A big win for Newcastle United, who didn’t play well but secured a vital three points to beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Here are our ratings out of 10 and comments on each player from yesterday’s game.
Starting 11
Pope (7) – Some key saves in the first half but could do nothing for the equaliser. In good form and kicking was slightly better, with no obvious howlers!
Trippier (6) – Decent enough but might need a rest in the cup, as he tired as the game went on. Can’t afford for any more injuries at full back.
Thiaw* (8) – Is looking a steal at £34m and begs the question why Milan let him go! Assured in possession and solid in defence. Yet another great performance, with his reading of the play key late on as we kept turning the ball over to put pressure on Fulham.
Botman (6) – A little below par from the Dutchman who unfortunately went off with a head knock in the second half. Wasn’t his usual reliable self in possession and made some sloppy giveaways.
Burn (6.5) – Up against the pacy and powerful Traore, Burn held his own and even made some enterprising forays forward. Making a decent fist of left back but will be itching to move back to centre half.
Miley (6) – Not as effective as he was against Benfica and missed an opportunity to cement a place in the starting eleven going forward.
Guimaraes (8) – 90th minute winner in front of the Gallowgate from the captain brought home 3 crucial points. Wasn’t overly influential throughout but stood up when his team needed him the most.
Joelinton (7) – Restored to the team and played like a man with a point to prove. Was tenacious in the tackle and a bit more composed on the ball. Good reaction to being dropped.
Murphy (7) – Fantastic finish to open the scoring but will be devastated he couldn’t add a second after spurning an easier opportunity. Went missing in the second half and was hooked after the hour.
Gordon (6) – Back to normal programming for Gordon in the league with another below par performance. Routinely plays well against the big boys but goes missing against the rest!
Woltemade (5.5) – Should’ve scored early on as he crashed an effort against the post. Found is really difficult to get in the game and was given no love by the referee as Diop and Bassey gave him plenty of close attention.
Subs
Schar (7) – Came on and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat, with his passing from deep really helping us late on.
Barnes (5) – Fairly anonymous performance as he never quite got to grips with the game.
Tonali (6) – Tidy in possession but no real impact as he was clearly still feeling the effects of illness.
Osula (7.5) – His energy changed the game when he came on. His direct run and shot led to the winner for Bruno. Encouraging cameo.
Elanga (5.5) – In some ways he really struggled, with his passing off, but he gave us an out ball and won it back well leading up to our winner.
Spot on Luke (IMO).
It was good to get Miley another start and get away with 3 points. I don’t have access to the stats, but putting aside the sloppy possession give aways (which is his biggest risk atm), I feel the biggest challenge with him is covering more distance. When in the right position he’s great, but too often he seems to glide through games and not in a good way.
When Osula came on it perfectly highlighted the challenge we have with Woltemade atm. Impact. More strength, more aggression and more push needed. Of course Woltemade isn’t going to do runs like Osula, but the passion, drive and desire has to be there. Against a physical defense like Fulham he has to win those fouls. Realistically we may need to wait till next season for him to have the time to build up his body – but that has to be the target. Well done Osula for continuing to start proving your doubters (me included) wrong.
Howe the toon(Quote)
A wins a win and it’s nice to get a win after a CL midweeker.
there were a few tired by the end and once we get Wissa, Hall and Tino back we’ll be in a better position to rotate.
Just a note on Elanga I hope the fans stay off his back he’ll come good just look at Murphy or how extra sessions is improving Osula.
Onwards and upwards ⚫⚪
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Over rated Murphy there, who other than his goal was a bit ineffective but he is what he is .. an ok player
Harsh on barnes and elanga, whose presence along with Tonali forced Fulham into a rethink that allowed Nufc to regain upper hand.
Agree with PP that fans should show some patience with elanga. doubt it’ll happen tho unfortunately
GR(Quote)
Murphy’s rating is pretty spot on, he’s one of our rare real threats. I agree he drifted in and out but too often have an actual threat is invaluable in our team atm and should be rated as such.
Agreed on Elanga, he’ll be good – give him time. And yeah, 5 for Barnes is defo a bit harsh!
Howe the toon(Quote)
Miley was good …burn on the other hand 3/10
Henock ethiopia(Quote)
Burn is their because we don’t have hall or tino just because your a fan doesn’t mean u should start that goes for murrpy as well
Henock ethiopia(Quote)
Murphy, burn ,pope, Joey and elanga aren’t good enough for us to always achieve top 4 on a consistent basis…miley we be a star eventually for England..
Henock ethiopia(Quote)