Newcastle United clashed heads with West Bromwich Albion at St. James’ Park earlier today looking to get maximum points at home. The Magpies made a dream start to the contest as they grabbed the lead in the first minute courtesy of Miguel Almiron’s goal. The home side protected their narrow advantage well and went into the half-time break one goal to the good.
The Baggies clawed their way back into the contest when Darnell Furlong scored in the 50th minute to level the scoreline. However, Dwight Gayle came off the bench to net the winning goal in the 82nd minute as the match finished 2-1 in favour of the Magpies.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle player performed during the game against the Baggies.
GK: Karl Darlow – 6/10
Darlow didn’t have too many saves to make at the back but was woefully inaccurate with his ball-distribution. He will be disappointed for not securing the clean sheet.
RB: Emil Krafth – 6/10
He was largely untested in defence and struggled to influence the game in the opposition half. Krafth ran out of gas and got subbed in the second half.
CB: Isaac Hayden – 7/10
The English talent did well to operate as a makeshift centre-half and stood up to the test by making some important interceptions and clearances for his team.
CB: Ciaran Clark – 7/10
Clark was a commanding presence inside his half and kept the Baggies frustrated by clearing his lines when required.
LB: Jamal Lewis – 6/10
Lewis did his job in defence but failed to influence the game going forward. He got subbed after the hour mark.
RM: Miguel Almiron – 8/10
The Paraguayan speedster opened the goal-scoring in the first minute and built on it by creating all kinds of problems for the West Brom defenders. He was a constant nuisance for them and just about deserved the man of the match award.
CM: Sean Longstaff – 6.5/10
Longstaff was not afraid to have a strike at goal and worked hard in helping his teammates out at the back.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 7.5/10
The former Liverpool playmaker shielded his backline well and engineered a couple of decent chances in the attacking third of the pitch.
LM: Matt Ritchie – 7/10
Ritchie was probably the most creative player on the pitch for Newcastle despite not getting enough support from Lewis out on the left flank.
ST: Callum Wilson – 6/10
The ex-Bournemouth marksman did well to cause a few problems for the opposition but finished the match without having a shot at goal.
ST: Joelinton – 7.5/10
The Brazilian striker was a real handful for the Baggies defenders and ended the game with an assist to his name.
Substitutes:
ST: Dwight Gayle – 7.5/10
Gayle came off the bench to net the winning goal. Based on his match-winning cameo, he could be in line to start a few games in the coming weeks.
RM: Jacob Murphy – 7/10
He did well to set-up Gayle’s goal in the 82nd minute.
RM: DeAndre Yedlin – N/A
Yedlin did not get enough time to make an impact.
