It wasn’t as bad as Brentford or West Ham, but it’s another familiar outcome as Newcastle United blew a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in Marseille.
Following a frustrating night in the Champions League, here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in last night’s collapse in the South of France.
Starting 11
Pope (3.5) – Made some crucial saves, but it’s time for a change between the sticks. Unfortunately, his errors and deficincies are becoming more prevalent and more costly. No idea what he was thinking for the first goal and was equally poor with a wasted free kick in the last minute of the match!
Murphy (4.5) – Started OK in a right wing-back role but soon faded. Offensively, he does what he usually does, which is whip early balls in, however, Gordon is not the right target market for those crosses and some of his possession play was sloppy. Defensively he’s not a wing back as he was caught out of position on several occasions and lose possession in dangerous areas.
Thiaw (7.5) – One of the few players who could come away with credit, as he didn’t allow his performance level to drop while others struggled around him. Composed on the ball and made some timely interceptions throughout, with that saving tackle on Aubameyang timed to perfection. Imperious.
Schar (5) – Didn’t have a great night unfortunately as Aubameyang caused him all sorts of headaches. Rare off night for a player who is usually so reliable. Didn’t see enough of his quality on the ball.
Burn (5) – Another one who had a bit of an off night. Had lost a bit of form in recent weeks and really needs to step up with the increased competition for defensive positions.
Livramento (5.5) – Was caught out of position for both the Marseille goals as they attacked the space in behind him. Wasn’t his finest hour (literally) as he was hooked on the hour mark.
Tonali (6) – By his high standards it wasn’t his greatest performance but compared to his teammates he was still one of the better ones. Played the cross into the box which led to the opening goal. Looked knackered by the end and the lost ball in a bad area before Thiaw’s vital tackle. He started well but really faded.
Guimaraes (5) – Frustrating night for the captain as he let out a primal scream in injury time. Never got to grips with the midfield battle and was unusually wasteful in possession. Needs to do more in these games to manage the situations better.
Willock (7) – Was by far the most lively on the pitch in the first half with glimpses of his trademark dynamism and ability to carry the ball into space. Tested Rulli with a few decent shots, played a key role in the goal and drew fouls. Now we need to see it on a more consistent basis, but most importantly he needs to stay fit!
Barnes (6.5) – Continued his fine goal scoring form and came close late on with a curling effort just wide, but drifted out of the game as an attacking threat at times. Has done enough to keep Gordon out of the team.
Gordon (4) – Had one opportunity but was otherwise non existent up front. He’s clearly a willing runner but doesn’t have the instincts to lead the line. Unfortunately we got Premier League Gordon when we need Champions League Gordon.
Substitutes
Hall (5.5) – Offered some balance on the left and provided a left footed set piece option, although the delivery wasn’t always the best. Team shape looked better when he was on but he’s still well short of a gallop.
Elanga (4.5) – Unfortunately, he has been nowhere near the levels expected of him after his big money move. Could conceivably be considered 4th choice winger now. Had one shot well saved, but rarely got into the game and must improve.
Miley (5.5) – Surprisingly deployed at right back but made a decent fist of it. Got into some good attacking positions and looked comfortable on the ball without really being tested defensively.
Ramsey (5) – Struggled to really make his mark on the game.
Woltemade (5.5) – One loose touch but did well to create one half chance for Elanga with some good link play.
Pope started the rot and Gordon wasn’t at the races again, both marks are generous.
I think there were selection issues again for Howe to answer, Tino & Hall both able to play “but not together” totally upset the balance we had found in our last match.
Don’t think the rest of the team were as bad as your scores suggest but we certainly miss a hell of a lot of chances.
Midfielders and forwards should be on shooting practice instead of training for the rest of the season instead of training the energy out of them.
IMO they should be able to play two games a week without having to wrap them in cotton wool as long as they aren’t flogged in training.
Joseph(Quote)