A day to forget for Newcastle United and one we must improve on to keep our top five spot, as Aston Villa battered us 4-1 in last night.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved:
Starting 11
Pope (5) – Conceded four but could’ve been a lot more. Made some crucial saves but couldn’t do too much about the goals.
Trippier (3) – Given a torrid time all game and never looked comfortable. Struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Villas left side. Hooked early for Krafth.
Schar (4) – Unlucky to divert the opening goal past Pope and popped up with the equaliser but it quickly unraveled. Will be seeing Watkins in his nightmares and looked heavy legged trying to come across in cover for Mastsens goal. Horrible half hearted pass led directly to a Villa goal too.
Burn (3) – Looked very tired and put in arguably his worst performance of the season. Couldn’t cope with the movement of Villa in attack and will not enjoy watching this one back, with the own goal summing up a tough day.
Livramento (6) – One of the few who didn’t drop too far below their usual levels. Offered a powerful presence running the ball down the left and defended reasonably well when called upon. Villa didn’t attack his wing too often though
Guimaraes (3) – Just not at it today. Couldn’t get near Villas midfield trio and aside from one decent foray in attack late on he offered nothing. Accumulated fouls for fun and was fortunate not to see a yellow earlier. Frustrating performance
Tonali (5.5) – Poor clearance led to the opening goal and cleared one off the line (probably going wide) in the second half but found himself having too much to do. With his midfield partners both off the boil, he was fighting a losing battle. Struggled to stamp his authority in possession
Joelinton (3) – Could’ve put the house on big Joe picking up a yellow! Was probably the only time he got within 5 yards of a Villa midfielder. Lacked his usual energy which maybe a consequence of 3 games in 6 days and no squad rotation
Murphy (4) – Form deserted him today and found himself doing a lot more defending than he has done lately. Definitely not as effective receiving the ball deeper. Rare off day
Barnes (5) – Cracking cross for the equaliser and was one of the few players to show some intent in attack. Great to see a winger square defenders up and take them on. One of the better performers on the day
Isak (4) – Couple of nice touches to link up play but otherwise anonymous. Another who looked leggy and in need of a rest. Need to tread carefully with his workload
Substitutes
Gordon (4) – Was given ample time to make an impact but circumstances made it difficult. Set piece delivery was poor
Wilson (3) – Barely sighted. Great servant who could have been so much more if not for injuries. Looks like the game is passing him by
Willock (4) – Tried hard and should’ve done better with a header towards the end.
Krafth (5) – Tough to come on in defence when momentum is completely against you. Did ok
Targett (NR) – Came on in the closing stages.
Proved one thing for me, can’t keep asking the same 11 to perform game in game out. Rotation going to be vital nxt season, Villa played 24hrs earlier and made 4 changes, they were quicker mentally and physically then us. Thankfully we’ve got full week’s between games now . Think 9 points should be enough from remaining games for top 5.
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Some of the players you need to remember didn’t do 90 minutes against Man Utd and Crystal Palace, so the argument of 3 games in 6 days is a bit weak for the players who were taken off early.
What is crystal clear is we lack strength in depth, and an ageing defence ( Livramento excluded) who can’t cope with pace, especially down the left.
In midfield Bruno has a serious lack of pace and Joelinton doe not show up at times.
Isak has not really been at it for a few games can only assume he is not fully fit.
Joseph(Quote)
Our bench is way off it, Gordon and Milley the only players who are quality for me, Wilson will be gone in the summer, unfortunately Longstaff should be sold and so should willock, we then need, centre half, right winger, striker and a top class keeper, will we have the money to do this? Who knows.
Our two centre Hal’s looked tired yesterday, but I will say, if they hadn’t got that bit of luck in the first minute who’s knows how the game would have panned out.
MorpethMag(Quote)