A big effort and bright start, but it ended in a Champions League lesson at the hands of Barcelona, who came away 2-1 winners at St James’ Park last night.
We tried to rally with a late Anthony Gordon goal, although the damage had been done after a quickfire and quality Marcus Rashford brace.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved:
Starting 11
Pope (6) – One good save low down in the second half kept us in it. Couldn’t do much about either of the goals. Looks like he’s not even trusted to take goal kicks anymore, with Schar stepping up to take a few.
Trippier (6.5) – Aside from one moment in the first half when Rashford spun away from him he defended well in the first half. On the flip side, his set piece delivery was uncharacteristically poor and will be a concern.
Schar (6) – Big block to deny Lewandowski in first half, but let Rashford get space for the opener. Took a hefty whack to the head yet played on which directly led to the opening goal. Questions need to be asked as to whether he should’ve been allowed to continue. Second head knock in a short period should result in a rest.
Burn (6) – Found out the hard way that any error will be seized upon by a world class Barcelona outfit as his poor right footed clearance fell right to Rashford for what turned out to be the winning goal. Got himself booked for a heavy challenge on the impressive Kounde.
Livramento (6) – Kept the dangerous Raphinha quiet for most of the night but gave the ball away a few times and may need to work on his long throws! Wasn’t as adventurous going forward but has made a good fist of the left back position.
Guimaraes (6) – Frustrating night for the captain as he wasn’t able to have any meaningful impact on the game aside from a left foot shot in the second half. Our midfield were taught a lesson in ball retention by Pedri and De Jong especially. Lost the ball in a good attacking position before Barca broke quickly to make it 0-1.
Tonali (7) – Set the tone early on with our relentless pressing and sharp passing. Nearly had his name up in lights with a late effort which was well saved. Much like Bruno, he struggled to have much influence over proceedings in the end, but covered the ground well defensively.
Joelinton (5.5) – Put himself about as per usual and collected his customary yellow card. A few loose passes showed his limitations technically, as he had two or three chances to slip someone in but couldn’t find the right ball. Flashed a header wide on an otherwise quiet night in possession for big Joe.
Elanga (8) – Shines brightest against a high line where he has space to run in behind. Was unlucky not to grab an assist or two after low balls in that Gordon and Barnes couldn’t convert, but can be proud of his performance. Could we see him start on the left this weekend?
Barnes (4) – Just isn’t happening for him at the moment. Not through a lack of effort but everything he’s trying is just not coming off, whether that’s his final shot, pass or inability to take on his man. Will be very lucky to retain his place. Could’ve closed down the cross for the opening goal better.
Gordon (6.5) – Finally ended his goal drought late on but had a gilt edged opportunity in the first half with an air swing from Elanga’s cutback. Clearly isn’t a centre forward and seemed eager to make up for it when shifted out to the left wing but made quite a few silly errors.
Subs:
Thiaw (7.5) – Very composed and exciting cameo. Looked great on the ball and has a presence about him in defence. Pushing for a start.
Willock (5.5) – Did a couple of good things but quickly undid all the hard work shortly after, namely not playing Gordon in when free on the left and turning into trouble instead.
Murphy (7) – Needs to start. The art of an early cross has been eroded in recent history however it’s a very effective weapon as he collected his second assist in a week.
Woltemade (6) – Starved of any quality ball but did play a couple of neat layoffs. Needs to get his fitness up to speed sooner rather than later.
Botman (NR) – Came on for the final few minutes.
The truth is we played a very good side who have plied their trade in the upper echelons of the Champions League for a lot longer than we have, we did compete as Eddie would want us to, but they showed our team to be lacking in areas we were already aware of :-
Joelinton is just a thug nothing more and lacks any sort of footballing brain, Bruno caught in possession far too often, this made our “world”class midfield look decidedly average as they can’t keep possession.
No one in the forward line especially Barnes knows how to shoot on target which has been obvious in pre season and in league games to date.
Happen to think Eddie got his selection wrong choosing to use Barnes on the left with Gordon available, perhaps as he claims injuries and giving Woltemade time to settle, however he is a £70 million pound acquisition, should he not be capable of having to be wrapped in cotton wool.
Wasn’t surprised at the result but felt we didn’t make enough use of our massive height advantage especially at set pieces where our delivery was once again poor.
Do we really have a new set piece coach because it doesn’t look like it, apart from a Livramento long throw!
Joseph(Quote)
Yes Joseph,agree with your opinion regarding Joelinton and Bruno. I’d like to add that goals change games,whether you score them or not. If Gordon scores after 6 minutes I believe Barca could have been knocked out of their stride. Same with Barnes when he shoots straight at their keeper. Both forwards should have done better for sure and we all know that chances can be limited at this level. Last night was a bit of a reality check in my view. It will be interesting to see Eddie’s team selection against Bournemouth on Sunday. I would like to see a back four of Livramento,Thiaw,Botman and Hall.
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
Tommy Tantrum:-
Our record at Bournemouth is not the best to put it mildly, it would be a back 5 for me with Livramento and Hall as wingbacks, front two of Woltemade and Elanga with the usual suspects in midfield.
Joseph(Quote)
If Lewis hall fit he should be brought back on the left and tino back onto the right.would also like to see miley back in the action after bursting on the scene he now appears to be behind willock
Bonnylad(Quote)