A big win for Newcastle United to keep the momentum going as Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali scored in a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.
Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on each player who took to the pitch in a vital three points for Eddie Howe’s Mags.
Starting 11
Pope (6) – Made a couple of decent saves but gave away a poor penalty. The whole of the stadium had their hearts in their mouths when Trippier fizzed a pass into him in the first half but he handled it well! To his credit, he came off his line well twice in the second half; once to claim a high cross and another to sweep up a dangerous ball in behind.
Trippier (8) – Was a brick wall in defence in the first half making several crucial tackles and interceptions. Adds calmness and leadership whenever he plays
Schar (7) – Got forward a few times and looked more comfortable on the ball than he has recently. One taking cross-field pass to Livramento in the first half was a highlight. A few clumsy moments, as he made the odd needless foul and was booked in the second half for a lunging challenge.
Burn (7.5) – Typical Burn performance. Unbeatable in the air and threw his body in front of everything. Wholehearted commanding performance. Put pressure on Damsgaard late on as he fired over.
Livramento (8) – Great cross early on for Isak and was a consistent threat going forward all game, seeming more comfortable carrying the ball down the left. Handled Mbeumo well as his one on one prowess came to the fore.
Guimaraes (6) – Tried hard to break down the Brentford defence but his through ball attempts often failed to find a teammate. Lost the ball a few times trying to overplay, but did thread a good early ball to Murphy in the lead up to the opener.
Tonali (8.5) – Man of the match. His goal will be on highlight reels for years to come. Aside from that ridiculous strike he was everywhere and integral to everything that we did. Lost possession late on and quickly redeemed himself. Reads the play so quickly, moves the ball quickly and has some engine on him to maintain his intensity from start to finish.
Joelinton (6.5) – Drove us forward well and flashed a shot just wide in the first half. Typically powerful in midfield and won nearly all of his physical battles. A bit clumsy and slow on the ball at times, but he’s vital
Murphy (6) – Saw the good and the bad of Jacob tonight. Tremendous cross and assist for the opener yet wasted a great shooting opportunity in the second half. Couldn’t get going at all in the first half yet it was his cross that set up our opener. Frustrating but effective!!
Barnes (7) – Will be credited with an assist for Tonali and put in a decent shift but will likely make way for Gordon next time out. Looked sharp in the first half, linked up nicely with Tino and almost curled a stunning strike into the top corner. Slid a lovely ball into Isak after cutting in from the left in the second half, but faded after going to the right.
Isak (6) – Took the goal well but butchered an opportunity to take the lead minutes earlier when he tried to walk it in rather than pull the trigger. Also missed an early header and was taken off with half an hour remaining. Didn’t look right and will hopefully be OK for Monday.
Substitutes
Willock (7) – Great pressing late on won an important throw which was exactly what he was sent on to do. Ran his socks off.
Wilson (5) – Rarely touched the ball and is struggling to make an impact. Tried to offer a physical presence and cause uneasiness in the Brentford backline, but didn’t have much joy. Saw one deflected shot go just wide.
Krafth (NR) – Replaced Trippier in the 89th minute
Miley (NR) – On for the last few minutes to give us extra height.
