Two 8s and a few 6/10s - Newcastle player ratings from Brighton win

It wasn't pretty and we rode our luck at times, but yesterday's 3-1 win over Brighton was the result Newcastle United and Eddie Howe so desperately needed.

Will Osula, Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes all got on the scoresheet as we overcame an in-form Brighton side who were unbeaten in their last five.

Here are my marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in Saturday's win.

Starting 11

Pope (6) - Made some critical saves to ensure we left with the three points, but it seems as though his kicking and distribution is getting worse, almost kicking one into his own goal after being closed down. Wondering if he’s carrying some sort of injury that could explain how awful he is at the moment with the ball at his feet. 

Miley (7.5) - First game in his 20s, and he put in yet another fine mature display at right back. Marked Mitoma well early and was given the task of Minteh in the second half, which he did to great effect

Thiaw (7) - Should’ve found his name on the scoresheet but was denied by Verbruggen. Dealt with everything thrown at him defensively really well and is starting to develop some chemistry with Botman at the back. 

Botman (7.5) - Much more like it from the big Dutchman as he threw himself in front of everything and made a team high 10 clearances. Isn’t quite at the level we know he’s capable of but a vastly improved performance overall.

Burn (8) - Justified his inclusion ahead of Hall by powering in the second goal at the Gallowgate. Was guilty of giving the ball away a fair bit in possession but defensively he was tremendous and ultimately that’s why he’s in the team!

Tonali (7) - All action performance from Tonali who played as the deepest of the three midfielders, often slipping in between the centre backs to take possession. His engine continues to be unmatched and would be difficult to replace should he leave in the summer.

Guimaraes (7.5) - Wonderful vision to play the ball over the top for Murphy in the lead up to the opening goal followed shortly thereafter by the assist for Burn to double the lead. We look a much more assured team with him there but we needed more from him in the second half as we were unable to maintain any decent possession.

Joelinton (7) - A welcome return after a two-game suspension as big Joe did what he usually does and that’s stamp his authority on the game early. Had a golden opportunity to lay a third goal on a platter for Barnes but took the shot on himself and dragged it wide.

Murphy (7) - Needs to be commended for getting back to his feet and playing on when he could easily have stayed down to win the free kick. Not only did he play on but he was able to deliver a sumptuous cross for the tension relieving opening goal. Drifted out of the game in the second half along with many of his other teammates.

Willock (6.5) - Player his part in the lead up to the second goal and was a threat with his pace. Drifted out of the game and was hooked early in the second half. Definitely much more effective against teams that leave space in behind.

Osula (8.5) - Took his goal well but was a constant threat throughout. Caused the Brighton defence all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery fully justifying his selection ahead of Wissa and Woltemade. Now has three goals in his last four games and doesn’t look like relinquishing his spot anytime soon.

Substitutes 

Hall (7) - Brought on at left wing back and showed his attacking prowess with a lung-busting run down the wing which should’ve led to a Wissa goal. Will have a battle on his hands to replace Burn for the rest of the season, as mad as that sounds based on previous form.

Barnes (7) - Capped off the win with a composed left-foot finish into the roof of the net. Came on at a time when we struggled to gain a foothold in the game. Offered little until the goal, but he took is so well.

Wissa (5.5) - Did nothing until the end when he ballooned a simple chance over the bar for the second week in a row, but then pressed Van Hecke well to set up Barnes for the third goal. Far from his best but improved performance.

Ramsey (NR) - On in the final stages to help us see out the win. Neat and tidy.