Newcastle United 1-2 Brentford player ratings: Here’s how Yoane Wissa, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and co fared at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe made five changes from the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. Nick Pope came in for Aaron Ramsdale in goal, Guimaraes returned to the line-up prompted a return to 4-3-3 with Dan Burn dropping to the bench.
Jacob Murphy is in for the injured Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, who scored in the reverse fixture, is back in for Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa comes in against his former club in place of Nick Woltemade.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
The club confirmed Gordon misses out due to injury, while Miley was described as having ‘lost his fitness battle’.
Newcastle opened the scoring midway through the first half as Sven Botman headed in from Bruno Guimaraes’ corner. It was the Dutchman’s first goal at St James’ Park on his 100th appearance for the club.
Newcastle had opportunities to extend their lead but Brentford were able to grab an equaliser before half-time as Dango Ouattara’s cross was headed in by Vitaly Janelt.
The Bees even had time to go in front after Jacob Murphy was penalised for handball inside the box and Brentford were awarded a penalty. Igor Thiago stepped up and converted to give the visitors the lead.
Nick Pope - 5
Made a good save to save a deflected ball across goal. Sent the wrong way for Brentford’s penalty and could do little about the equaliser.
Kieran Trippier - 4
Subject to an early penalty check but got away with it. Couldn’t stop the cross into the boss for Brentford’s equaliser and didn’t cover himself in glory in the build-up to Brentford’s penalty.
Malick Thiaw - 5
Started once again in defence. Didn’t have too much to do yet found himself on the trailing side at the break.
Sven Botman - 6
Didn’t get enough on a defensive header back to Nick Pope, which almost gifted Brentford an opportunity. Got his header at the other end spot on to open the scoring on his 100th appearance for the club. Put in a solid defensive display but will have been frustrated not to have stopped Vitaly Janelt’s header.
Lewis Hall - 6
Made some brilliant runs forward but they didn’t come to anything.
Sandro Tonali - 5
Hit a free-kick wide and volleyed a long-range effort off the ground and over the bar. A poor cross into the box allowed Brentford to counter and win a penalty.
Bruno Guimaraes - 6
Grabbed an assist with his corner being headed in by Sven Botman.
Joe Willock - 6
Had moments of good energy to burst forward early on. Faded as half-time approached and struggled to get involved when Newcastle were in possession.
Jacob Murphy - 4
Wasteful on the ball at times. Hit a low shot towards goal following a corner which was flicked just wide by Harvey Barnes. Dragged out of position in the build-up to Brentford’s equaliser and conceded the penalty as the visitors went in front.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Curled a shot just wide of the right post early on. Came close again with a close-range flick from Jacob Murphy’s shot.
Yoane Wissa - 4
Back in from the start against his former club. Took 18 minutes to get the ball at his feet, only to hit a pass out of play. Had an effort cleared off the line shortly after Newcastle opened the scoring.
Continue Reading