Newcastle United entertained Manchester United at St. James’ Park earlier tonight as they hoped to grind out a result in front of their home fans. The Magpies made a good start to the game and got their noses ahead in the seventh minute when Allan Saint-Maximin found the back of the net with an excellent finish. The Tyneside outfit protected their lead well and went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Eddie Howe’s men kept creating chances in the second half but conceded a poor equaliser in the 71st minute when Edinson Cavani scored from close range. The contest ended with Newcastle securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player performed during the match against the Red Devils.
GK: Martin Dubravka – 6/10
Dubravka made some solid saves but was at fault in the lead-up to Cavani’s equaliser when he failed to push the ball away from danger.
RB: Emil Krafth – 7/10
He was strong in the air and earned the ball back twice on the defensive end of the field. Krafth cleared the danger when required and even made a crucial block.
CB: Fabian Schar – 6.5/10
Schar put his foot through the ball when the opposition were on the front foot. He had a decent game at the back tonight but unfortunately picked up an injury in the dying embers of the game.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 7.5/10
The English centre-back defended his penalty box with everything he had and pulled off a few essential blocks to restrict the Man United attackers from scoring more than one goal.
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LB: Javier Manquillo – 7/10
The Spaniard performed his defensive duties well and was quite lively in the opponent’s half.
RW: Ryan Fraser – 6.5/10
He worked his socks off to help his teammates out at the back but was lackluster in the final third. Fraser got replaced in the 74th minute.
CM: Sean Longstaff – 6.5/10
Longstaff did his best to protect his backline and picked up an assist for setting up Saint-Maximin’s goal.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 7/10
He didn’t shy away from making a tackle and had some encouraging moments on the ball. Shelvey tested the opposition keeper with his shot attempts but failed to register a goal.
CM: Joelinton – 7.5/10
The Brazilian talent worked his socks off at both ends of the field and engineered a few inviting chances for others around him.
LW: Allan Saint-Maximin – 8/10
Saint-Maximin caused all kinds of problems for the Man United centre-backs because of his pace and dribbling ability. He completed multiple dribbles from the left flank and scored a great solo goal in the seventh minute.
ST: Callum Wilson – 6.5/10
The English striker produced a tireless performance off the ball but didn’t get any real chances to find the back of the net. He was taken off in the 50th minute.
Substitutes:
LW: Jacob Murphy – 7/10
Murphy was unfortunate to hit the post with his goal-bound strike in the second half. He also had a few other encouraging moments in the final third.
RW: Miguel Almiron – 7/10
He tested David de Gea with an excellent strike.
ST: Dwight Gayle – N/A
Gayle hardly had any time to make an impact.
