Four wins on the spin for Newcastle United and another convincing victory as goals from Gordon, Isak and Joelinton helped us to a 3-0 success over Aston Villa.
Here come our ratings and comments on each player involved in todays game:
Dubravka (7) – Third clean sheet in a row and again was rarely troubled aside from one free kick from Digne. A few good claims to take the ball from crosses. Great to see us solid at the back despite Pope’s injury.
Trippier (7.5) – It was all going so well until he pulled up with an injury in the second half. Before that he was barking orders and marshalled the defence well. So composed and nearly always made the right decision on the ball.
Schar (8) – His best performance for a while. Defended well and won several balls high up the pitch. Great tackle lead to the Duran red.
Burn (8) – Got himself to everything and was so dominant in the air and on the ground. Stopped a dangerous break from them in the first half was a vital and well timed tackle. One of his easier afternoons with Aston Villa offering minimal threat once they went down a man, but he was so dominant.
Hall (7) – Not as influential as we have seen lately but still a good all round performance. His connection with Gordon down the left is a joy to watch
Guimaraes (9) – Didn’t allow the Villa midfield a chance to breathe. Lovely through ball set Murphy away down the right to square it for the second goal. Unluckily but rightfully had a goal disallowed. Relishing the more advanced role.
Tonali (9) – Sounding like a broken record lately but another masterclass in midfield from our Italian maestro. Really used his body well which lead to the first goal for Gordon. Always available to receive the ball and never looks flustered. So combative off the ball, so classy on it!
Joelinton (8.5) – Bullied the Villa midfield all game and deservedly sealed the win with a curling effort into the top corner. Yellow card in the first half the only dampener on an otherwise tremendous performance, where he set up Gordon’s opener.
Murphy (7.5) – Our very own box of chocolates. Was largely anonymous in the first half then seemingly in the space of 15 second half minutes he: assisted Isak for the second, butchered a shooting opportunity to try and play an offside Isak in on goal then rattled the bar with the goal gaping. It’s never dull with our Jacob!
Gordon (8) – Set the tone early with a sumptuous finish into the top corner after – minute. Was his usual nuisance off the ball and pressed well. No surprise to see the upturn in the teams form correlating with his own game improving in his best position down that left.
Isak (8) – The most complete striker in the Premier League. Another top notch performance leading the line with some glorious dribbling intertwined with some intelligent hold up play. Quiet start but an electric second half.
Subs:
Targett (6) – Good to see him get his boots dirty even in the unfamiliar position of right back. Naturally looked rusty but good to see him back.
Barnes (6) – Knows he has a battle on his hands to win a wing spot. Always looks a threat when he comes on, although he’s not quite the same down the right.
Willock (6) – More valuable minutes for a player who has looked a bit low on confidence lately.
Osula (N/A) – Only played final few minutes.
Miley (N/A) – See above!