better positions to protect our defence and made more tackles (4) than any other Mag. Still feel he looks a little off the pace. Often did the simple things well but sometimes failed to show that quality needed to pick a killer pass; one occasion being where he failed to get his head up to pick out Miggy in acres of space.

Bruno Guimaraes – 9* – My man of the match. Ran the show and was the heartbeat of our team, on and off the ball. So much energy and enterprise. His lung busting run got him in position to set up Isak’s opener, his no-look pass to Miggy was a thing of beauty in the second half, he ran rings around Wolves’ midfield at times, won so many duels and showed real discipline and class to win his battles without giving away fouls. What a player.

Joe Willock – 8 – It’s no surprise that our midfield (and left side) looked much better with him back in the starting 11. His pace, athleticism and movement is one thing, but he also moved the ball quickly and pinged some lovely passes into wide areas. Came so close to scoring another header, only for Toti to clear on the line.

Jacob Murphy – 7.5 – Positive in possession, not only driving us forward and posing a threat on the counter, but playing some quick, decisive balls in behind to Isak. His cross for Gordon’s tap-in caused havoc and would be shown on repeat had De Bruyne done it.

Alexander Isak – 7 – Pressed from the front and was tough to mark for Wolves’ three centre-backs. Some good runs in behind and got himself into the right place to head in that crucial opener. His hold up play does need some work, although he can find himself a little isolated at times.

Anthony Gordon – 8 – A constant pest for Wolves. Never gave them a moments rest, with his pace, impressive movement and work rate (in both directions) making him so tough to play against. Got himself into the box to pounce on a loose ball and make it 2-0 and linked up nicely with Burn and Willock down our left. That’s now 10 for the season, but he offers much more than just goals. Lost the ball poorly at one point in the second half but sprinted straight back to regain possession seconds later.

SUBS

Tino Livramento –  8 – Replaced Trippier just a few minutes into the second half. Defended very well whenever Wolves tried to get down his side and showed real drive to score a brilliant stoppage time goal to make it 3-0.

Harvey Barnes – 6 – Didn’t make a huge impact but is still working on his match sharpness after four months out.

Miguel Almiron – 7 – Used the ball well, made some good runs in behind and offered plenty of energy as ever. Good to see him look sharper in our last two games after a few too many poor displays before that.

Lewis Miley – 6.5 – Helped us see out of the game. Made some decent runs and was positive on the ball.

Elliot Anderson – N/A – Only on for the final few minutes.