Newcastle United recovered from a dreadful start to their 2018-19 Premier League season having won all the games in November. But they failed to win any in the past three outings and were desperate to be back to winning ways at Kirklees Stadium against struggling Huddersfield Town. Both the teams, fighting in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, desired a favourable outcome. However, it was the visitors that had the last laugh as they clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win to secure three massive points on the road.
Below are the Newcastle United players rated in their narrow win against Huddersfield Town.
Martin Dúbravka: 7.5
Made some routine saves and kept his nerve in the decisive minutes when the hosts were piling the pressure up to find an equaliser. The Slovakian, a smart piece of business by Rafa Benitez, grabbed a well-deserved clean sheet from this tricky contest.
Fabian Schar: 8
The centre-back had a golden opportunity in the first half but was denied by Jonas Lössl in Huddersfield goal. The Swiss international, however, maintained composure at the back and delivered a towering defensive display to deny David Wagner’s men.
Jamaal Lascelles: 7.5
Made his presence known in deep defence. Dealt well with the physical presence of Laurent Depoitre and kept on making no-nonsense clearances to disrupt the hosts’ attacking threats.
Ciaran Clark: 7.5
Started down the left-hand side of Newcastle’s ‘back three’. Kept on winning duels, and made crucial clearances throughout the game to ensure a clean sheet.
Javier Manquillo: 8.5
The Spaniard was excellent throughout as he initiated many counter attacks for the Magpies and assisted Rondon for the only goal of the game.
Mohamed Diame: 6
Played in a destructive midfield role. Broke many Terriers’ moves but should have done better physically to win duels in the middle of the park. His passing, too, was disappointing and also got dispossessed on a couple of occasions.
Ki Sung-yueng: 7
The South Korean midfield star used his experience to keep things calm in the centre of the pitch. Was in the right place at the right time and tried to orchestrate the show from the deep. Was replaced by Isaac Hayden in the second half.
Christian Atsu: 6.5
Was utilised more centrally than usual. Had a couple of efforts on target and tried to be creative with his dribbling attempts. Lost duels but often disorganised the Huddersfield midfield with his strong runs and tricky moves.
Kenedy: 7
Featured as a left wingback and helped his side defend the lead when the hosts were pushing for a goal. Made timely overlapping runs and also had his impact in Newcastle’s attacking third. Was replaced by Paul Dummett in the closing minutes of the game.
Ayoze Perez: 7.5
Started the game in his usual ‘number 10’ role but shifted to the right to pick a long ball in the build-up of Rondon’s solitary goal of the game.
Jose Salomon Rondon: 7.5
Was isolated for long but did his job converting Manquillo’s pass. Showed his composure to beat Lossl and did what was asked of him before being replaced by Matt Ritchie late in the outing.
Subtitles
Isaac Hayden: 7
Was brought in place of Ki to add more strength at the back. Did well to marshall the backline and almost slotted in between the centre halves while defending the one-goal lead.
Matt Ritchie: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Paul Dummett: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
