Two 8s, several 7s, the odd 5 and one awful 3 - NUFC player ratings vs Everton
by Jake Jackman · 3 April 2024, 09:50
This season will end eventually. It has been a slog for the squad and the fans alike. We continue to trudge towards a European place and our remaining fixtures are good, but it won’t be easy. We should have beaten Everton, but we threw two points away. Below, we rate the performance of each player.
Martin Dubravka 5.5 – The goalkeeper was fine for the most part. Some have criticised his failure to stop the penalty, but it was unlucky after he went the right way. The poor communication between him and the defenders caused issues, as he regularly came off his line when others were dealing with the issues.
Emil Krafth 6 – This was better than his cameo on Saturday, as he offered an outlet in the attacking half and was solid for most of the game. He lacks the quality of our first two choice right backs, but he was okay.
Fabian Schar 7 – Again, Schar was much better than he was on Saturday. In possession, he was often the one that launched attacks and he was cool on the ball. He dealt with the Everton attackers for the most part and he really should have played his part in a clean sheet.
Dan Burn 8.5 – This was his best performance for a while. It is clear that he is a centre back, as he looks more comfortable defending the penalty area. A marginal offside denied him scoring at the other end too. Next season, he should be the back-up to Sven Botman rather than the first choice left back.
Lewis Hall 7 – It was nice to see him get a start and he did offer an outlet on the left side. As the game wore on, he did tire and his decision making was impacted, but that is to be expected from a player with his lack of game time.
Bruno Guimaraes 7.5 – Again, he avoided a yellow card. He is getting closer and closer to the cut off point for a two-match suspension, which is positive for the team. He was a cut above in the midfield area and helped us control the game for the first three quarters of the game.
Sean Longstaff 5 – It was another under par performance from Longstaff, who faced his critics again. I do feel sorry for him to a point, as he is clearly not fully fit and being asked to play with an injury like Bruno was towards the latter part of last season. Maybe Eddie Howe should give him a rest at the weekend.
Elliot Anderson 7 – This was a pleasing performance from Anderson, who was active with and without the ball. He looks every inch a Premier League player and will benefit from the game time he will get for the rest of the season. The midfielder always looks for the positive option and that is what we have been lacking at times in midfield.
Jacob Murphy 5.5 – There was a willingness on his part and he does cause problems for opposition teams. His progress as a player has continued, but his decision making needs to improve. At 1-0, he was in promising positions, but chose to shoot instead of finding a team-mate. Given the end result, that looks wasteful in hindsight.
Alexander Isak 8 – It was an excellent performance from the striker. He was looking like he was going to make something happen every time he got the ball. He was fractions away from an assist, while he took his goal superbly well. However, his poor miss at 1-0 means he gets a lower mark than he could have.
Harvey Barnes 7 – As the game went on, he did fatigue and it was clear that he is still lacking match fitness. He got the assist for the first goal and came close to getting another, when a clearance off the line denied Isak. It is obvious that Barnes is going to have a big impact on the rest of the season.
Joe Willock 5.5 – There were some nice touches, but Willock is still looking like a player that has lacked match practice. It is unlikely we will see the best version of Willock until he has a full pre-season under his belt.
Paul Dummett 3 – I feel for Dummett. He shouldn’t be playing Premier League matches in 2024. The 12 injuries have led to this point, but he will have many regrets about his stupid decision to haul Ashley Young down. The cross offered no danger and without that decision, we would have won the game. Howe may look to a younger player or Matt Ritchie next time.
