A game of two halves if I ever saw one but a brilliant win for Newcastle United, who recovered from an awful first half to batter Sheffield United 5-1. Here’s our marks out of 10:
Martin Dubravka – 5/10 – Another shot went through his legs and clearly won’t be first choice once Pope is fully fit. Was noticeable (again) how reluctant he is to come for crosses and take the pressure of his defence, who never seem to know if he’s coming or staying.
Tino Livramento – 6/10 – His higher average position was targeted by the opposition. Set up a big chance for Longstaff early on and grew into the game down our right after a sloppy start. Good to see him back.
Fabian Schar – 4/10 – Beaten in the air and on the ground so often and did not look comfortable throughout the first half. Was targeted by Sheffield before eventually being subbed at the break. Should’ve come off sooner?
Dan Burn* – 8/10 – Despite having his critics this season, including us, Burn saved the game for the Toon today. Made three goal-saving blocks in the first half, constantly bailing out Schar before he was taken off. Won’t make the headlines but he was our unsung hero today. Without him it’s a totally different game today. For that, he’s my man of the match.
Lewis Hall – 7/10 – Hope he gets a good run in the team as he offers a lot more than Burn at left back, allowing the big man to shine in his natural central position. Struggled to get anything going early on, but showed his quality on the ball second half with some sharp passes. Big talent who is developing the defensive side of his game too.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8/10 – Looked the most talented player on the pitch and must have loved scoring after that wonderful tifo dedicated to our Brazilian squad members. Ran the show in the second half after cutting a frustrated figure in the first. Please don’t ever leave us Bruno.
Sean Longstaff – 5/10 – He had a lot of chances in the first half and never looked confident of scoring any of them. After a slow, sloppy and laboured first 45, he grew into the game as the team’s confidence built.
Elliot Anderson – 5/10 – A bit-part performance, despite promising performances in previous games. Didn’t really get into the game or impose himself physically like he has in previous home games.
Jacob Murphy – 5/10 – Pretty wasteful and too easily knocked off the ball. Fired several crosses out of play but deserves credit for slipping Isak in behind for our equaliser.
Alexander Isak – 8/10 – He’s simply brilliant to watch and took both his goals well to level Demba Ba’s Premier League tally for us.
Anthony Gordon – 7/10 – Won the penalty well, set up Bruno’s headed goal and was a nuisance to the Sheffield back line in the second half after struggling to get going in an unusually flat first 45. Could’ve set up a third goal but his heavy touch stopped him from assisting a certain tap-in for Isak.
Emil Krafth (45’) – 6/10 – Came on for Schar at the start of the second half and put in a sure-footed performance, tightening up the right side of our defence.
Harvey Barnes (66’) – 7/10 – Deft flick to assist Wilson for our fifth, nicely composed and another impactful cameo at St James’ Park.
Callum Wilson (66’) – 7/10 – Hungry for goals and could have had a couple. He took his goal well to put us 5-1 up. Good to see him back and doing what he does best.
Matt Ritchie (81’) – “Matt Ritchie, he drives what he wants!” was the chant from the Gallowgate. Those who started that get a 10/10 from me!
A Murphy (81’) – Almost gave away a late penalty until VAR stepped in. Fortunate to get away with that one.
They do your head in this lot first C. Palace, then a first half showing like that, should be used to it by now, they continue to amaze and frustrate in equal quantities.
Am going for an aspirin and a lie down.
Joseph(Quote)
We would have been brown bread without Dan Burn, who was played in his proper position no need to tinker with this Eddie especially not having Botman .
The game would have been beyond us so Burn was a 9 for me who covered for a very under par Shar who was apparently injured.
Joseph(Quote)
What we did was concerve our energy then blast them in the second half. Good tactics
Sheila(Quote)