The final gameweek of Championship football ahead of play-offs had massive significance in title race where league leaders Brighton & Hove Albion travelled to Villa Park to encounter Aston Villa in a tricky outing. Newcastle United, only one point below the Seagulls, hosted Barnsley at St. James Park in the Sunday lunch-time fixture and having already secured their promotion, the Magpies were eyeing a greater glory by snatching the silverware. The outcomes, however, took a dramatic turn when Aston Villa equalised in the closing moments and denied Brighton’s 1-0 lead and Newcastle United grabbed the Championship title banking on a comfortable 3-0 win against Barnsley.
Below are the Newcastle United players rated from the fixture.
Rob Elliot: 7
The keeper pulled off a few crucial saves towards the end and impressed with his outings and clearances.
DeAndre Yedlin: 7
The right back kept on making forward runs throughout the game and linked up well with Christian Atsu down the right-hand flank.
Isaac Hayden: NA
Started the game alongside Mbemba in defence, but the Englishman was forced to leave the pitch with an injury early in the game.
Chancel Mbemba: 8
Had a strong presence in the Magpies backline, dealt well with counter attacks and posed aerial and physical threats from set-pieces. Doubled the lead in second half and scored his first goal for the club putting the ball into an empty net from rebound.
Paul Dummett: 7.5
Started the game in his usual left-back position but switched to a central role since Hayden’s injury and Haidara’s inclusion. Formed a stable partnership with Mbemba and pulled off a few crucial blocks and clearances.
Jonjo Shelvey: 8
Another standout performance from the Englishman who worked tirelessly in the middle of the park and kept on switching the game on the flanks. Came close to scoring, was denied by the post. Was taken off the in second half to be replaced by Mo Diame.
Jack Colback: 6.5
Did well in a combative role, snatched possession in midfield, kept control of the game in a central role.
Christian Atsu: 8.5
Most influential Newcastle player of the afternoon as he kept on troubling the Barnsley back-line with his runs, dribbling and trickery. Came close to marking his name in the score-sheet, but was denied by custodain Adam Davies time and again.
Yoan Gouffran: 6.5
Worked tirelessly down the left hand flank and combined well with fellow attackers with his smart one-twos and link up play.
Ayoze Perez: 8
A great display by the young Spaniard who broke the deadlock in the first half with a beautiful little flick into the corner. Made some great runs and created a number of chances before being replaced by Dwight Gayle late into the game.
Aleksander Mitrovic: 7
Troubled the Barnsley defense with his power and physicality. Came close to scoring but was denied by Adam Davies.
Substitutes
Massadio Haidara: 7
Came early into the game replacing injured Isaac Hayden. Played in his usual left-back role and impressed with his runs, crosses and defensive duties.
Mo Diame: 7
Did well to keep possession in midfield. Made a few ambitious forward runs.
Dwight Gayle: 7.5
The Magpies’ top scorer came late into the game replacing Ayoze Perez and soon marked his name in score-sheet with a smart finish in closing minutes.
