Two awful 3/10s, several 4s, a few 5s, three 6s and one 7 - NUFC player ratings v Chelsea
A frustrating night at Stamford Bridge, as Newcastle made too many errors on and off the ball in a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea. Here's my marks out of 10 from last night's defeat in West London:
Dubravka – 4/10 - Poor communication for Jackson’s goal and was sat on his backside twice, the latter time resulting in a Mudryk goal. A few decent stops but didn't inspire confidence and was slow to react for their opener.
Livramento – 7/10 - Looked bright down our right, containing Sterling and bursting part Cucurella a few times. Moved to left-back late on after Burn was forced off. An able deputy to Trippier and our bright spark pretty dismal night.
Schar – 4/10 - Was caught too square as Mudryk burst past him to make it 3-1. Far too casual at times and barely put a tackle in.
Botman – 3/10 - Poor defensive choices led to Chelsea’s opener as Sven did not talk to Dubravka and shanked a clearance straight to Palmer. Was also turned very easily in the build-up to Chelsea's third. Looked way off the pace, but wasn't protected.
Burn – 4/10 - Ran ragged by an in-form Palmer, but didn't do enough to close him down in key moments. Never got close to him and also sliced the ball out moments before their second. On crucial block on the line, but a bad night in the main. Forced off after landing awkwardly on his back.
Bruno – 6/10 - Played a beauty of a pass for Isak’s leveller but waned in influence as the game went on and was easily dispossessed before being subbed.
Longstaff – 3/10 - Felt invisible for much of the game and looked like he was carrying bags of sand in his boots. So sloppy on the ball, gave it away cheaply too often and wanted too much time in possession. Offered so little in and out of possession and lacked desire at times. Not sure if he's still playing with an injury, but it looks that way.
Willock – 5/10 - Progresses the ball well with his pace and positivity, but still not 100% match fit so his performance was hampered. Looked rusty.
Almiron – 4/10 - Largely ineffective on the right and then fashioned one or two chances on the left when he switched sides. Tracked Gusto better than Gordon but lacked quality. Withdrawn for Anderson with 20 mins to go.
Isak – 6/10 - His moment of class to bring the game level was one of very few moments of quality from us in the game. But he was unable to trouble the back line any more than that and wasted a good chance on the break at 1-1, underhitting a simple pass to Almiron.
Gordon – 5/10 - Was a muted display before being replaced by Murphy 10 minutes before half-time with a knee injury. Here’s hoping it’s not too serious.
Murphy (36’) – 6.5/10 - Played some searching balls into the box after replacing Gordon and scored a thumping consolation in the 90th minute.
Krafth (69’) – 5/10 - Came on for Burn; the third goal came down his side.
Anderson (69’) – 5/10 - Replaced Almiron. Struggled to make any impact down our left.
Miley (81’) - Looked much sharper than Longstaff.
White (81’) - Added some enthusiasm to our tiring midfield.
