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Opinion

Newcastle v Leeds match ratings – The good, the very good…and the not so good

7 years ago
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Newcastle 1 Leeds 1  – Friday 14 April 7.45pm 

Newcastle v Leeds match ratings from Friday’s match:

Darlow – 7

Made one key save in the first half, aside from that had very little to do and could not be blamed for the Leeds goal. I would still rather see Rob Elliott or Tim Krul between the sticks next season.

Anita – 8

One of his best performances in an NUFC shirt last night.

Solid at the back, calm in possession and gave us good options on the overlap. He probably won’t be here next year but hopefully he can give a few more performances at that level in the run-in.

Lascelles – 5

Would have been a 7 along with Mbemba if it wasn’t for the equaliser which for me highlights Lascelles’ main fault.

Too hesitant and not wanting to get the game by scruff of the neck… i.e. taking responsibility and picking up the no.9 (who also happens to be the best striker in the Championship). Still not enough leaders in this team.

Mbemba – 7

Has looked OK since coming back into the side, nothing special. Although I would like to see him paired with Clark, I just can’t see it happening this season as Rafa looks happy with Clark and Lascelles.

I think he will be playing in a top division next season…even if it’s not for NUFC.

Dummett – 8

Continues to perform brilliantly as of late. Again, a strong and confident display.

He will be giving Rafa a headache in the summer about whether to bring in another left-back. Many will disagree with me but I think he should definitely be kept this summer.

Hayden – 7

Brought some much-needed confidence and composure in the middle of the park. The Hayden and Shelvey duo will likely be Rafa’s preferred choice over the next few games.

Shelvey – 8

Like most games this season he was Newcastle’s best player and looks dangerous whenever he was on the ball. Should have provided an assist for a Perez goal, who was denied by Green.

Ritchie – 8

A constant menace last night. I have criticised him for not getting at players, not running with the ball, or rarely looking like he can beat a man.

Last night he proved me wrong and I think he had his best game for Newcastle. Also provided an endless supply of good deliveries from corners.

Perez – 3

As a small footballer myself, I know that if you haven’t got the physique, then you need to have something else about you.

You need to be fast as lightning, you need to be able to beat a man, or you need to be so good/intelligent that the other team can’t get close enough to you in order to take advantage of your lack of physicality. Perez (for me) has none of these attributes and showed last night that he simply isn’t good enough in this league or the PL.

On a side note, even if he is good enough, I have no time for players who spend the whole game waving their arms in the air, or diving/cheating in an NUFC shirt.

Gouffran – 5

It is clear that Rafa likes him for the role he plays in the team, but again, he doesn’t seem to offer anything to the team. Even defensively I think that he is weak.

Can Yedlin do Gouffran’s job better? These next few games look set to be his last for us, so lets hope he gives it his all.

Mitrovic – 6

He did OK last night, but as Alan Shearer pointed out on twitter, he is just not good enough.

I would love to be able to carry on defending him but at the moment it’s not good enough.

We are desperate for goals, desperate to win games to get us over the line, and if he can’t offer that then Rafa will probably cash in on him this summer.

I don’t think any of the subs were on for long enough, so can’t really rate them.

You can follow the author on Twitter @JonathanComyn

(The instant fan/writer reaction from Friday night’s match HERE)

(What the Leeds United media said about the game HERE)

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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