Alexander Isak miserable as Jacob Murphy stuns – Newcastle ratings vs Leicester
Newcastle won against a hapless Leicester City side thanks to a fine performance from Jacob Murphy.
The Magpies had Murphy to thank when he opened the scoring in the third minute, before doubling Newcastle’s lead in the 11th minute. A goal from Harvey Barnes against his former club guaranteed the side from the North East all three points after just 35 minutes.
The win now sees Newcastle leapfrog Man City into fifth in the Premier League table, and with a game in hand, the Magpies could overtake Chelsea soon and move into fourth.
Eddie Howe delighted as Newcastle dismantle hapless Leicester
Nick Pope – 7
Two saves from Pope, not a lot of threat from the Foxes but the keeper did what any good keeper does and stayed alert all game, distributed the ball well.
Kieran Trippier (off for Krafth 87′) – 8
Trippier rolled back the years with a stellar performance against Leicester, whipping cross-field passes to his teammates, and freekicks into row Z, the former Atletico Madrid man was a genuine joy to watch.
Fabian Schar – 8
Desperately unfortunate not to score with an audacious attempt from inside his own half, but inadvertently assisted Murphy for his second goal of the night as the ball cannoned off the bar. All’s well that ends well, but the Swiss defender will be gutted not to have scored.
Dan Burn – 6
Quiet night for the hero of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win, the only threat Leicester posed came when Vardy turned the centre-back, but after the striker missed that chance in the second minute, the Foxes failed to offer another threat.
Tino Livramento continues brilliant season for Newcastle
Tino Livramento – 8
Having been included in Tuchel’s first England squad, Livramento carried on his fine season with an assist against Leicester.
Bruno Guimaraes (off for Longstaff 65′)- 7
Guimaraes is an Arsenal target this summer, and the iconic captain was in fine form before being removed after 65 minutes with the match already won.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Newcastle are not planning on entertaining offers for Tonali this summer, despite interest, and the Italian enjoyed a fine game against Leicester, controlling the midfield well.
Joelinton suffers Carabao Cup final hangover against Leicester
Joelinton (off for Miley 65′) – 5
Slightly wayward passing would have been more costly against better opponents, the Brazilian was removed after the hour-mark after an underwhelming performance. For once, the hatchet man spluttered and ran out of gas.
Jacob Murphy (off for Osula 72′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
The English winger has quietly emerged as one of Newcastle’s most reliable players this season, once again finding the back of the next for his side against the Foxes.
Alexander Isak (off for Wilson 72′) – 4
Isak is a target for Liverpool, and there were expectations the Swedish striker would feast against a weak Leicester side. Instead, the 25-year-old had a quiet night, only managing to touch the ball 19 times before being removed.
Harvey Barnes – 8
Having scored against his former side, both sets of fans celebrated Barnes’ goal, with the Leicester fans’ cheers slightly more on the ironic side, a good performance from the winger.
Substitutes
Lewis Miley (on for Joelinton 65′) – 7
This seemed like the perfect game to give Miley a start but Eddie Howe chose to field his strongest starters, the young midfielder is a wonderful talent on the ball.
Sean Longstaff (on for Guimaraes 65′) – 6
Energetic performance but the game was long since over by the time of the Englishman’s introduction, and a slower pace does not suit his skillset.
Callum Wilson (on for Isak 72′) – 5
Five touches of the ball after coming on, neither team looked that interested in the closing stages and Wilson suffered as a result.
William Osula (on for Murphy 72′) – 6
Came on for Murphy and made an effort, the Danish winger is clearly desperate to earn more starting minutes but his cameo against Leicester gave him little chance to prove much.
Emil Krafth (on for Trippier 87′) – N/A
Was not on the pitch for long enough to impact proceedings.