Player ratings from Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – One 9.5, two 8s and several 7s
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4 – 5 minutes
Back-to-back home wins at St James’ Park and another strong performance as a Sandro Tonali masterclass helped us reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in last night’s 3-1 win over Brentford:
Dubravka (7) – Will be gutted to have conceded late on after a good performance. Stood up well to deny Wissa’s one-vs-one before his late tap in.
Livramento (7) – Allowed Mbuemo to get in behind for the Brentford goal but was otherwise very solid in defence. Room for improvement in attack, where he drives forward well but sometimes lacks that final ball. Still, he has an iron grip on that right back slot.
Schar (7.5) – Picked some lovely passes after a few wayward ones early on and got himself a tap in to make it 3-0. Could’ve been an 8/10 but lost Wissa for the goal (and let him get in behind for his one-vs-one) and his mistimed tackle earned him a yellow that will keep him out of the semi-final first leg.
Burn (7) – A standard Dan Burn performance which is perfectly acceptable. Won his fair share of aerial duels and has improved his defensive decision making which hides his pack of pace
Hall (7.5) – Not quite as influential as he was against Leicester but still a real threat down the left and his defensive work is improving each week. Played his part in another inventive short corner with Gordon in the second half and it was his shot that was saved before Schar’s tap-in.
Guimaraes (8.5) – Seems to relish playing a bit further forward. Isn’t always on the ball as much but receives it in a more advanced position which is exciting to see. Unselfish assist for Schar capped off a really good day for our captain, who linked up superbly with Tonali all night.
Tonali (9.5) – Scored a brace but could’ve had a hat trick. The goals were both taken brilliantly but more importantly his all round performance just oozed class. Snapped into tackles, recovered the ball constantly, picked forward passes quickly and showed impressive pace all over the pitch. Easy man of the match performance.
Joelinton (6.5) – Looked like he wanted to throttle Collins after a collision which left him bloodied. Didn’t reappear for the second half. Was solid without being spectacular, with Tonali and Bruno seeing more of the ball in a scrappy first half.
Murphy (7) – For all of his perceived flaws, he is usually involved in our best opportunities. Rattled the post and narrowly shot wide in the second half.
Gordon (8) – Ran his socks off and pressed well. The press starts with him and causes defences all sorts of problems. Link up play with Hall from the short corner was a delight to see. Almost back to his barnstorming best.
Isak (7) – No goal tonight but he caused problems for the makeshift backline of Brentford all game with some tidy link up play to bring others into the game. Replaced by Osula at 3-0 to keep him fresh for Ipswich.
Subs:
Willock (7) – Won possession high up the pitch which led to a great chance. Still finding his feet after the long term injury but offers great ball carrying ability from midfield.
Barnes (7) – Almost got his name on the scoresheet when he rattled the post. Looked much more comfortable on the left after Gordon went off.
Osula (6) – Had an opportunity late in but was thwarted by good defending. Will be better for the minutes under the belt. Some strong hold up play but did lose the ball in the build up to Brentford’s goal.
Trippier (6) – Seems resigned to the fact he’s now our back up right back but was barking orders when he came on. True leader on the pitch
Almiron (6) – Ran around a lot without much in the way of quality. Could be the last time we see him in a black and white shirt?
