Newcastle United continue to hover in the mid-table region following a 2-2 draw with West Ham United this afternoon. The Magpies were pegged back early, through a 4th-minute goal from Michail Antonio, although they shortly found the equaliser through Miguel Almiron.
Steve Bruce’s men conceded yet another goal in the second half when Tomas Soucek found a little space inside the box in the 65th minute. But that was also equalised through a wonderful goal from Jonjo Shelvey as both sides ultimately shared the spoils.
Newcastle United Player Ratings Vs West Ham United
Martin Dubravka 7.5/10
Martin Dubravka made a couple of crucial saves to keep Newcastle United in the game, especially when West Ham were pushing forward. A solid performance from the goalkeeper, even though he could have done very little to save the two goals from the Hammers.
Emil Krafth 7/10
Emil Krafth had a slow start to the game and also looked clumsy with the ball, at times. However, the right-back provided width into the attack whenever it was necessary. In fact, it was his cross that led to the equaliser from Almiron.
Jamaal Lascelles 4/10
A dismal performance from Jamaal Lascelles, who was culpable for the first goal. He failed to clear the ball that eventually fell into the path of Antonio. Even aside from that goal, the Newcastle defender looked vulnerable at the back and was unable to compete with Soucek late in the game.
Federico Fernandez 8/10
With Lascelles struggling to find his footing in the game, Federico Fernandes’ aerial and physical prowess was critical in helping Newcastle prevent West Ham from scoring the third. His ability to read the game, in particular, caught the eye.
Javier Manquillo 6/10
Starting ahead of Danny Rose at left-back, Javier Manquillo failed to keep up with Jarrod Bowen, whose cross eventually led to West Ham’s first equaliser. It was not a good performance from the Spaniard, especially in the defensive department.
Jonjo Shelvey 9/10
Shelvey anchored the midfield throughout the game. His effortless passing, excellent awareness and courageous forward balls were key in helping Newcastle dominate the middle third of the pitch. It was capped off by an incredible goal to level the scoring in the second half. An elite display from the ex-Liverpool starlet.
Isaac Hayden 7/10
Had a solid start to the game, providing ample coverage to Shelvey with his more composing presence in midfield. He also made a couple of excellent challenges. Unfortunately, however, the midfielder’s knock late in the first half meant he had to be substituted in the 43rd minute, which served as a massive blow for Newcastle – none more so than Shelvey.
Joelinton 3/10
Joelinton had a miserable game this afternoon. The ex-Hoffenheim striker was completely useless in the final third and provided very little threat to the West Ham backline. His hold-up play was also poor as he ultimately made way for Andy Carroll late in the game.
Miguel Almiron 7.5/10
Almiron was one of the better players for Newcastle United this afternoon. The Paraguayan international provided the creative essence in the final third while he was also willing to track back and help out the defence. Not to mention, he scored the all-important equaliser in the final half.
Allan Saint-Maximin 7/10
Allan Saint-Maximin was a major threat for the West Ham defence for the most period of the game. The Frenchman looked menacing as ever and had a key role to play in the build-up to both of Newcastle’s goals.
Dwight Gayle 6/10
While Dwight Gayle deserves credit for playing a neat one-two with Shelvey for the second goal, the striker has been anonymous for the most part of the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Nabil Bentaleb 7.5/10
Replaced the injured Hayden late in the first half and provided a responsible display in midfield. His quality on the ball, combined with his aggression and tenacity allowed Shelvey more freedom in the final third. He is definitely a contender to start in the next game.
Valentino Lazaro 6.5/10
Replaced Saint-Maximin just after Newcastle United’s second goal and provided a spark in the final third. Although Lazaro failed to make a huge difference, he did look promising with the ball at his feet.
Matt Ritchie 6/10
Came on for Gayle in the 70th minute, but failed to make any noticeable impact on the proceedings.
Andy Carroll N/A
A late replacement for the Joelinton. Ineffective.
