It wasn’t pretty but it’s a win, making it 10 points from a possible 12 as we beat Burnley at St James’ Park in Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon helped us to a 2-1 victory, although it did get nervy late on as their 10 man suddenly came back into it.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in yesterday’s win…
Starting 11
Ramsdale (5.5) – Looked worryingly fragile under the high ball and can expect a lot of teams to target him going forward. Wasn’t kept too busy but will be frustrated to have not kept a clean sheet.
Livramento (6) – Was given a job to occupy the midfield in possession and took up from very advanced positions but does have some glaring limitations in attack. On several occasions he received the ball on the edge of the box with an opportunity to shoot or cross but more often than not plays a sideways or backwards pass. Needs to be more confident in attack and made a jittery start before improving defensively.
Thiaw (7) – Continues to make defending look easy and is a joy to watch in possession. Easily our player of the season so far and a steal at £34m. Dominant in the air, calm and classy on the deck.
Schar (5) – In comparison to Thiaw, it was an uncharacteristically below par performance from the normally reliable Schar, who . He played some mindless passes which caused us all kinds of trouble and wasn’t able to assert himself aerially against Broja.
Burn (6) – Back to left back while Hall’s minutes are managed and Big Dan was solid without being spectacular. Looks nailed on to partner Thiaw in the derby next week.
Willock (7) – Arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half as he was one of the few players to provide any type of energy after a lethargic start to the game. Influence faded in the second half but can be content with his days work. Needs a goal though.
Guimaraes (8) – Scored our first ever Olimpico in the Premier League at a time when we really needed a goal after a shaky start. Played some lovely through balls in the first half but couldn’t break down the low block after the break. Captains performance.
Ramsey (5) – Just wasn’t his day. Everytime he takes up a promising position in attack his touch lets him down. Gave away the penalty at the end with a mindless handball to cap off what was a desperately poor performance. Needs to do something soon to start to justify his price tag (winner in the derby?).
Elanga (5.5) – Has taken two steps forward in recent performances but this was one step back unfortunately. Crossing was very mixed, with some hitting the first man before a few good second half deliveries and has flattered to deceive with his dribbling. Did make a lovely run which led to the red card, but that was one of few highlights from a frustrating day.
Gordon (8) – Tucked away the penalty with aplomb and proceeded to hit the crossbar and the post on a day where he offered much more of an attacking threat. Showed his ability on the ball with a perfectly weighted through ball for Elanga which led to the red card. Also had the beating of Walker, who he got booked early with his direct running and pace.
Woltemade (6) – Frustrating game for the big German. Occupied some wonderful positions in the box but the crosses either never arrived or were poor. Definitely misses Murphy when he’s not playing. Has become a bit of an afterthought in possession against a low block as we often play far too side to side. Would love to see us use his close control and ability to pick a pass to help break down low blocks.
Substitutes
Hall (7) – His presence automatically makes us a better and more cohesive football team. Hard to think of too many better left backs in the league when he’s on form. Has improved his defensive work markedly over the last 18 months.
Miley (7) – Looks like he’s found his confidence again. Assured in possession and has become impossible to ignore. Can expect to start in Leverkusen in midweek.
Wissa (6) – Understandable undercooked after a lengthy lay off but did have an opportunity to put it on a plate for Elanga but blazed the cross over his head. Will be better for the runout.
Joelinton (6.5) – Added his usual physicality in midfield but didn’t have much of an impact in possession which has been a common critique of big Joe this season. Will be relishing the battle with Xhaka in the derby next week which has fireworks written all over it!
Tonali (NR) – On in stoppage time for Ramsey.
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