Newcastle United vs Brighton: Player Ratings

Steve Bruce: He showed his naivete by fielding the same XI as last week. Opted to continue with long ball tactics that have only marginally worked in the past against a well-equipped Brighton defense. It was truly difficult to justify his inclusion of Hendrick and Carroll on the evening. His decision to field Allan Saint-Maximin, who had picked up a knock midweek, against the in-form Lamptey was also questionable. In response to this bad decision, it also took him far too long to recognize the Brighton threat down NUFC’s left flank and swap ASM to the other wing. In all honesty, Bruce managed this run-in with Brighton as poorly as possible. 0

Darlow: He conceded three goals on the evening but couldn’t really have been expected to keep those shots out of the net. Made the easy saves that he would be expected to make. 5

Lewis: Lamptey and co. had his number down NUFC’s left wing in the first half. He was especially caught out in the build up to the second goal. However, he didn’t exactly have the greatest help from his winger, Saint-Maximin, in this pivotal stage of the match. Looked decent going forward. 4

Fernandez: Kept the ball moving when in possession and made a few decent clearances. Didn’t have his best game by any means, but the same can be said for the whole squad today. 5

Lascelles: Caught out a few times and picked up a yellow card early on as a result. The captain looked a bit out of sorts in the late stages of the game. Connolly was playing off his shoulder, and Lascelles could do nothing to keep him at bay. 4.5

Manquillo: Got forward well and kept Newcastle’s right flank as safe as can be in a 3-0 defeat. 5.5

Saint-Maximin: Conceded a penalty early on and then proceeded to shirk his defensive responsibilities. In attack, he also offered very little. He didn’t look like he was fully fit, to be honest. 3

Shelvey: His distribution wasn’t the best on the evening; his pass completion percentage of 58% says it all. In particular, his delivery on set pieces was absolutely woeful. 4

Hayden: Had a pretty quiet game. Lost out in the engine room. 4.5

Hendrick: Brucey’s favorite was quite anonymous on the evening to be honest. Didn’t exactly build upon or even justify his inclusion in the starting lineup on the evening. 4.5

Wilson: Our new striker was unfortunately grasping at straws throughout the first half, as Newcastle struggled to muster up anything going forward. Missed a glorious free header around the sixty-third minute. 5

Carroll: Couldn’t get anything to stick in the air. Was basically jogging around, jumping, and subsequently falling to the ground for duration of the first half. 3

Almiron: Looked lively when he came on. Manufactured Newcastle’s best chance, which Wilson was unfortunately unable to put into the back of the net. 6.5

Fraser: Looked livelier than ASM upon coming on, but that doesn’t exactly say much. He put in a few a decent crosses. 6

Joelinton: Cameo

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