Awful 3/10s and one 5.5 - Newcastle player ratings from Fulham defeat

A fitting end to a pretty awful season as Newcastle lacked fight, quality or any sort of cohesion in Sunday's final-day defeat at Fulham.

Issa Diop and Tom Cairney grabbed the goals in each half, while Newcastle mustered just two shots on target all afternoon.

For a final time, here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each Mag involved in yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. 

Starting 11

Pope (5) - Wasn’t much he could do about either goal on what could be his final appearance as first-choice keeper. Has been a good player for us but an upgrade is needed in the summer.

Thiaw (4.5) - Played on the right side of a back three, then shifted to right back before reverting to the heart of a back four! That tells you how unorganised the whole team was, and it showed in a disjointed performance. Thiaw was one of many players who completely switched off for the opening goal. 

Botman (5) - Hasn’t kicked on in the way we would’ve expected him too but has been solid enough. Hopefully, an injury-free, full pre-season can help him kick on next season. Was another one guilty of switching off in this game (common theme)

Burn (3.5) - Was another tasked with playing multiple positions and not really knowing what was expected of him, which led to some mistakes in and out of possession. Typically whole hearted effort, but wasn’t his day at all.

Hall (5) - Was deployed as a wing back and was denied a tap in by some great defending from Castagne. Another who played a couple of positions and will feel hard done by not going to the World Cup. 

Guimaraes (4) - His habit of dwelling on the ball deep in his own half nearly led to a Fulham goal which was symbolic of a poor display from Bruno. Fell over in the second half expecting a foul and swiftly received a yellow for handball which was quickly followed by an apparent injury and hasty exit. Definitely didn’t look like he wanted to be there and cut a frustrated figure.

Ramsey (5.5*) - Showed glimpses of his quality but just lacked the final ball. Has grown into the role as the season has progressed and will be another one who will benefit from a full pre-season. Our best player on a bad day all round.

Willock (3.5) - Late call-up after Tonali was injured in the warm-up and he put in a typical Willock performance. Bits of running, lacking in quality and some weak defending. Looks a shadow of the player who was so effective on loan all those years ago. Could be time to say goodbye.

Woltemade (5) - Showed some touches and looked to play the ball forward which was refreshing. Will hopefully have a good World Cup and restore his confidence as we need him fit and firing from the start of next season.

Murphy (3) - Hasn’t happened for Murphy at all this season as he capped off a poor season with another ineffectual display. Whipped in a couple of crosses but struggled to find a teammate. If we are to progress an upgrade is paramount.

Osula (4) - Starved of service all game and unable to continue his fine run of form, managing TWO touches across the entire first half. Is far from the finished article but shouldn’t be our main striking option at this stage of his development.

Substitutes 

Barnes (4) - Lacked any real impetus off the bench and looked like a player ready for his summer holidays.

Wissa (3) - Collected a stupid yellow card and offered absolutely nothing in an attacking sense. Doesn’t come across as someone who feels like they have a point to prove when he’s arguably been our worst ever pound-for-pound signing. Won’t be any tears shed if he never pulls on the black and white stripes again.

Elanga (3) - Unlike Wissa, Elanga does look like he’s trying, but it’s just not happening for him. Even basic passes are being made to look hard. A good World Cup with Sweden could give his career the jolt of energy it desperately needs.

Neave (5) - Good to see him get some decent minutes and showed real endeavour and energy with his pressing. Take note Yoane. Looked a little lightweight, mind, with Bassey shrugging him off with ease on one occasion.

A. Murphy (N/A) - Replaced Burn in the final moments of the game.