Newcastle players ratings v Sheffield United – 9/10 stuns, 2/10 loses 67% of duels
Newcastle United came back from behind to secure a 5-1 victory against Sheffield United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon (27 April).
Chris Wilder’s now-relegated side took a shock lead after just five minutes through Anel Ahmedhodzic, but Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes bagged to put the Magpies ahead.
Isak then dispatched a well-taken penalty in the 61st minute, Ben Osborn flicked in an unfortunate own goal and substitute Callum Wilson hammered home a 72nd-minute strike to confirm their win.
Football Insider has analysed the Newcastle United starting line-up’s performances against Sheffield United.
PLAYER RATINGS
Martin Dubravka [6]
Managed a few good stops in the first half and could do little for Sheffield’s opener. Had almost nothing to do in the second half after Newcastle’s smothering second-half display. Dependable.
Lewis Hall [4]
Far too many wayward passes in the opening 45 minutes but managed to keep the left-hand side relatively safe. With no accurate crosses, just a 50 per cent ground duel success rate and one tackle, he struggled at both ends of the field.
Dan Burn [8]
Was faultless amid the Blade’s early dominance and made a massive block in the 15th minute to prevent them from doubling their lead – and then another one to stop them retaking the lead. Newcastle’s second-half dominance meant he had much less chance to show his quality, but with four clearances, four blocks, two interceptions and 92 per cent pass accuracy, he proved crucial in the win.
Fabian Schar [5]
Despite a few fears in the first half that he may have to come off, Schar was a decent member of Howe’s backline. However, his knock was deemed too risky and he was hauled off for Emil Krafth at halftime. Lost possession seven times and was dribbled passed in quite an embarrassing fashion before his time was up. Mixed.
Tino Livramento [8]
Livramento’s attacking and defensive quality was on full show in the opening 45 having made three key passes, two tackles and 95 per cent pass accuracy before the half-time whistle. His excellence continued throughout having secured 91 per cent pass accuracy and three tackles. Exceptional.
Elliot Anderson [2]
Struggled to get up the field having made just a handful of touches in Sheffield United’s half and this did not change before his 66th-minute substitution. With no accurate shots, no key passes a 0 per cent dribble success rate and managing to win just 33 per cent of his duels, Howe may consider dropping Anderson.
Bruno Guimaraes [8]
While he did nothing obviously effective in the first half, his ball retention and passing ability were on full display and were very important in the Magpies’ flashes of quality. However, he came into his own in the second half with a well-taken headed goal to put his side ahead. With eight successful ground duels, seven accurate long balls and two interceptions, he proved vital.
Sean Longstaff [4]
Tried to cause the Sheffield backline problems from the midfield but was too often nullified. Really struggled to make an impact on the game having made just 34 accurate passes and 54 touches. The valiant victory went by the academy graduate.
Anthony Gordon [4]
Made a few decent pieces of movement and did well to stretch the attack but often struggled against Sheffield’s physicality. Missed a huge chance in the 56th minute to put the game to bed and with just two successful dribbles, 31 passes and not one attempted shot, he could have had much more impact on the game outside his one assist.
Jacob Murphy [7]
Bagged a good assist for Isak’s equaliser and proved a quality attacking threat before his 66th-minute substitution. With four key passes, 87 per cent pass accuracy and one big chance created, he would only have wished to register even one shot on goal.
Alexander Isak [9]
Made an incredibly intelligent run to get the all-important equaliser for the Magpies and had the finish to match. Bagged a quality penalty too to secure the win and joined Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and Andy Cole to become just the third player to score in seven consecutive Premier League games at St James’ Park. Sensational.
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