A huge morale-boosting win for Newcastle United last night. We weren’t at our best but it’s a vital three points in the context of our season and the lift we needed ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final.
Our first clean sheets in seven games and a win that sends us back up to sixth after Bruno Guimaraes’ second half strike sealed the 1-0 victory at the London Stadium.
Here’s our player ratings and comments on each player involved:
Starting 11
Pope (6) – Typically jitters with the ball at his feet but kept a clean sheet and commanded his area well.
Trippier (8) – Calming presence at the back and had his best game in a while. Delivery from set pieces could be useful in the final. Wasn’t wearing the armband but was the leader on the pitch.
Schar (7) – Much improved performance. Played a much simpler game with a lot less ambition in possession but did his defensive work astutely.
Burn (7) – Couple of nervy moments early with some missed interceptions. Consistently got on the end of set pieces but would love to see him attack the ball more. Always looking to set others up instead. Made a few important blocks.
Livramento (6) – Defended well but he wasted some great attacking opportunities down the left with his inability to use his weaker foot. Will have his hands full with TAA and Salah on Sunday.
Joelinton (7) – Typically Joelinton performance for better or worse! His physicality was crucial and he did well to keep his head at times.
Tonali (7) – Positionally very good as we have come to expect. Probably not his best game on the ball but off the ball he was impeccable
Guimaraes (7.5) – The match winner! Won his fair share of fouls and was tidy in possession. Seems to be regaining his best form after an uncharacteristic dip
Murphy (5.5) – Invisible in the first half but improved slightly in the second. Got some crosses into the box but didn’t find a teammate. Inability to hold onto the ball late on was a problem
Barnes (7) – Could’ve had a couple of goals in the first half and was given more of a free license to roam the pitch. Seemed to relish the freedom and got the assist for the winner.
Isak (5) – Unable to get involved at all, struggled to hold the ball up and looked to be playing at about 40%. But he got through 75 minutes unscathed which is the main thing ahead of the final. Found it difficult up against Kilman all night.
Substitutes
Willock (NR) – Gave us an outlet on the break but few of his runs came to anything.
Wilson (NR) – Doesn’t look very mobile. Battled away to help us see the game out.
Longstaff (NR) – Sloppy on the ball. A few silly giveaways as we looked to hang on.