Newcastle United surprised many by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in North London. But they have failed to grab a win ever since and were 18th in the Premier League standings before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James’ Park this evening. Steve Bruce’s men needed a win to climb up the ladder but were lucky to escape a defeat as skipper Jamaal Lascelles made a goalline clearance to keep it scoreless.
Below are the Newcastle United players rated in their 0-0 draw against Brighton.
Martin Dubravka: 7.5
Was tested on a couple of occasions and responded sharply by denying the Seagulls. Was lucky not to concede though as Aaron Connolly’s effort was defended off the line by Lascelles late in the game.
Javier Manquillo: 7
Was sharp with his tackles and defended well against the likes of Aaron Mooy and Steven Alzate. Did not offer much with overlapping runs but combined well with Almiron who worked tirelessly from the right-hand flank.
Fabian Schar: 7.5
Was clumsy with his challenges but made his presence known in the heart of the Magpies defence. Needs to work on his long balls though as most of those attempts were inaccurate.
Jamaal Lascelles: 8
Had some difficulties against Neal Maupay at times, but the skipper made a key clearance off the line to keep the scoreline level. A well-deserved clean sheet for the Englishman.
Paul Dummett: 7.5
The Welshman impressed once again as a left centre-half. His passing could have been better at times, but the resilience at the back ensured at least a point from this tight contest.
Jetro Willems: 6.5
Scored a stunner against Liverpool last weekend. The Dutchman retained his place down the left but could not replicate a similar show this evening before being replaced by Andy Carroll late in the game.
Miguel Almiron: 7
Worked tirelessly down the right-hand side of a ‘midfield four’ but failed to convert those opportunities yet again due to a lack of composure in front of goal. Was replaced by Allan Saint-Maximin midway through the second half.
Isaac Hayden: 6
Could not dominate the midfield game properly. Got dispossessed on a couple of occasions too and failed to carry the ball forward to help out the frontline by creating chances.
Jonjo Shelvey: 7.5
Was denied by Matt Ryan once as he tried to beat the custodian from a distance. Tried to build moves from the middle of the park with his vision and range of passing. Was replaced by Sung-Yueng Ki in the second half.
Christian Atsu: 7
Had some lively runs and crosses from the left flank. Attempted to dribble past the opponents, cut inside and create chances for the fellow attackers inside the box.
Joelinton: 5.5
Showed strength upfront but lacked the poaching instinct despite creating opportunities on his own. Looked isolated at times when Brighton were dominating the ball.
Substitutes
Allan Saint-Maximin: 6
Came on in place of Almiron. Showed glimpses of his quality but failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Ki Sung-yueng: 6
Was brought in to hold possession, calm things down and then move forward to break the deadlock.
Andy Carroll: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
