The lowest point of the Eddie Howe era? It felt like that last night when we slipped to 12th, as close to the relegation zone as the top five. An utterly grim result and performance that was met with boos at full time.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park.
Pope (5) – He will be disappointed to let Ouattara’s winner go through his legs and was sent the wrong way on Thiago’s pen. He was left exposed as the back four melted. Routine stops aside, he wasn’t the wall we need right now.
Trippier (2) – Every goal came down his side. Didn’t stop the cross for the opener, beaten by Outarra before the penalty was given and couldn’t recover for the third. He was bullied down his side again, lucky not to give away a penalty, legs looked shot, passing sloppy, and couldn’t deliver when he did get forward. At this stage, it’s painful to watch – time might be up for him at right-back.
Thiaw (5.5) – Carried the ball out a bit and had that shot well saved by Kelleher, but he was caught out positionally more than once in a defence that leaked three. Not awful and won loads of duels, but part of the problem.
Botman (6) – Marked his 100th with a goal and won most headers, but he was nowhere for Janelt’s equaliser – slipped in the air and let the midfielder nod it home easy. Dealt with Thiago well for so much of it and looked strong at times, but losing his man for their first and his poor header before their third let him down.
Hall (7.5) – He was head and shoulders above the majority – defended well, bombed forward, dribbling superb and offered an outlet, whether cutting in or going on the overlap. In a side full of underperformers, he was the one putting in a proper shift. We need eleven like him.
Tonali (4) – The Italian ran about and broke things up a touch, but vanished in possession and gave us nothing going forward. We needed him to drive the game; instead he was anonymous for chunks. Below par.
Guimaraes (7) – Really stepped up after a rusty start – won the pen, slotted it home coolly, created chances, and looked one of few showing real fight after coming back from injury. Carried us again when many others hid. World-class in a poor team.
Willock (6) – Started brightly down that left side, making some good runs, driving at his man and winning the ball back, but he came in and out of the game and wasn’t a constant threat.
Murphy (3) – His handball for the penalty gifted Brentford the lead right on half-time, and he was poor before and after it too. Some mindless passes to Brentford shirts and too one-dimensional. Given a big opportunity to prove his worth in the team and failed miserably.
Wissa (2) – Woeful. Missed a sitter before the break that could’ve changed everything, then disappeared. Against his old side he looked flat – no movement, no edge, completely ineffective. Hasn’t had much time on the training ground but for someone who was as close to a “plug and play” striker in the league, he looks lost.
Barnes (4) – Showed flashes with his runs but wasted it – no end product, couldn’t beat his man consistently, with Kayode getting the better of him throughout. Worked hard but promised more than delivered once more.
Elanga (5.5) – Brought pace off the bench and his cross caused the handball for our pen – fair play. But he faded after that spark, no killer final ball or consistent threat. Better than most, not enough.
Woltemade (4) – Was given an opportunity to impress in the number 10 role. Hold-up poor, a few nice touches but nothing of note and didn’t test the keeper, seeming to reluctant to shoot. Came on to impact things up top and barely registered. Bereft of confidence and soft in the air.
Osula (6) – Battled physically when he came on and was pivotal in the second goal with a driving run at the defence. Decision making can be questioned but was easily the most potent striker today.
Burn (NR) – Came on late, shifting to left-back as Hall went to the right…
Ramsey (NR) – On late and couldn’t make much of an impact.
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