Another brutal away day for Newcastle United, as we threw away a 1-0 lead in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford after some awful game management in the second half.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved:
Pope (4.5) – Saw the best and worst of Pope today, although it was mainly the latter in the end. Some crucial saves intertwined with some awful decision making, which ultimately led to the equaliser as he got himself in no man’s land for Schade’s header. Went off injured after a heavy fall.
Trippier (5) – Put in a decent shift defensively but was wasteful late on with his set pieces. Guilty of playing sideways far too often.
Thiaw (7) – The only Newcastle player that didn’t let his standards drop today. Unfortunate to set up Brentford’s third goal with a great tackle and was the pick of the defenders. Ability to pick a pass to break the lines is a real highlight, but we never made the most of it.
Botman (4) – Completely switched off for the third and decisive goal when he was caught daydreaming. Made a couple of important tackles but was far from his best.
Burn (3.5) – Could see a second yellow card coming a mile away. Got away with one earlier but inexplicably wasn’t protected and ultimately conceded the penalty and got his red card. Out of his depth today, struggling both defensively and on the ball, where he lost possession 18 times.
Joelinton (N/A) – Went off injured in the first half with a leg injury. Perhaps wearing proper shin pads might’ve prevented it? Sloppy, on and off the ball, before he was forced off.
Guimaraes (5.5) – Cut a frustrated figure and never got a foothold in the game. More has to be expected from our captain from a creative and game management aspect. Consecutive weeks of throwing away a lead leads to questions about the midfield not controlling the game.
Tonali (5) – Not at the races today. Sloppy attempts at one touch passes went astray in the first half and the usual dynamism and quality from him was missing.
Murphy (5) – Threw some good balls into the box and linked up nicely with Woltemade on the odd occasions but his limitations as a winger were also on show. Went missing in the game too often.
Barnes (6.5) – Amazing goal to open the scoring in the first half showing great composure to sit 2 defenders down before rifling home. Had a decent volley in the second half and was at least threatening the brentford backline.
Woltemade (5) – His usual hold up play deserted him as he lost possession with uncharacteristic regularity. Showed a couple of glimpses but was largely a passenger.
Ramsey (5) – Got caught in possession early in the second half which set the tone for how the half would pan out. Yet to really show what he can do and needs a breakout performance quickly.
Ramsdale (6) – First touch was to pick the ball out of the net on his Premier League debut. Did well to deny Brentford a fourth and offered a useful outlet in possession when reduced to ten men.
Willock (4) – Much like the other midfielders, offered very little which has unfortunately become an all too common phrase when describing him.
Elanga (4.5) – Just not happening for him. Berated by Trippier late on for not presenting as an option down the wing but rather coming inside into traffic. Almost got on the end of Hall’s cross towards the end.
Hall (6.5) – Actually showed some quality when he came on and will now start against Man City with Burn’s suspension.
Miley (NR)