It was a well-deserved win at St James’ Park yesterday, as Newcastle took things up a notch in a dominant second half to see off Nottingham Forest by two goals to nil thanks to Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade’s goals.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in Sunday’s victory on Tyneside:

Starting 11

Pope (7) – Another comfortable day at the office with the addition of another clean sheet to add to the collection. Only had a few saves to make, but did what was required of him.

Trippier (7) – Played well with his experience and decision making proving invaluable, but struggled with the pace and trickery of Hudson-Odoi late on.

Thiaw (8) – Class act once again, mopping up with ease and using the ball well. Unlucky not to open his account in the second half as he forced a great reaction save from Sels. Won’t be losing his starting position anytime soon.

Botman (7.5) – Did a fantastic job of sweeping up and covering for Burn’s lack of pace at times. Efficient in possession and beginning to look like the Rolls Royce of old.

Burn (6.5) – As expected, was caught out for pace on a couple of occasions but was otherwise solid. Picked up the assist for the opening goal as he wisely decided to let Bruno shoot from distance! With the injuries to Hall and Tino he will be deputising at left back for the foreseeable future.

Guimaraes* (8.5) – Put the team on his back to secure all three points. Won’t score many better than his curling effort from 25 yards in front of the Gallowgate. Hassled and harried Anderson into a reckless challenge which led to the penalty. Full of energy and class.

Tonali (8) – Consistently in awe of the engine on him. Doesn’t stop running and always seems to be in the right position when needed. Worryingly received treatment on his knee but saw out the game.

Joelinton (6.5) – Had a couple of opportunities to open the scoring but failed to find the net. Ran around like a man possessed and somehow escaped his customary yellow card! Marked down slightly as his passing was a bit loose at times.

Elanga (5) – Received all the plaudits in midweek but was really poor here. Up against his old club, he was unable to get the better of Williams. End product was sadly missing and he has opened the door for Murphy to regain his place.

Gordon (6) – A lot less effective in this one as nothing seemed to come off for him. Tried to get us going by cutting in from the line, but rarely got past his man or made things happen. Was hooked for Barnes and can’t have too many complaints.

Woltemade (8) – A cult hero already but also a **** fine footballer. His link up play has added a whole new dimension to the attack and very rarely wastes possession. Could’ve had a hat trick on another day as he rattled the bar and had a goal bound shot blocked by Morato. Dispatched his penalty emphatically right into the top corner and worked hard for the team, showing how his fitness levels have shot up in recent weeks.

Subs:

Murphy (7) – Provided a spark off the bench and has done his chances of a recall no harm. Played a couple of lovely balls in the box and was unlucky not to score with a mazy run right at the death.

Barnes (6) – Few opportunities to impress but came on and did his job well.

Osula (NR) – On for the final few minutes.

Miley (NR) – See above!