Newcastle United ratings slump to 3s and 4s as they surrender to Aston Villa
The Magpies capitulated at home to top three Aston Villa on a poor day in the office.
Newcastle United were second best against Aston Villa on a day in which they failed to click in attack.
Villa went ahead on 19 minutes after a passing move resulted in Emiliano Buendia being afforded three touches before swerving the ball past Nick Pope. Newcastle produced precious little in the first half other than Sandro Tonali’s effort after 35 seconds before the half ended with a tame header from Yoane Wissa.
The visitors sealed the deal with two minutes left as Lucas Digne crossed for Ollie Watkins to head home and make it 2-0. The Magpies ended the game with just four shots on target.
Here’s how Newcastle fared against Villa:
Nick Pope 8
Without his saves the game could have slipped away much earlier. Man of the match.
Kieran Trippier 6
Kept the battle up for long periods but caught out of position for the second goal as Digne ghosted past and set up the second.
Malick Thiaw 7
A couple of crucial tackles. Recovered from early horror moment.
Sven Botman 7
Probably one of his best performances of the season. Made 10 clearances but could do nothing to stop Villa getting in twice.
Lewis Hall 6
Usually immense on the left but had problems today. Caught daydreaming as Watkins headed home.
Joelinton 6
Not a great day in the office. Didn’t make much impact and picked up a booking then an injury.
Lewis Miley 7
A steady game but can’t do it all.
Sandro Tonali 7
Had a solid game and passed the ball well. A baffling decision to take him off.
Anthony Gordon 6
Taken off to give Barnes a run down the left. Gordon left the field after putting in seven crosses and finding a team-mate three times.
Harvey Barnes 4
Has been terrific of late but did not make an impact on either flank. Struggled to create danger and endured horror miss.
Yoane Wissa 5
Just 16 touches as he looked isolated in attack. One tame header before being taken off.
Subs
Jacob Ramsey 4 (for Joelinton 47)
Wasted a big opportunity.
Nick Woltemade 3 (for Wissa 62)
No impact. No shots.
Anthony Elanga 4 (for Gordon 62)
Didn’t grasp his chance.
Joe Willock (for Tonali 84)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to earn a mark
Newcastle United FC