TF Player Ratings -Leicester (h)
14 December 24
Martin Dúbravka - 6 Could’ve bought his deck chair and basked in the December breeze with a festive Bailey’s hot chocolate in hand, given how little he was troubled. Gets a 6 simply for turning to offer a modest wave of acknowledgement to the Strawberry corner when they began to sing his name, having managed to get through pretty much every other chant in the entire songbook.
Tino Livramento - 7 Looked like a player who was determined to run himself back into some sort of form. A stray pass or mistimed run here and there didn’t dampen his spirits, and he was one of a few players who looked today like he wanted to take responsibility for recent poor performances, and do the necessary work required to change his, and the team’s fortunes.
Fabian Schär - 6 Regular readers may have become familiar with this writer’s repeated, serious misgivings with our right-sided centre half, and I even pre-wrote a rating for Fab before kick off today - assuming some wildly mistimed challenges, repeatedly needless concessions of possession, and perhaps a wild shot at goal from 40 yards. He accomplished the first two, but gets a respectable 6 for his clean sheet - not that the opposition did much to test his resolve. Marc Guehi in Jan please, Mr Mitchell.
Dan Burn - 7 Untested, like the rest of the defence, but authoritative, vocal, steadfast and even occasionally threatening from attacking set pieces. Will likely lose his place in midweek, as 3 matches in 7 days is probably beyond him at this stage, so someone will have to take up his defensive leadership mantle for the quarter final. Seemed to have developed more of a link with Hall than previously seen, which was reassuring.
Lewis Hall - 8 He just keeps getting better. Dangerous going forward, reliable at the back. Able to pick a pass, hold off an attacker, overlap, underlap and play through the middle. Should have a word with Will Osula (and a few of our fans) about how beneficial a year on the bench - working in the background - can be for a young footballer.
Sandro Tonali - 7 His first half performance was a little like Newcastle’s season so far. Seemed over-relaxed from the off, which led to one or two unnecessary mistakes, and then some frustration. Nevertheless he kept working, and the first goal seemed to calm him. By the time we reached the interval he’d shifted gear into his usual Rolls-Royce self. Dominated the second half, like the world-class international midfielder he is.
Bruno Guimarães - 7 Like Tino, Gordon, Joelinton and a few others, Bruno seemed intent on forcing himself back into good form. This meant a few overzealous passes and poor decisions, but as the game went on and the opposition wilted, he was able to exert and express himself with more quality and assuredness. He’s getting there, but I’m still not convinced he’s a captain.
Joelinton - 7 Could’ve stamped authority over this Leicester midfield whilst doing tiptoes in ballet shoes, given how timid and feeble the opposition were. Had a couple of shots from distance, which was good to see, as he needs to find the net more often. I’ve not seen his yellow card again but will assume he can share blame with the ref - as it seemed harsh, but also daft on his part. A quarter final under lights is the kind of game where he’d usually come to life.
Jacob Murphy - 8 Credit for his brace, which could’ve been much more. But again, if we’re being wholly honest, he owes his score mostly to the fact that Leicester decided not to bother defending their left back position at all for the duration of the 90. But for a team who has struggled to score - especially from midfield, we’re in no position to take these goals for granted. Nice one, Jacob.
Anthony Gordon - 9 Anyone who saw Gordon’s interview on Sky Sports in the days leading up to the match may have noticed an aura surrounding him (or was that just me?) which he carried with him onto the pitch today. Even when the opposition flounder like fish on the riverbank the way our visitors did today, winning still relies on someone taking the game by the scruff of the neck, which Anthony gladly, and skilfully did. An endless source of energy and ingenuity, and always an option for those around him. Brilliant assist for the crucial first goal, and none of those slouching slumped shoulders, that had been becoming far too familiar. MOTM.
Alexander Isak - 7 Took his header well, but he needs to find a bloodthirstyness infront of goal if he wants to properly fulfil his potential - his finish when 1v1 with the keeper was tamer than a kitten wearing slippers. Some lovely languid moments of skill, as is his calling card, but to labour the point somewhat, he may as well have been dribbling between old oak trees, so static were the Leicester defenders.
SUBS
Trippier - 7 Three years ago when Tripps arrived at St James’ Park, he may as well have walked into a burning building. With calmness and authority he led the inhabitants to safety and redemption, and he still exudes that same level of assuredness today, even though we were already 4-0 up by the time he came on.
Longstaff - 7 Didn’t do much wrong, didn’t do much right. Came on and saw the game out, but (and I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this) Leicester were terrible and the game was dead and buried long before he made his entrance.
Barnes - 6 Played RW when he came on and got into some good areas but it’s just not his position. Given one of Eddie’s preferred qualities in any player has always been flexibility across different roles, Harvey might have to work hard to address this if he wants to get more minutes.
Osula - 7 For some reason it feels like Wor Will is already a bit of a cult hero on Tyneside, despite having played a minimal amount of football in black and white. Was given a bumper 17 minutes to strut his stuff today, and didn’t disappoint, with one particularly spritely run. Will likely take the roof of St James’ when he gets his first goal. Wednesday night quarter final under lights, Will?
Willock - N/A A very promising run followed by an injury, as is his calling card.
Ed Cole @edsamuelcole.bsky.social
Scores just about right.