Sven Botman imperious, Willy Osula a ghost – Newcastle player ratings v Leeds
Newcastle drew 0-0 at Leeds in a frustrating performance at Elland Road as new striker Nick Woltemade watched on from the stands.
The Magpies were in a jubilant mood before the match after Newcastle completed the signing of Woltemade from Stuttgart, ending their long wait for a striker after constant rejections.
The German watched on in the stands as his new team could not find that final ball to open the scoring in Yorkshire against a dogged Leeds outfit.
Eddie Howe opted to change the Newcastle system, setting up in a 3-5-2 which proved to have limited effect against Daniel Farke’s organised side who shut up shop.
Nick Pope bizarre in goal
Nick Pope – 5
The Englishman didn’t really have much to do courtesy of his solid rearguard, but Nick Pope still managed to make a hash of things.
In the first half, the former Burnley shot stopper picked up a strange yellow card for kicking the ball away after running out to clear the ball in an unnecessary act.
Fabian Schar – 8
The Switzerland international was cool, calm and collected on the ball today, playing with an evident sense of experience and knowhow.
The number five worked superbly with partner Sven Botman as the pair mopped up any sign of a Leeds attack.
Sven Botman – 9 – Player of the Match
It has been a pleasure to see the Dutchman thriving once again after struggling with injury as he put in a resolute defensive performance today.
Botman made four interceptions and two clearances as he pretty much didn’t put a foot wrong at Elland Road, frustratingly coming off with another injury.
Dan Burn – 8
Similar to his fellow centre-backs, the Englishman controlled proceedings excellently, not having to do much to slow the Peacocks frontline who struggled to find a rhythm.
Bruno Guimaraes menacing, Valentino Livramento a let down
Kieran Trippier – 6
Nothing spectacular from the former Tottenham right-back as he set up in a wing-back role against the Whites.
Kieran Trippier could only manage 61 minutes, producing one key pass and 0.21 expected assists, attacking-wise the England international was decent, but defensively he was lacking, winning just one of his three ground duels.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
I’m a huge fan of the Brazilian and how he calmly struts around the middle of the park, breaking up counter-attacks and cutting passing lanes.
One of the reasons why the Magpies operate so well, Bruno Guimaraes was extremely accurate with his passing as well as winning the ball back frequently
Sandro Tonali – 8
A lot like his South American counterpart, the Italian marauded the midfield with purpose, seeking to build up play with pin point passing.
Sandro Tonali managed three key passes as well as winning nearly all of his duels.
Jacob Ramsey – 7
Was looking set to have a solid game as part of the classic Howe midfield three until he suffered a heavy tackle late into the first half.
The former Aston Villa playmaker delivered two key passes in 45 minutes, it is a real shame he couldn’t make it out for the second half.
Tino Livramento – 3
The ex-Southampton full-back was pretty lifeless against Leeds, struggling to get involved in attack as well as being sloppy defensively.
Willy Osula anonymous, Jacob Murphy mediocre
Jacob Murphy – 5
Recalled back to the starting XI in an unfamiliar striker role as part of a pairing with Willy Osula, Jacob Murphy struggled to make a lasting impression on the match.
With three attempts accruing just 0.07 xG as well as losing possession on 11 occasions, it certainly was an average day at the office for the Englishman.
Willy Osula – 2
When I was watching the game, the Dane hardly was mentioned on commentary as he touched the ball just 24 times.
The signing of Woltemade can’t come sooner for the Toon who desperately need a new striker.
Substitutes
Lewis Miley – 6
Lewis Miley replaced the injured Ramsey and put in a decent performance considering he only had one half of football.
Depending on the extent of the ex-Villain’s injury, the 19-year-old could be set to start the next match after the international break.
Anthony Elanga – 3
Tactically dropped to the bench to make way for Howe’s 3-5-2, the Swede was used as an impact sub without leaving any kind of mark on proceedings.
Lewis Hall – 4
After a season-ending injury last campaign, it is great to see Lewis Hall back amongst the Newcastle match day squad.
The 20-year-old came off the bench for a cameo but will be working to up his fitness to potentially feature at left-back for Thomas Tuchel in the World Cup next summer.
Harvey Barnes – 3
In the same boat as Anthony Elanga, the Englishman couldn’t really get into the game after coming on off the bench.