Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United have snatched the top spot of the Championship table yet again following a midweek victory over Brighton. But the Magpies had another massive outing this evening when they encountered David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town (currently third in the league) in John Smith’s Stadium. However, it was another emphatic victory for Rafa’s men as they sealed a 1-3 victory and are now five points clear than second placed Brighton and steps closer to a direct promotion.
The Best & Worst Newcastle United Players Rated From Their Crucial Win Over Huddersfield Town
Karl Darlow: 9
The Englishman had an outstanding evening who pulled off major saves to deny Huddersfield making a comeback at any stage of the game. If he had not saved Rajiv Van La Parra’s effort towards the final whistle, the scoreline would have been very different.
Vurnon Anita: 7.5
Anita used his experience to settle in a make-shift role. Although he did not contribute much in attack, his defensive duties helped Newcastle to come out on top against Town’s numerous attacking threats.
Jamaal Lascelles: 8
Had a solid defensive display and dealt with Huddersfield’s attacks providing blocks, interceptions and clearances.
Ciaran Clerk: 8
Clerk, too, had another successful outing for his new club and led his backline against the extreme pressure of the Terriers’ attackers.
Paul Dummett: 7.5
Dummett, though had a few below-average displays in past, delivered one of his best defensive performances for the Magpies. He resisted and cleared a number of crosses, also helped his side with crucial tackles and challenges.
Jonjo Shelvey: 6.5
The Englishman was not at his best as he struggled against Huddersfield’s passing and pressing. However, his over the top ball for Daryl Murphy helped Newcastle double their lead. But he brought down Elias Kachunga inside the box that resulted in a Huddersfield penalty which was converted by Aaron Mooy.
Jack Colback: 6
Did well in a combative role though his rough tackles resulted in fouls and often caused trouble for Newcastle defence. Was lucky to avoid a second yellow before being replaced by Yoan Gouffran.
Mo Diame: 6.5
Used his physicality to keep Huddersfield backline on toes. Did not see the ball much otherwise.
Matt Ritchie: 8
Ritchie had a stellar display as he did well to earn an early spot kick and then converted it calmly to draw the first blood.
Christian Atsu: 6
One of Newcastle’s best performers lately was quiet against the Terriers due to lack of possession and attacking intent. Was replaced by DeAndre Yedlin who was brought in to strengthen the backline towards the end.
Daryl Murphy: 7
Scored a goal ( looked a bit controversial) and forced Danny Ward to make a couple of decent saves during the first half. Looked off-pace in the second half and was replaced by Dwight Gayle who scored late into the stoppage time to mark his return with another goal.
Substitutes
Gouffran: 6.5
Gouffran in place of Colback was a positive move from Rafa Benitez to counter press Huddersfield who kept on pushing for an equaliser since Mooy’s goal. Gouffran did well to hold the ball up and ease the pressure off his defence late into the game.
DeAndre Yedlin: 6.5
Yedlin was brought in place of Atsu to strengthen the defensive unit. Yedlin used his physicality as well as pace to deny Huddersfield from finding the back of the net once again.
Dwight Gayle: 7
Gayle took the time to settle in and was not seeing the ball much as his midfielders were busy in screening their defence. However, he marked his return from injury wth a stoppage time goal to seal the win after a long clearance bounced over the on-rushing custodian Joel Coleman who came as a second-half substitute in place of injured Danny Ward.
