A strange game at St James’ Park, but ultimately another successful night as we beat Qarabag 3-2, and 9-3 on aggregate, to make the last 16 of the Champions League for the very first time, thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Sven Botman.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in Tuesday night’s match.
Ramsdale (6) – Made a great save from the penalty but unfortunately couldn’t do much about the rebound. Did ok but also did nothing to suggest he’s our number 1 going forward. A top goalkeeper remains needed this summer.
Trippier (6.5) – Whipped in a great corner for the Botman goal and was steady enough which seems to be his ceiling lately. Hasn’t got the legs to get up and down the pitch anymore but is reliably safe in possession.
Botman (6) – Took his goal wonderfully with a powerful header but looked very rusty otherwise. Was guilty of a really poor giveaway in the first half that would’ve been punished by better opposition.
Burn (5) – Looked off it right from the start with some sloppy touches and slack passing. Woes were compounded when he was beaten for pace for the opening goal and then gave away the penalty. Not one he’ll enjoy watching back.
A. Murphy (7) – He’s been patient for his opportunity and can be proud of his performance. Completed the full 90 starting at left back and finishing up at centre half. Didn’t set the world alight but knew his role and performed admirably.
Joelinton (7) – Cracking volley to put us 2-0 up early on and he looked in the mood for a big game. Was heavily involved and bullied the Qarabag midfield. Wasn’t happy to come off but he’s flirting with a ban so it was arguably the right call.
Tonali (8*) – Man of the match. Opened the scoring and was everywhere throughout. Broke up attacks and was always available to receive possession. Where others went through the motions at times, he did not. More of this please Sandro!
Woltemade (4.5) – Aside from one bit of magic which should’ve been buried by Murphy, this was a tough outing for our big German. Dropped far too deep to have any tangible impact in attack and looked so weak when in possession. Clearly a good footballer but he looks lost at the moment.
J. Murphy (5.5) – Tidy without being super effective. Received the honour of captaining the team in the second half on his birthday and should’ve celebrated with a goal. Had an opportunity to impress and largely flattered to deceive.
Barnes (6) – Got the assist for Joelinton and forced a good save from the keeper in the second half, but was quiet in the main and rarely got at his man. Will be frustrated to not score any of the nine over the tie!
Osula (4) – This was a big missed opportunity for Osula unfortunately. Should’ve scored with a header in the lead up to the first goal but was completely ineffective afterwards. Failed to get on the ball and when he did he didn’t do anything with it. This felt like a real litmus test and he failed.
Hall (6.5) – Offered more of an attacking threat as opposed to the more reserved Murphy on the left. Was solid without being spectacular.
Willock (4.5) – Seemed very unsure of himself with his decision making letting him down. Wasn’t able to get involved in the game and is another who hasn’t grasped his opportunities.
Gordon (6.5) – Yet another birthday boy! Added some much needed directness and skinned the full back on a couple of occasions, but was unable to add to his four goals from the first leg.
Wissa (4.5) – Touched the ball five times in 20 minutes…that tells you all you need to know!
Shahar (NR) – A few neat touches late on. Nice to see him make his debut, albeit a bit late!
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