Newcastle United entertained Chelsea at St. James’ Park earlier this evening looking to get a result in front of their home supporters. The Magpies kept a good shape and defended valiantly in the first half, but they struggled to hurt the Pensioners on the counter. Both sides went into the half-time break with nothing to split them.
Frank Lampard’s men dominated the game in the second 45 minutes but got undone by a last-gasp winner by Isaac Hayden in injury-time. The contest ended with the home side earning a smash and grab 1-0 win over their London rivals.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle player performed during the contest versus the Pensioners.
GK: Martin Dubravka – 8/10
The Newcastle keeper continued to impress as he made a few vital saves to keep a well-deserved clean sheet. Steve Bruce will be quite happy with Dubravka’s performance today.
RB: Emil Krafth – 5.5/10
The Swede had some nervy moments but worked hard to help his team get the win in the end.
CB: Federico Fernandez – 7/10
He was defensively solid inside his own half and linked up well with others going forward. Fernandez had several bright moments during the match, which goes to show how much he has matured as a defender.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 7/10
The Magpies skipper commanded his own box with authority and conviction. Lascelles is gradually starting to hit top form following a frustrating spell with injuries.
CB: Ciaran Clark – 7/10
Clark helped his teammates keep a good defensive shape at the back and has a clean sheet to show for his efforts.
LB: Jetro Willems – N/A
He had to go off with a knee injury early in the first half.
RM: Miguel Almirón – 7/10
The South American sensation was quick and energetic in the opposition half. It was a battling performance from him today down the wide areas.
CM: Isaac Hayden – 8/10
The English midfield ace ended up netting a priceless goal in injury-time to salvage all three points for his side. His match-winning heroics will do his confidence a world of good.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 5/10
The ex-Liverpool talent was sloppy at times when in possession of the ball. He needs to show some consistency, or else, he could end up losing his first-team rights at Tyneside.
LM: Allan Saint-Maximin – 6/10
The Newcastle speedster struggled to get involved in the final third and was relatively neutralised by the Chelsea defenders. However, he ended up with an assist to his name, much to the delight of the Toon Army.
ST: Joelinton – 6/10
The Brazilian striker was unfortunate not to have scored in the early stages of the contest. However, he kept his chin up and worked hard for his side up top.
Substitutes:
CM: Sean Longstaff – 5/10
The talented midfielder struggled to get involved in the game.
LB: Matt Ritchie – 6/10
He had to come off the bench in the 12th minute to replace the injured Willems. Ritchie coped well with pressure and put in an industrious display down the left flank.
CM: Mathew Longstaff – N/A
He did not have enough time to make an impact.
