A huge win and the perfect response to recent setbacks at Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe’s Mags beat Man City 2-1 thanks to a Harvey Barnes brace and a brilliant team display on Saturday night.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in that superb victory:
Pope (7) – Maintained his place ahead of Ramsdale and made some timely interventions. Limitations with the ball at his feet remain but his shot stopping ability is undoubted.
Livramento (8) – So good to have him back and the fact he managed to get through the full game after a prolonged absence speaks to his fitness. Offers so much more mobility and athleticism on the right and we look a much better team with him in it. Dealt with Doku well and kept going superbly.
Schar (7.5) – Survived a penalty scare in that first half but slotted in alongside Thiaw seamlessly. Some of his usually polished long balls were a bit wayward but it’s a minor critique on an otherwise solid performance.
Thiaw (9) – Made the best striker in the world look very average. Flawless performance yet again from the big German as he has adapted to the Premier League quicker than anyone could’ve imagined. Colossus at the back.
Hall (8) – Cramped up after 75 energetic and eye catching minutes. Simply put, we are a much better team with Hall at left back. Some delightful moments in possession in the first half especially in which he dribbled past the opposition is something that Burn can’t offer. Please stay fit!
Tonali (8) – Mr consistency with an engine that just doesn’t stop. Covers every blade of grass and his decision making is always spot on. Linked the play really well whilst also making some crucial interceptions in defence.
Guimaraes (8) – Showed why he is our captain with real leadership throughout especially in the second half. Was very vocal and you could see him organising the team as we fought to hold on to the lead. Got the assist for the opening goal and played a key role in the second, too.
Joelinton (7.5) – Big Joe was his usual bulldozing self, barrelling into tackles and nearly getting into a fight at full time! Footballing wise, it was one of his better performances in recent times after a sticky spell.
Murphy (7.5) – Really should’ve had three assists to his name but unfortunately all three chances were wasted. Aren’t too many better players at getting their head up early and playing in early crosses. A strikers dream. Just ask Mr Isak how life without that service is?
Barnes (8.5) – Definition of a game of two halves. Missed two sitters in the first half (second one was harder to miss!) yet popped up with the match winning brace in the second half! Much needed confidence boost and full deserves to retain his place even when Gordon is back.
Woltemade (6.5) – Could and probably should have had a hat trick but aimed all of his attempts right at Donnarumma. The upside is that he was in position to miss the chances! Downside was that he was very rarely involved in the play as he found it difficult to impose himself.
Botman (NR) – Slotted in as a third centre-back late on. Added height to clear a few balls into the box.
Willock (NR) – Brought on late to give us some energy in the final stages. Rarely touched the ball.
Elanga (NR) – Came on to add pace on the counter. Ran around but lacked conviction in the rare moments he got on the ball.
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