A huge win for Newcastle United as goals for Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes helped us to a 2-0 victory over top-five rivals Chelsea.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved today:
Pope (8) – Made crucial saves from Cucurella and Fernandez in the second half to preserve a clean sheet. Showed great agility and can be proud of his contribution.
Schar (7) – Made some crucial interventions and enjoyed a bit of a roaming role at times in the first half. Remains a calming presence in possession coming out of trouble.
Botman (7.5) – Great to see Sven back in the starting line up, as he read the play well and won his duels emphatically. Was the victim of an elbow to the head leading to the red card for Jackson. Sacrificed early due to a change of shape.
Burn (8\*) – Towering performance typified by his involvement for the second goal. Could see him screaming for the ball and will be credited with the assist for Bruno.
Livramento (7) – The whole stadium watched on nervously as he went down awkwardly early in the second half but thankfully was able to shake it off. Handled the pace of Neto well and looks assured at left back
Tonali (8) – It was his pressure which caused the turnover directly leading to him opening the scoring. First half was really good but he needed to showcase his defensive abilities in the second half as Chelsea started to control the midfield
Guimaraes (7.5) – Popped up with the crucial second late on but wasn’t at his best today. Involved in a long running battle with Fernandez and could’ve been fortunate not to give away a penalty.
Murphy (6) – Got his customary assist but was a little bit shackled in the wing back position even shuffling to right back early in the second half.
Barnes (5) – Poor showing today with some uncharacteristic poor touches and questionable decision making. Could be looking over his shoulder for the trip to Arsenal
Gordon (6.5) – Tried hard but met his match against Caicedo today. Still looks a bit short of confidence but received valuable minutes in the legs.
Isak (5) – Couldn’t get involved at all and he mishit the opportunities that fell his way. Beginning to be a slight concern that we can’t get him into games of late.
Miley (4) – Never got into the rhythm of the game and seemed to be a passenger unfortunately. Was brought on to help gain control in midfield but had no impact.
Krafth (6.5) – Brought on to quell the threat of Cucurella and did a good job. Dependable squad option.
Wilson (N/A) – On for final few minutes
Longstaff (N/A) – See above. Not sure he got a touch.