A performance that deserved so much more. The lads did us proud, but a late penalty from Lamine Yamal leaves the tie at 1-1 heading to next week’s second leg at the Nou Camp.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each Mag involved in last night’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Ramsdale (7) – Had a much quieter night than he would’ve expected and was unlucky not to leave with a clean sheet. Refreshing to not gasp everytime a ball is played back to the keeper!
Trippier (7.5) – Handled Raphinha well all game and put in on of his better displays. Looked to suffer a groin injury in the first half but carried on. Will need all his experience next week.
Thiaw (6) – Was playing really well until a brain fade in extra time gave away the penalty. Has all the attributes to be great but needs to cut the silly errors out of his game as they’re costing us far too often.
Burn (7.5) – Strong and aggressive. Nearly scored a calamitous own goal in the first half but was able to keep Lewandowski quiet aside from one chance in the second half. Was a non factor on attacking set pieces though which was a bit disappointing.
Hall (9) – What a talent. Had Yamal in his pocket all night and was great going forward, dribbling past Barca players with ease. Has proven that he is Englands best left back and is well on his way to being one of our Premier League great left backs too. Superstar.
Ramsey (8) – Has really grown into his role in the team with another assured display against a strong Barcelona midfield. Was great on and off the ball and can be proud of his efforts. Next step is to add consistent goals and assists to his game.
Tonali (7) – Harshly booked early on (less said about the referee the better) but was otherwise solid. Gave away the ball sloppily in the second half then immediately hustled and harried to win it back. Was good but will need to be even better in the Camp Nou.
Joelinton (8) – Just a beast in midfield. Put in a great shift, not allowing the Barcelona midfield time to dictate play, and looked after the ball so well. Hard to believe he was signed as a striker!
Elanga (6.5) – We got the full Anthony Elanga experience last night. Some great runs and teasing crosses followed by some infuriatingly bad decision making in the final third. Needs to iron out those inconsistencies and quickly with Jacob Murphy breathing down his neck.
Barnes (7.5) – Didn’t hit his shot cleanly but he did enough to get it past Joan Garcia! Also rattled the post on a night where he looked our most likely goal threat. Is proving to be a clutch player on Champions League nights for us.
Osula (6) – Pressed like a madman and had a few opportunities but lacked the composure to convert them. Did his job well and his enthusiasm can’t be faulted but he is still very raw.
Murphy (7) – Absolute peach of a cross for Barnes for the goal which is exactly what we know he can do. Was lively off the bench and could be pushing for a start.
Gordon (5.5) – Wasn’t his usual self after illness but a sick Gordon was preferred to a fit Wissa and Woltemade which speaks volumes. Would like the last minute back again as he carelessly turned over possession which led to the penalty.
Livramento (6) – Slotted in well and was typically tidy in possession. Still has his limitations in attack but defensively there aren’t many better.
Willock (NR) – On late, replacing Barnes down our left.