A late equaliser from Alexander Isak salvaged a point for Newcastle United on the road against Brighton & Hove Albion. But they were desperate for a victory at St James’ Park, with Chelsea, the visitors this afternoon, being one of their prime contenders for a Champions League berth. Despite an encouraging win against Liverpool last weekend, the ten-man Blues could not catch their breath and eventually suffered a 2-0 setback.
Below are the Newcastle United players rated in their 2-0 win against Chelsea.
Nick Pope: 8
Was not troubled much by the decimated Chelsea attack, yet he maintained his calmness and concentration with his claims and distributions. Made a crucial save to deny Marc Cucurella from finding an equaliser.
Fabian Schar: 7.5
Dominated the aerial duels. Made timely clearances and recoveries, but was rusty at times with his challenges. Controlled his aggression after being shown a yellow for fouling Enzo Fernandez.
Sven Botman: 7
Did the basics right in the heart of the backline on his first start since February. Drew a couple of fouls and won the majority of duels both on the ground and air. Was replaced by Lewis Melly early in the second half.
Daniel Burn: 8
Another towering performance from the Englishman who was spot on with his tackles, duels and no-nonsense clearances. Also, laid it on for Bruno Guimaraes, whose deflected long-range shot secured all three points for the Magpies minutes before the final whistle.
Jacob Murphy: 8.5
Was majestic down the right as he set it up exquisitely for Sandro Tonali seconds into the kick-off. Besides registering his 12th Premier League assist of the season, the winger kept Cucurella on his toes throughout the contest.
Bruno Guimaraes: 8.5
Never let the Blues take control of the midfield game. His physicality and combative nature prevented Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Fernandez from finding pockets and spaces in the centre of the pitch. Capped off his domination with a late strike before making way for Sean Longstaff.
Sandro Tonali: 9
Was a treat to watch in the middle of the park. Scored an early opener and worked tirelessly with his down-the-middle runs to operate in the advanced areas. Pressed high up the pitch and forced the visitors to make mistakes time and again.
Valentino Livramento: 7.5
Made timely overlapping runs down the left-hand flank. Balanced his game between defence and attack. Looked passive occasionally despite the Blues’ numerical disadvantage in his half.
Harvey Barnes: 7
Got dispossessed a few times and lost the majority of duels down the wide. Yet he never stopped running and dribbling, thus making it more uncomfortable for Cucurella.
Anthony Gordon: 6.5
The attack for Tonali’s goal was instigated by Caicedo’s potential foul on him inside the box. Lacked the cutting edge upfront and was eventually replaced by Emil Krafth midway through the second half in a tactical alteration.
Alexander Isak: 6.5
A rare blank for the Swedish ace who only forced Sanchez to make a couple of routine saves. Lost the duels against Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah before being replaced by Callum Wilson moments before the final whistle.
Newcastle United Subs vs Chelsea
Lewis Miley: 6.5
Added more legs in midfield to defend the slender lead.
Emil Krafth: 6.5
Was brought in to offer more composure in the defensive third.
Callum Wilson: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sean Longstaff: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
The post Tonali Gets 9, Murphy With 8.5 | Newcastle United Players Rated In Their Win Against Chelsea appeared first on The 4th Official.
