Newcastle United player ratings v West Ham: ‘Unimpressive’ 3.5/10 & 4.5/10 ‘concern’ in 2-1 defeat
Jordan Cronin
2 – 3 minutes
Newcastle United player ratings from the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at St James’ Park.
Tomas Soucek headed the visitors in the in front 10 minutes before Aaron Wan-Bissaka double the lead at the start of the second-half.
It is the only third time the Magpies have lost on home turf this year after Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The defeat brings an end to a four-game winning streak in all competitions.
The Magpies almost made a flying start when Alexander Isak found the net after racing onto Lewis Hall’s ball in behind, however the Swede was flagged narrowly offside.
Five minutes later, West Ham took the lead against the run of play. Emerson delivered a corner from the left and Tomas Soucek headed home after being let go by Kelly.
Newcastle had chances to equalise but lacked final third quality. Wan-Bissaka added a second in the 53rd minute and that killed the game. Howe introduced the likes of Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy but never looked like equalising.
Howe’s side sit 10th in the Premier League table. Next up is a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park – and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
Could do very little about Tomas Soucek’s opener but may be disappointed not to get a hand to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s shot.
1. Nick Pope – 6
Could do very little about Tomas Soucek’s opener but may be disappointed not to get a hand to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s shot. | AFP via Getty Images
Drove Newcastle forward by himself at times in the first-half. Always made himself an attacking option down the right, twice setting up Alexander Isak.
2. Tino Livramento – 7
Drove Newcastle forward by himself at times in the first-half. Always made himself an attacking option down the right, twice setting up Alexander Isak. | AFP via Getty Images
Didn’t have an awful lot to do defensively but was part of a backline that was breached twice. Inconsistent with his passing.
3. Fabian Schar – 6
Didn’t have an awful lot to do defensively but was part of a backline that was breached twice. Inconsistent with his passing. | AFP via Getty Images
Was in no man’s land as Tomas Soucek headed in the opener. Played a questionable part when Aaron Wan-Bissaka made it 2-0 too. Looked a yard off all night. So unimpressive when you consider this was his chance to stake a claim.
4. Lloyd Kelly – 3.5
Was in no man’s land as Tomas Soucek headed in the opener. Played a questionable part when Aaron Wan-Bissaka made it 2-0 too. Looked a yard off all night. So unimpressive when you consider this was his chance to stake a claim. | Getty Images
