Awful 3/10s, several 4s and one 6/10 - Player ratings from Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

by Luke Hutchin · Published 20 April 2025, 07:36

A day to forget for Newcastle United and one we must improve on to keep our top five spot, as Aston Villa battered us 4-1 in last night.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved:

Starting 11

Pope (5) - Conceded four but could’ve been a lot more. Made some crucial saves but couldn’t do too much about the goals.

Trippier (3) - Given a torrid time all game and never looked comfortable. Struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Villas left side. Hooked early for Krafth.

Schar (4) - Unlucky to divert the opening goal past Pope and popped up with the equaliser but it quickly unraveled. Will be seeing Watkins in his nightmares and looked heavy legged trying to come across in cover for Mastsens goal. Horrible half hearted pass led directly to a Villa goal too.

Burn (3) - Looked very tired and put in arguably his worst performance of the season. Couldn’t cope with the movement of Villa in attack and will not enjoy watching this one back, with the own goal summing up a tough day.

Livramento (6) - One of the few who didn’t drop too far below their usual levels. Offered a powerful presence running the ball down the left and defended reasonably well when called upon. Villa didn’t attack his wing too often though

Guimaraes (3) - Just not at it today. Couldn’t get near Villas midfield trio and aside from one decent foray in attack late on he offered nothing. Accumulated fouls for fun and was fortunate not to see a yellow earlier. Frustrating performance

Tonali (5.5) - Poor clearance led to the opening goal and cleared one off the line (probably going wide) in the second half but found himself having too much to do. With his midfield partners both off the boil, he was fighting a losing battle. Struggled to stamp his authority in possession

Joelinton (3) - Could’ve put the house on big Joe picking up a yellow! Was probably the only time he got within 5 yards of a Villa midfielder. Lacked his usual energy which maybe a consequence of 3 games in 6 days and no squad rotation

Murphy (4) - Form deserted him today and found himself doing a lot more defending than he has done lately. Definitely not as effective receiving the ball deeper. Rare off day

Barnes (5) - Cracking cross for the equaliser and was one of the few players to show some intent in attack. Great to see a winger square defenders up and take them on. One of the better performers on the day

Isak (4) - Couple of nice touches to link up play but otherwise anonymous. Another who looked leggy and in need of a rest. Need to tread carefully with his workload