Two shocking 2/10s, a few 3s and one 6 - Newcastle player ratings from Sunderland
Newcastle United let us down on Sunday, failing on every front in a dismal derby defeat, not only losing but barely laying a glove on our North East rivals in a pathetic display.
Here are our mark out of 10 and comments on each player involved in from a grim afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Starting 11
Ramsdale (5.5) - Wasn’t much he could do about the goal and kept us in it with a sharp save at his near post from Isidor. Not sure if he’s done enough to keep Pope out of the team when he resumes full fitness.
Livramento (4) - His deficiencies once he enters the attacking third are again the main discussion point surrounding Tino. Doesn’t seem to back himself and tends to play the conservative sideways or backwards pass. Needs to improve in that area if we’re to be a threat in attack.
Thiaw (6) - Far from his best performance but he was one of the better players on a desperately disappointing day. Tidy in possession and quickly mastering the dark arts with some tactical fouls/time wasting to halt any counter attacks.
Burn (5) - Unfortunately went off with what looked like a nasty rib injury in the first half. Would be a blow to lose him for any extended period of time with the injuries in defence. Noticeably lacked his leadership and passion when he went off.
Hall (5) - Was meandering along doing very little until a tactical tweak in the second half saw him get more involved as he took up a central midfield position in attack. Looks far more suited to the role than Tino (Hall started his career as a central midfielder). Defensively given a bit of a run around late on and still has some gaps to plug in his game without the ball.
Miley (4) - Showed a couple of nice touches but seemed overawed by the occasion and the aggressive press. Was handed a massive vote of confidence to start ahead of more senior players but didn’t show half of what he’s capable of.
Guimaraes (5) - At least he had a couple of shots! Another one who was cruising through the game in the first half without grabbing it by the scruff of the neck. It was only when we went a goal down and Tonali went off did he fire up and show some passion. Why did it take so long? Looked forlorn after the game and will need all of his leadership skills to raise morale for the next game.
Tonali (4) - The Italian maestros form had fallen off a cliff and he was rightly hooked just before the hour mark. One recovery run was the highlight of a desperately tired and uninspiring performance. Looks like someone who needs a rest. Worst game for the club.
Elanga (2) - Hate to go this low but this was putrid. Nothing at all came off for him and he looks a shadow of the player he was at Forest. Lacks any sort of creativity and looks completely lost with the ball at his feet. He’s essentially a sprinter who’s forgotten how to play football at this point in time. Can’t start over Murphy anytime soon.
Gordon (2) - Awful. Just awful and he knows it too judging by his social media post. Can’t think of one thing he did well today. His form on paper is glossed over by three penalties but they’re papering over the cracks of a player who’s been regressing for close to a year now. The carrot of the World Cup at the end of the season should be motivation to lift his game but he’s slowly playing his way out of the Newcastle starting eleven but also Englands.
Woltemade (3) - Unfortunately decided the result on the day with a thumping header past Ramsdale, which was his only significant touch in either box, sadly. Can have a degree of sympathy as he was isolated up front and asked to do a role he’s not adept at doing. Given no help by his wingers throughout the game and would benefit from playing alongside or just in behind Wissa to showcase his true talents.
Substitutes
Schar (4) - Cut a frustrated figure and looked a little reckless. Mixed passing and not sure how he wasn't booked.
Willock (3) - If ever a moment summed up Joe Willock it was his attempted cross in the dying moments of the game which he sliced right into the stand. Just awful composure and technique at a crucial time in the game.
Barnes (4) - Largely anonymous when he came on but he was far from alone in that category. Still did more than Gordon.
Murphy (5) - Made some runs and actually looked to get the ball in the box which is football 101 but it’s something of a foreign concept to this Newcastle team at times. Should be a regular starter going forward.
Wissa (4) - Showed good instincts to nearly sneak in and grab an equaliser. Wasn’t able to have too much influence on the game but could find himself starting before too long.
