Newcastle United ran out convincing 6-1 winners against Qarabag on Wednesday night, all but confirming their progression to the next round of the Champions League.
It was another run-out for the 4-2-3-1 formation and it looks to have breathed life into our season. The opposition wasn’t up to much this evening, but Eddie Howe will believe that was as much to do with his side’s brilliance as it was the home side’s lack of quality.
Below, we rate the performance of each player involved in last night’s battering in Baku.
Nick Pope – 6 – It was a quiet first half for Nick Pope. He will be disappointed by the goal that was conceded as he barely made an effort to save it, standing rigid as it flew in past him.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5 – There were some occasions were Qarabag tried to target his lack of pace, but overall, it was a solid performance from Trippier. This will have been one of his easier games in 2026. The cross for Malick Thiaw’s goal was very good.
Malick Thiaw- 8 – Another calm defensive showing from the German international. He took his goal well as he showed once again that he carries an attacking threat.
Dan Burn – 8 – It wasn’t the hardest defensive shift for Dan Burn, but he will be pleased with his contribution. His assist for the first goal was excellent, as he carried the ball forward and played a superb ball with the outside of his foot. At set pieces, he carried a big threat.
Lewis Hall – 7 – There have been a lot of excellent performances from Lewis Hall recently. This was one of his quieter games and he wasn’t as influential with the ball. There was one very good carry towards the end of the game, where he dribbled past a number of players down the line.
Sandro Tonali – 8 – The Italian was regularly getting on the ball and dictating the game, especially in the first half. He was the one asked to sit a little bit deeper and provide defensive support. It is a role that he will be asked to do more often in coming weeks. It was a solid display that lacked the headline grabbing of his performance against Aston Villa.
Joe Willock – 7.5 – It was another lively performance for Willock. His pressing and running off the ball was excellent. He was the midfielder to offer an attacking threat as he often went beyond Anthony Gordon to open up space. 7.5
Nick Woltemade – 8 – Technically, he is well suited to playing deeper. He is excellent at shielding the ball and creating space for himself in deeper areas. There is a lot for him to learn in this role and he needs to be displaying a greater attacking threat, but it was a good night’s work for him. 7.5
Anthony Elanga – 6.5 – There will be a sense of annoyance from Elanga that he didn’t contribute more in the final third, even if he should’ve got at least one assist after one ball in behind for Gordon and a cross Burn should’ve converted. He caused issues with his pace and directness, but didn’t have as much impact as the rest of the attack.
Harvey Barnes – 7 – Like Gordon, Barnes managed to get a lot of chances in the final third. He carried a huge threat and will be disappointed that he didn’t score. Usually, he is clinical in front of goal, but it wasn’t his best on Wednesday.
Anthony Gordon – 9.5 – This was a coming of age performance for Anthony Gordon as a centre forward. His pressing was excellent and his movement was the best it has ever been in this position. He scored four goals and could have scored even more. It seems crazy to say, but if his finishing was better, he could have got even more. Personally, I don’t mind him taking the second penalty, as it shows a hunger to score goals. Only a couple of poor finishes prevents him from landing a 10.
Jacob Murphy – 7 – It was a great moment to see him score his first Champions League goal. Aside from that, he didn’t do anything of note.
Jacob Ramsey – 6.5 – There were some tidy touches and ball carries after his introduction.
Will Osula – 6 – He will be disappointed he didn’t score late on, when he got to a rebounded shot from Burn’s saved header. Almost set up Neave late on.
Joelinton – N/A – It was great to see him back, but he didn’t manage to get involved in the game.
Sean Neave – N/A – Another great moment was seeing Sean Neave’s debut. He caught the eye with one great cross late on. Further to this, he came inches away from his first goal after a deflected cross just avoided him when the goal was at his mercy.
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