TF Player Ratings - Newcastle Utd 3-0 Wolves

15 January 2025

Martin Dúbravka – 7

Is Nick Pope still our number one when fit? I don’t know anymore. We’ve not lost a game with him in net. We’ve barely put a goal kick out of play. I’m pretty sure he got a touch on that second effort that hit the woodwork. What a difference a year makes for him.

Tino Livramento – 6

Solid going forward, did well going backwards. Kept Cunha quiet to start the second half, linked up well with Murphy and was a willing runner throughout. Good link with Bruno for the second goal as well.

Sven Botman – 7

Dealt with everything in the air, brilliant tracking back to pick up Cunha when through on goal. Looked up for this and keen to show he was still our number one option in this position.

Dan Burn – 8

Led by example. Performance at both ends, even made a great run down the left to try and open Wolves up first half. It was he who went over to the bench after each goal to get Eddie’s information and he marshalled the back line well. Can’t see how he can be dropped at present. Unlucky not to be man of the match for me.

Lewis Hall – 6

Should probably be a 7 for the little flick he did over the Wolves full back in front of the benches. This wasn’t one of his better games but he was still solid, didn’t let himself down and managed to be involved particularly in the first half in building up play. Not sure what happened second half but he seemed less keen to push on.

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Sandro Tonali – 8

He gave the ball away once (I saw it) and Wolves nearly scored. Other than that this may be the best midfield I’ve ever seen Newcastle put out, and he is the best of the three in my opinion. Dropped deep as a third central defender until BDB shouted at him to move forward. Some of his passing is jaw dropping.

Bruno Guimarães – 8

Much better leading of the team. Involved in the second goal with a lovely pass to Isak, which reminded me of the Miley assist v Chelsea last season. Had one of those days where he didn’t try to do everything (in the main) and managed to still be pivotal to pretty much every single attack.

Joelinton – 6

Not his best day with the ball, missed a good chance to add a second just before half-time. Was nice to see him wanting more of the ball around the box, not being afraid to shoot and also trying to bring others into attacking build up.

Jacob Murphy – 8

First half was brilliant and was getting into spaces, swinging in dangerous crosses and looking like a real threat. From the sixty minute mark that seemed to disappear, but soon after so did he. Lionel Murphy will get that Ballon d’Or soon.

Anthony Gordon – 8

Almost the opposite of Murphy. First half always seemed to want one touch too many, couldn’t seem to exploit the space he got himself into and seemed to me to be chasing lost causes a lot. Second half huge improvement, played well in link ups and deserved that third goal.

Aleksander Isak – 9

I’d give him a 10 but … he can seem to float in and out of games. But the cheat code was at it again. He’s undoubtedly the best all round striker I’ve seen in black and white since Shearer, he’s as good a goal getter if not better than anyone since Andy Cole, he has everything! Was buzzing when the second went in and rightly so.

Subs

Almirón for Murphy – 4

This farewell swan song is starting to drag on. He’s only got one leg, we know it, they know and so does he. Little time to make an impact but he didn’t and seemed to be perpetually chasing his own first touch.

Osula for Isak – 5

He will be frustrated because, bar chasing the keeper and a bit of link up play, he had very little to do. Not a sniff of goal but never stops trying to outthink and outwork the defence.

Willock for Gordon – 5

Not sure I expected him on the left, or that he did but it was a chance for more minutes. He ain’t getting in the first choice midfield for a while, so has to take his minutes where he can.

Miley for Joelinton – 6

Probably the best of the subs – which is a low bar.

Trippier for Livramento – n/a

It’s always nice to have an experienced winner who knows how to control games and see them out. To have him come off our bench is a novelty and one that sees us back in the top four.

Stephen Ord @smord84