Newcastle 0 Everton 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players | OneFootball

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 0 Everton 1.

Let me say a huge thank you to our good friends at Villa Park.

Firstly, Aston Vila’s excellent Champions League results this season meant the team finishing fifth in the PL would qualify for next year’s elite competition.

Then they thoughtfully had a man sent off at Old Trafford today and lost to the worst manure side in half a century.

Had Villa won, they would have qualified for the CL. But they lost, so we did. Good effort, Villa.

As for this game, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was feeling negative until I heard manure had scored a goal. Then I was nervous until I heard they’d scored a second. From that moment on, I was bellowing “Is this the way to Barcelona…” with everyone else, and Newcastle’s performance against Everton hardly mattered.

In truth, this was one of those games we’ve had too often this season. An unspectacular, well-coached, highly organised team presented Newcastle with a puzzle we could not solve, and if I’m honest, Everton probably deserved to win.

We only really played with intensity after Everton scored. Before then, the team looked a bit nervous, and as a result, too many passes went astray, and we passed when we should have shot.

But these lads have won us a trophy this season and qualified for the Champions League. Only just, but who cares? That’s twice in three seasons, and despite what our detractors say, we’ve done it on a smaller budget than the top four. I’m proud of them, and I have no doubt we’ll strengthen in the summer. We should have the funds.

Today wasn’t our day but this season was our season.

Nick Pope – 8

One cracking save and a couple of very good ones. Couldn’t do anything about Everton’s goal.

Jacob Murphy – 5

Did his best defensively – I wouldn’t classify him as a natural wing-back – but nothing came off offensively. No final ball today.

Fabian Schar – 7

The best of our defenders today – he’ll be nursing some bumps and bruises on holiday.

Had a few forays forward and did no worse than some of our attackers.

Sven Botman – 6

Sven should be fully fit for next season and that – to coin a cliché – will feel like a new signing.

He looked good at times today but a little nervy on others.

Dan Burn – 6.5

I thought he was good today but he slipped at the vital moment, allowing Alcaraz to score.

I’m not sure we can blame him for losing his footing, so he only loses half a mark.

Tino Livramento – 8

A good game. Started at left wing-back, then was an orthodox right back, and finally left-back as Eddie tinkered with the system.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7

Worked very hard and he and Tonali played well as a midfield duo. But too many poor passes to get top marks.

Sandro Tonali – 8

A really good display – he’d have been upset that others weren’t on his wavelength.

Very composed on the ball and one of the few in black and white who never panicked.

Harvey Barnes – 5

Nothing really worked for him today.

I don’t know if he was under instructions but he played further infield than I thought he should.

Fluffed a couple of half-decent chances.

Alexander Isak – 6

I thought it was worth a gamble playing him and I was surprised he lasted the 90 plus minutes.

He showed a few glimpses of class, and he worked hard, but he looked like someone who wasn’t fully fit.

Just lacked that little bit of sharpness. Needs a proper rest.

Anthony Gordon – 5

Another player who looked a little spent.

Prime AG would have terrified the life out of Ashley Young but he didn’t really cause any problems.

Hooked at half time when we went 4-3-3.

Joe Willock – 5

On at half-time for Gordon and I thought he did slightly better than Flash. But he didn’t really change anything.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Did well when he came on and at least looked like he might influence the result.

He’s got a year left on his contract – I’d like to see him stay.

Callum Wilson – 6

Tried his best to help conjure an equaliser but it wasn’t to be.

Did two laps of honour with tears in his eyes.

He has been a good servant to Newcastle United – good luck, Callum.

William Osula – N/A (Not on long enough to judge)

Looked lively but only had a few minutes. He’s worth persevering with.

Newcastle 0 Everton 1 – Sunday 25 May 4pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Everton:

Alcaraz 65

Possession was Newcastle 66% Everton 34%

Total shots were Newcastle 17 Everton 14

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Everton 6

Corners were Newcastle 12 Everton 3

Touches in the box Newcastle 28 Everton 13

Newcastle team v Everton:

Pope, Botman (Trippier 63), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Gordon (Willock 46), Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Osula 88), Isak, Murphy (Wilson 70)

Unused Subs:

Dubravka, Lascelles, Longstaff, Krafth, Miley

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Champions League qualification – Read HERE)