Newcastle vs Burnley: Match Ratings

Bruce: Picked the right team today and had his players playing more attacking football throughout. Tinkered with Newcastle’s attack at various points in the game by switching the positions of Joelinton, Wilson, and ASM. This specific strategy looks to have helped Newcastle get their second. 7

Darlow: Made decent saves but looked shaky in the air throughout. 6

Krafth: Didn’t look too comfortable on the ball early on. However, he settled into the game well and didn’t really look out of place when moved over to center back, even winning some aerial duels. 6.5

Schar: Handled his defensive responsibilities as well as you could have hoped and never looked flustered on the ball. Fans and coaching staff alike will hope that he is able to build upon this going forward. 6.5

Fernandez: Got turned by Wood at 53rd minute but generally did well against Burnley’s big strikers. 6.5

Lewis: Looked fantastic down the left flank in the first half. Linked up quite well going forward and looked pretty comfortable on the ball throughout. 6.5

Shelvey: His distribution was good, and he made some of those incisive passes we all love to see. 7

Hayden: Had the most tackles of any Newcastle player, and his presence afforded Newcastle solidity in the middle park. 6.5

Hendrick: Didn’t look the best going forward, but he did everything that was asked of him. Won plenty of aerial duels, kept the ball moving, and put in a shift defensively when necessary. 6.5

ASM: It’s Allan Saint-Maximin’s world and we’re just living in it. Everything went through him, and he had Burnley’s defense scrambling throughout. With a goal and an assist, he wins man of the match. 9

Joelinton: He was involved throughout the game. Displayed tremendous awareness and usually picked the right pass in build up play. It’s been a decent week for the record signing. Needs to work on his first touch off of throw-ins though. 7.5

Wilson: Made plenty of incisive runs. Found himself in threatening positions throughout the night and took his goals well. His hold up play was as clever and reliable as ever. 8.5

Manquillo: He always looked to get forward in attack, and used his fresh legs to best effect. 6

Fraser: Looked lively and won Newcastle a penalty. Replacing ASM is a nearly impossible task, but he did well. 6.5

Longstaff: Cameo

Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below.