Two 9s, a shocking 2/10 and a few 8s - Newcastle player ratings from Leeds classic
One of the maddest nights we've seen at St James' Park, as a match filled with chaos ended with two stoppage-time goals and a 4-3 win for Newcastle United!
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in a Premier League classic...
Starting 11
Pope (4) - Shaky night as he conceded three but could’ve easily conceded another when we went AWOL and totally missed a cross James Justin should've scored from. Leeds exploited his weakness of getting down low to his right with aplomb.
Miley (8) - Running out of superlatives. Started at right back before shifting to centre mid then to centre back after the injury to Schar and was excellent everywhere. Has made himself undroppable and gets better each week. Starboy.
Thiaw (2) - Did his best “Cacapa vs Portsmouth” impression and was rightly hooked at half time. Gave up possession for the opener, looked unusually shaky on the ball throughout, received a yellow card for a rash tackle and gave away the penalty. Awful half but hopefully that’s just an anomaly as we are light at centre back and can’t afford a dip in form.
Schar (7) - Made a goal-saving challenge to stop Calvert-Lewin scoring a certain goal and was unlucky not to score as he rattled the post. Unfortunately, he had his night ended by what looked like a serious ankle injury. Went off on a stretcher and indications are it’s a serious injury. Get well soon Fab.
Hall (6) - Delivered some wicked corners on top of the goalkeeper and put in the cross when led to the penalty. Not as effective in possession, dribbling into trouble at times, and looked a few levels below his best on and off the ball.
Joelinton (9) - A goal, a yellow card and almost getting into a fight. The Big Joe bingo card was completed! Tremendous header to bring it back to 2-2 and he was a tremendous physical presence throughout. He was the driving force. Half time came at the right time as he was in danger of losing his head.
Guimaraes (8.5) - A captains performance, coming on strong just when we needed him to once again. Kept his composure to equalise from the penalty spot but more impressive was the assist for Joelinton's header. Joga Bonito indeed! Seemed to drag his players over the line with his enthusiasm, passion and endless energy. A warrior.
Tonali (6) - Is improving each game, but it was still a very mixed first half display before he made way at the break as Eddie rejigged his line up. Could be in real danger of not being an automatic selection unless his form improves dramatically.
Barnes (9) - Eddie's comments about Gordon playing on the left as he doesn’t like the right made this performance even more satisfying. Playing in a less favoured position, Harvey knuckled down and was the match winner. Two goals and none celebrated with as much enthusiasm as the 102nd minute winner. Goals aside, he was easily the most threatening of all the attackers and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Woltemade (4.5) - There’s a real conundrum with Big Nick. When he stays high, he’s not involved but when he drops deep he doesn’t have the pace to ensure he gets into the box in time to take advantage of a counter attack. Did lay on the opening goal for Barnes and had a shot saved by Perri, bu he was a passenger for so much of the game and you can’t help but feel like we could be getting more out of him. Will we ever see the Wissa/Woltemade strike force?
Gordon (6) - A mixed bag! Great work in the build up to Barnes' opener and lively in the first half, but really faded in the second 45. Considering what he's capable of at his very best, we need more from him.
Substitutes
Botman (5) - Looked very rusty and was caught woefully behind the rest of the defence for the 3rd goal, where he didn't do enough to close down Aaronson after getting back. Not an easy game to come into and had to help guide Miley through the latter stages of the game, but we know he’ll be better once his fitness improves. Good chest down for Barnes' winner, however!
Livramento (7) - Was a good outlet on the right and handled his defensive duties well. Has more mobility than Miley on the wing which caused Leeds problems and there’s no surprise a lot of our attack was focused down the right.
Ramsey (5) - Just seems to glide through games and look tidy without ever doing too much of note. Slipped in the lead up to Leeds goal but we really need to start seeing something soon.
Wissa (5) - Snatched at an opportunity that you’d expect him to bury and also gave away possession which directly led to the third goal. Still finding his sharpness.
Murphy (7.5) - As we have come to expect, he launched some quality crosses into the box which we should've capitalised on. Argument is that it’s not his job to find a colleague, it’s their job to attack the space where the ball should be going.
