An important victory at St James’ Park as Newcastle United had too much for a 10-man Ipswich side who lost their way after the first half red card.
Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on each player as Alexander Isak, Dan Burn and Will Osula sent us back up to third:
Pope (6) – Won’t have an easier game all season. Had literally nothing of note to do!
Trippier (9) – Two assists and arguably his best performance of the season. Had a field day with Murphy down the right playing exclusively in the Ipswich half. Wouldn’t be shocked if he had more touches than the whole Ipswich team!
Schar (7) – Common theme here but really had nothing to do after the red card, other than the odd battle with Delap where he gave as good as he got after a tricky start against the big striker. Played a few nice passes but was in second gear for most of the game.
Burn (7) – Struggled early on with the physicality and pace of Delap plus sloppily gave the ball away in the opening stages. Did pop up with the crucial second goal scoring from six inches out!
Livramento (7) – Clean sheet but not as involved with most of the play going down the right. Linked up well with Barnes and played a few nice balls into the box.
Willock (6) – Huge opportunity with Joelinton missing out but he failed to capitalise. Had a few moments but didn’t do anything to set him apart from his teammates.
Tonali (8) – The metronome in the middle. Was unlucky in the first half when he rattled the woodwork. Didn’t have much in the way of defending to do but kept the attack ticking over.
Guimaraes (8) – Unlucky to have a goal ruled out in the first half and really grew into the game after the red card. Was able to find pockets of space and showcased his vision with the through ball which led to the penalty.
Murphy (8) – Loved this performance. Won the penalty but played so many great crosses into the box. Could’ve had a hatful of assists and linked up superbly with Trippier.
Barnes (7.5) – A bit quieter overall with the right side being the preferred avenue for attack today. Blazed a great opportunity over the bar in the second half but was a threat down the left and looks sharp.
Isak (7) – Dispatched the penalty with aplomb but wasted a couple of chances just before that. Found it difficult to get into the game and drifted out wider in the second half to get himself on the ball.
Gordon (7) – Keen to impress and nearly scored a screamer in injury time. Not sure he did enough to unseat Barnes.
Miley (7) – Some tidy touches but won’t have a more comfortable appearance in the Premier League. Good to see him looking sharp though, keeping the ball moving well and completing every pass.
Wilson (6) – Just seems a half a yard off it unfortunately. The want and desire is there but it seems like the game is passing him by.
Osula (8) – That’s how you maximise your minutes off the bench! Towering header to seal the win and could’ve had a second shortly after. Stock is on the rise and looks a threat on the right.
Botman – (NR) – Great to see him back! Won a few headers but hard to give a mark given he had so little to do.