Four 4/10s, a 7.5 and Howe's mark - Newcastle ratings from Aston Villa defeat

It was a frustrating watch to put it mildly yesterday, as we had no response to an Aston Villa side who never really looked like conceding after taking a first-half lead.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each Mag involved (including Eddie Howe) in Sunday's 2-0 defeat...

Starting 11

Pope (6.5) – Not at fault for either goal and pulled off a couple of decent stops to stop it becoming a real hiding. Swept well when he needed to, though we all still clench every time he comes rushing out. Solid enough.

Trippier (4) – Tough one to write, but the legs just aren’t there anymore for top-level Premier League right-back play. Lost possession far too cheaply, struggled to get up and down, and the transitions exposed him badly. Absolute legend of a servant who’s given everything for the shirt, but it’s looking like the curtain might be coming down on his time as our first-choice.

Thiaw (6) – Early mistake handed Watkins a golden chance he really should’ve buried. Bounced back after that and showed some of his early-season composure, but not quite showing the imperious form we saw when he first broke through.

Botman (7.5) – One of the brighter sparks in a grim day. Sven’s form is picking up again at just the right time – strong in the air, decent on the deck. Could’ve got tighter to Buendia for one of the goals, but let’s be fair, the midfield let him down badly there.

Hall (5.5) – Below the standards our starboy has set this season. Looked leggy at times – he’s been playing a hell of a lot of minutes, so fatigue might be creeping in. Needs careful management now. That one stray pass was criminal and nearly cost us another.

Miley (6.5) – Bright start, whipped in a peach of a cross that nobody attacked, and forced a top save from Martinez. Faded badly after the break though and switched off for their second. Still raw, but showed glimpses.

Tonali (5.5) – Should’ve put us 1-0 up early doors – Martinez pulled off a stunner to deny him. Covered plenty of ground but with Bruno missing, he needed to grab the game by the scruff and dictate things. Didn’t quite happen.

Joelinton (6) – Big Joe was the only one who looked ready for the scrap. Winning second balls, getting stuck in – proper physical presence. Gutting he went off early second half with what looked like a groin injury.

Barnes (5) – Started with a bit of spark but offered next to nothing going forward. Stuck out on the right (not his best side) and was no better when he switched left after Gordon’s sub.

Gordon (4.5) – Had Cash on toast a few times beating him outside, which was promising. But the final ball – especially those crosses – was woeful. Looks so much more comfortable in the open spaces of Europe than against these parked buses in the league.

Wissa (4) – Poor lad had nothing to work with – service was shocking. When he did get on the ball, he looked a million miles from the dynamic, progressive runner we signed. Still not clicking with the team yet.

Substitutes

Ramsey (5) – Kept it tidy, brought some energy, but never really hurt his old club. Needs to show more of a goal threat to match the hype and price tag.

Woltemade (4) – Barely involved. Eight touches in half an hour tells its own story. Not a natural 9, and the system’s not doing him any favours. Confidence shot to bits at the minute.

Elanga (5) – Won a couple of free kicks and did try to use his pace to get beyond his man, although that was about the extent of his highlights. End product has vanished – looks nowhere near the level we paid big money for.

Willock (N/A) - Came on late. Hard to give a rating but offered so little.

Manager rating

Howe (3) - Showing a complete lack of imagination when it comes to tactics. Every substitution is predictable (almost down to the minute) and they’re always like for like changes regardless of the game situation. Eddie was completely outcoached by Emery today and had absolutely no answers.

Also if he isn’t going to play Wissa and Woltemade together today in that scenario then he never will. This game was crying out for something different but we just don’t have (or rather won’t try) a plan B.

We’re so easy to play against. PSV played right into hands and made us looks good by playing relatively high up the pitch. Teams know that we’re unable to break down a low block and we’re vulnerable on the counter. The gap in between our defence and midfield was gaping. It was no shock to see Buendia, Rogers and Watkins exploit it

This obsession with, in many cases, buying Premier League athletes instead of highly technical footballers needs to stop if we're to find ways of breaking down low blocks, but is that something Eddie will do?