Newcastle United entertained Manchester City at St. James’ Park earlier tonight as they focused on earning a victory at home in the third round of the EFL Cup. The Magpies kept things tidy at the back in the first half and went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
Alexander Isak have Newcastle the all-important lead in the 53rd minute. Eddie Howe’s men defended well and managed to earn a narrow 1-0 win in front of their home fans.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player fared during the clash against Man City.
GK: Nick Pope – 7/10
Pope made a couple of solid stops at the back and secured a well-deserved clean sheet tonight.
RB: Tino Livramento – 8/10
He gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the pitch and made one good run with the ball.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 7/10
Lascelles cleared the danger when required and did enough to secure a clean sheet at St. James’ Park.
CB: Paul Dummett – 7/10
He didn’t do much wrong when defending inside his half and was tidy with his passing.
LB: Matt Targett – 7/10
Targett worked his socks off and made two crucial interceptions at the back.
CM: Lewis Miley – 6.5/10
He did his fair share of defending but had to be replaced at half-time.
CM: Sandro Tonali – 6/10
The Italian talent struggled to get into the flow of the game and was substituted in the 89th minute.
CM: Joelinton – 8/10
Joelinton came back to defend when needed and was a strong presence in the air. He also caused a few problems for the opposition defenders and picked up an assist for setting up Isak’s match-winner.
RW: Jacob Murphy – 6.5/10
He caught the eye at times but failed to trouble the opponent’s goal.
ST: Alexander Isak – 7.5/10
Isak caused a few headaches for the Man City defenders and scored the only goal of the contest in the 53rd minute.
LW: Lewis Hall – 6/10
Hall made one positive run with the ball but never looked like he would score.
Substitutes:
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5/10
He added more energy to Eddie Howe’s midfield.
LW: Anthony Gordon – 6.5/10
Gordon had a couple of bright moments in the game.
RW: Miguel Almiron – 6/10
His impact on the game was minimal.
CM: Elliot Anderson – N/A
CB: Fabian Schar – N/A
