Newcastle Player Ratings VS Aston Villa
Newcastle United endured a frustrating afternoon at St James’ Park as they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in a Premier League clash that exposed a number of weaknesses in Eddie Howe’s side.
Despite commanding large portions of possession and creating chances, Newcastle were unable to make them count and ultimately paid the price for a lack of clinical edge and a disjointed defensive performance.
Below are Newcastle United’s player ratings from that match, based on performances across the pitch.
Nick Pope – 6/10Pope was rarely tested by Villa’s forwards but was alert when called upon.
With few genuine shots to deal with, he did what was expected of him without really influencing the game. His distribution was tidy, but the lack of any major saves limited his impact.
Kieran Trippier – 5/10Trippier was steady in possession and occasionally provided width down the right, but defensively he was caught out of position a few times when Villa broke quickly.
His crossing lacked the usual venom, meaning Newcastle couldn’t capitalise on his delivery.
Sven Botman – 5/10
Botman held his ground for much of the match but was beaten to second balls more often than usual.
Villa’s movement exposed gaps in Newcastle’s backline, and the Dutch centre-back struggled to marshal his defenders effectively on the day.
Malick Thiaw – 5/10Thiaw offered physical presence but was not sharp enough when defending in tight spaces.
Villa’s attackers found ways around him, and he was beaten more than once in one-on-one situations, highlighting some vulnerability in Newcastle’s central defence.
Lewis Hall – 5/10Hall showed energy going forward and attempted to link up play on the left flank, but his end product was inconsistent.
Defensively he was outpaced on occasion, leaving space that Villa exploited in wide areas.
Sandro Tonali – 6/10Tonali was one of Newcastle’s better performers in midfield. He recycled possession well and tried to dictate tempo, showing his ability to hold the shape and transition the ball.
However, he couldn’t decisively influence the game in key attacking moments.
Joelinton – 5/10The Brazilian midfielder worked hard and tried to inspire those around him, but he was often crowded out by Villa’s midfield press.
Although he contributed with effort and energy, his passing was too slow to unlock Villa’s defensive block.Lewis Miley
– 5/10Miley showed glimpses of promise in a deeper midfield role, but his inexperience was evident at crucial moments.
He lost possession in dangerous areas and was hesitant when asked to make forward passes, ultimately limiting his effectiveness.
Harvey Barnes – 5/10
Barnes chased every ball and tried to inject urgency into Newcastle’s attack, but his final decisions lacked precision.
Whether attempting to thread passes or take shots, he came up short in situations where clinical execution was needed.
Yoane Wissa – 5/10Wissa showed energy and worked tirelessly to stretch Villa’s defence, but he struggled to get into dangerous scoring positions.
His link-up play was promising at times, but the lack of goals or decisive contributions disappointed fans who expected more from Newcastle’s frontline.
Anthony Gordon – 5/10 Gordon battled hard to keep Newcastle in the contest, but his final ball often lacked accuracy.
He tried to make things happen down the left, yet Villa’s disciplined defence snuffed out his influence, and his threat diminished as the match wore on.
Substitutes Joe Willock – 5/10
Willock came on with the intention of adding creativity and forward thrust, but he was unable to change the complexion of the game.
His touches were minimal and he struggled to link play effectively in the final third.
Jacob Ramsey – 5/10 Introduced in the second half, Ramsey provided fresh legs in midfield but didn’t do enough to turn the tide.
He was composed on the ball but offered little penetration or attacking impetus.
Nick Woltemade – 5/10
Woltemade’s appearance brought energy and direct running, but his end product was lacking. He had a few promising moments but could not carve out clear opportunities in a match where Newcastle needed creativity.
Manager – Eddie Howe – 5/10 Howe’s team selection showed intent with a balanced midfield and forward options, but his side struggled to convert possession into concrete chances.
Defensively, Newcastle were exposed in transition, and the lack of attacking fluidity was a concern.
While the team had periods of control, Howe will be disappointed that they failed to take advantage of home support and ended up losing.
Overall, Newcastle’s defeat at St James’ Park highlighted a team that had moments of control and possession but lacked ruthlessness in attack and solidity in defence.
Individual efforts were earnest, but Villa’s two goals ultimately decided the outcome, leaving Newcastle with plenty to reflect on as they look towards their next fixtures.
