- Newcastle United defender is ‘standout’ player against Crystal Palace
- Magpies stars criticised for ‘lazy’ defensive work
- ReadNewcastle player ratings from Sunday afternoon
Newcastle United threw away three points in a frustrating trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, receiving another huge blow to fast-dying Champions League hopes.
Eddie Howe’s side looked to be on their way to bouncing back from derby day defeat to Sunderland with a victory in South London but unravalled in the final 10 minutes.
Jean-Philippe Mateta made the most of sloppy Newcastle United defending to ensure a first half strike from William Osula meant nothing in terms of points. Here’s how the players rated.
Newcastle United player ratings
GK – Aaron Ramsdale, 6
Made a stunning double save in the first half, proving he had stayed alert despite the dull beginning to the game. Overcommitted when closing down to leave an empty goal for Mateta to score into. Went the right way for the penalty and may have felt he should have got a hand to it. Needs to look more convincing when dealing with set plays, lucky to see indecision go unpunished on two occasions.
LB – Lewis Hall, 8
Really brave in a standout performance. Had his work cut out with Daniel Munoz posing a threat but put his body on the line to help the Magpies keep a clean sheet.
CB – Sven Botman, 4
Had been solid enough and looked to have led the defence to a clean sheet going into the final 10 minutes. Unravelled after that. Poor positioning for the Mateta goal and can have no qualms about the penalty given he had a fistful of Lerma’s shirt in his hand. Silly, silly boy.
CB – Malick Thiaw, 6
Could have been a bit quicker to close down at times but showed strength against Jorgen Strand Larsen. Booked for a shirt pull on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
RB – Tino Livramento, 3
Not his usual self today. The lazy air header prior to the Crystal Palace leveller was nothing short of criminal.
CM – Sandro Tonali, 6
Showed some moments quality and played an important part in the build-up to the goal, but frustrated with some undercooked set play deliveries.
CM – Joelinton, 5
Provided a physicality in the centre of the park, if not a whole load of quality on the ball.
CM – Lewis Miley, 7
A breath of fresh air to have him back in the side. Tenacious and able to work some magic with the ball at his feet, providing the assist for Osula.
LW – Anthony Gordon, 4
Looked jaded after the international break. Dilly-dallied when on the break in the opening quarter, wasting a dangerous opportunity, and guilty of some sloppy passes.
ST – William Osula, 7
Ultimately, got the vital goal today and deserves plaudits for that. It wasn’t pretty but Osula sorted his feet out just in time to poke in from the floor. Should have perhaps had a second early in the second half when one-on-one with Dean Henderson.
RW – Jacob Murphy, 4
A couple of nice moments, slotting the ball through to Gordon for the wasted break in the first half. However, needs to do more than drifting in and out of the match. Strolling back into his defensive position as Newcastle conceded was not a good look.
SUBS – Harvey Barnes (5), Nick Woltemade (6), Jacob Ramsey (7), Anthony Elanga (N/A), Yoane Wissa (N/A).
In other news, 5 Newcastle United stars set to quit club alongside Kieran Trippier.
