Newcastle United played hosts to Huddersfield Town at St. James’ Park earlier today looking to grab all three points which would help them put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone in the Premier League table. The Magpies tried to establish their dominance early on but were left frustrated by many missed chances in the first half.
Rafael Benitez’s men came out stronger in the second half and made the breakthrough in the 46th minute through Salomon Rondon’s goal. Ayoze Perez doubled his side’s lead just six minutes later when he found the back of the net with a brilliant finish. Newcastle hung on to claim a solid 2-0 victory on the day.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player performed during the match against the Terriers.
GK: Martin Dubravka – 6.5/10
The Magpies keeper was hardly troubled during the game and kept a comfortable clean sheet for his team.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – 6.5/10
He was a bit sloppy in the first half and got cautioned for a poor tackle. However, Yedlin responded well in the second half and played a part in the lead up to Ayoze Perez’s goal.
CB: Fabian Schär – 7.5/10
He commanded his own box well and didn’t give the Huddersfield attackers a sniff at goal.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 7/10
The Newcastle defender has formed a solid partnership with Schar and Lejeune at the back. He did well to restrict the Terriers from scoring a goal on the day.
CB: Florian Lejeune – 7/10
It was his excellent long pass which ultimately resulted in the Magpies opener when Rondon scored just after the half-time break. He also has a shut-out to show for his efforts.
LB: Matt Ritchie – 7/10
He worked hard for his team and was a good outlet down the wide areas. Ritchie was not afraid to whip in some dangerous crosses which gave the Huddersfield defenders a lot to think about during the match.
RM: Ayoze Pérez – 7.5/10
He was always looking to get involved in the opposition half and finally scored in the second half with a beautiful finish. It was a much-needed strike that will give him a lot of confidence moving forward.
CM: Isaac Hayden – 7/10
The Newcastle midfielder worked hard and created a few glorious opportunities to score for his teammates.
CM: Sean Longstaff – 7/10
He showed a lot of quality and maturity on the ball. Probably one of his best days wearing a Newcastle shirt.
LM: Miguel Almirón – 8/10
The former Major League Soccer sensation hit the bar in the first half. Overall he made a fantastic home debut for the Magpies and was unfortunate not to score during the game.
ST: Salomón Rondón – 7/10
He made the crucial breakthrough just after half-time which gave the Magpies an ideal platform to earn all three points from this encounter.
Substitutes:
LB: Robert Kenedy – 6/10
He was unlucky not to score with his volleyed attempt that rattled out off the crossbar.
LM: Christian Atsu – N/A
He didn’t have enough time to give a good account of himself.
ST: Joselu – N/A
The centre-back came off the bench to run the clock down for the home team.
