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Qarabag v Newcastle United: Newcastle United player ratings - here’s how Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon & co fared.
Eddie Howe’s side, fresh off the back of a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, were refreshed by four changes from the head coach as Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon were returned to the starting XI. Nick Woltemade, as he did at Villa Park, playing in a slightly more advanced midfield role behind Gordon as the lone striker in Baku.
That front three made an immediate impact as Gordon netted his seventh Champions League goal of the season within two minutes. Dan Burn played an instrumental role in that goal, stepping up from the back to supply Gordon with a through ball for the winger to tuck home.
Harvey Barnes then went close before Malick Thiaw netted his first European goal for the Magpies as he planted home a header from a deep Kieran Trippier cross to double Newcastle United’s lead inside ten minutes. Those two goals were the perfect start for Howe’s side as they burst out of the blocks in Baku.
The chances continued to roll in for Newcastle United with both Barnes and Gordon slightly guilty of missing some good openings - although Mateusz Kochalski in the Qarabag goal should get some credit for making some good saves. They weren’t made to pay too much for those missed opportunities, though, when they were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute for a handball in the box.
It looked harsh, but Newcastle United won’t mind that when you consider some of the handball decisions that have gone against them in this campaign and previous Champions League outings. Gordon’s powerful effort from the spot nudged his side even further ahead.
Seconds later and Gordon had completed his hat-trick as he seized on an error from the Qarabag defence to put his side four goals to the good.
Howe’s side continued to attack and were rewarded further for their endeavours as Gordon slotted home a second spot-kick. The former Everton man won the penalty after being fouled by Kochalski in the box.
Here are our first-half player ratings from Newcastle United’s Champions League clash with Qarabag:
Newcastle United player ratings v Qarabag
Nick Pope - 7
An absolute bystander in the opening stages.
Kieran Trippier - 7
Put in a wonderful cross for Thiaw’s goal. Spent most of the first-half as a right winger on the outside of Elanga.
Malick Thiaw - 8
Rose high above his marker to nod home Newcastle United’s second goal. A supreme header from a supreme player.
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Dan Burn - 7
Stepped out of defence with the ball superbly to assist Gordon’s opener. Didn’t have anything to do defensively in the early stages and missed a golden chance to add a fifth for his side before the break.
Lewis Hall - 7
Very good defensively and in attack.
Sandro Tonali - 8
Unfortunate to see a powerful drive blocked by Qarabag defenders early on after a well worked set-piece. Set the tone with a calm performance in the middle of the park.
Joe Willock - 6
Looked busy in attack.
Anthony Elanga - 6
The quietest of Newcastle United’s attacking trio. Didn’t really get into the game in the first-half, but was threatening enough that the Qarabag defence still had to worry about him as the others ran wild.
Nick Woltemade - 8
Had some nice touches in attack and was more than willing to do his fair share of defensive work as well when Qarabag attacked, typified by his interception for Gordon’s third goal.
Harvey Barnes - 7
Had a bright start to the game and saw three efforts saved by the Qarabag goalkeeper.
Anthony Gordon - 10
Took his goal superbly as he burst past his marker before sliding the ball home. Should have had a second in the 14th minute but his one-v-one effort was saved well. Missed another chance before the half hour mark. Converted brilliantly from the spot before seizing on an error to add a third and complete his hat-trick inside 32 minutes. Added a fourth from the spot just before the break. A stellar first-half performance. Unplayable.
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