Newcastle United dominated Blackburn Rovers but left Ewood Park empty handed. Here’s how Newcastle’s players rated in the 1-0 Championship loss.
GK: Karl Darlow (6/10) – Considering Newcastle’s dominance throughout the game, Darlow was hardly tested at all. Indeed, Blackburn’s first attempt at Darlow’s goal arrived as late as the 70th minute, following a Sam Gallagher strike from the edge of Darlow’s box. However, Darlow was beaten by a Charlie Mulgrew free-kick just minutes later.
RB: Vernon Anita(6/10) – Despite the recent form of American full back DeAndre Yedlin, Anita was handed a staring berth and, as part of Newcastle’s first half surge, performed admirably in tandem with Matt Ritchie on Newcastle’s right flank. Replaced by forward Daryl Murphy as Newcastle hunted an equaliser in the closing minutes.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles (7/10) – Almost tarnished another strong display by his indecisiveness when providing Gallagher with Blackburn’s first attempt of the clash. Aside, Newcastle’s captain maintained a high line of pressure and looked comfortable alongside central defensive partner Ciaran Clark.
CB: Ciaran Clark (7/10) – For the majority of the game Clark looked assured, winning many an aerial duel. Just before the hour mark, Clark had a goal disallowed for a handball prior to sending the ball into the net – before poor positioning in the wall led to Mulgrew’s strike.
LB: Paul Dummett (7/10) – In his 100th appearance for Newcastle, Dummett spent the majority of the game supporting his team’s many attacks from left back. As with Anita on the opposite flank, for most of the game Dummett was able to negate his defensive duties against a poor home side performance. The only slight on Dummett’s performance was a caution after a cynical foul to deny Blackburn’s Marin Emnes the chance of a counter.
CM: Isaac Hayden (6/10) – The midfielder’s main contribution, aside from his tireless display in Newcastle’s engine room, was a 20-yard shot that sailed wide of Blackburn’s goal after 11 minutes and a similar attempt mid way through the second half. Hayden’s efforts with attempting to replace Jonjo Shelvey’s drive and creative ability from the midfield was admirable, but ultimately the suspended Shelvey was missed.
CM: Jack Colback (4/10) – The 27-year-old midfielder offered a below par showing, with plenty of backwards and sideways passes when Newcastle needed a quicker tempo from central midfield. Consequently, Colback was guilty of slowing the pace of the game on too many occasions and was unable to provide the dynamic cutting edge that is required in the quagmire of any Championship midfield battle. Gave away the free-kick from which Mulgrew scored and was then hooked for Ayoze Prerez for the final 15 minutes.
RM: Matt Ritchie (6.5/10) – The former Bournemouth winger looked every bit a Premier League midfielder during an impressive first half showing from Newcastle’s right side. However, Ritchie’s influence on the match faded after the break and the Scotland international was unable to impact on any Newcastle fight back.
LM: Yoan Gouffran (7/10) – Saw a left footed volley saved just before the break and looked dangerous on Newcastle’s left side of attack. Gouffran constantly looked to feed front man Gayle with many a through ball and was also afforded a number of ineffective attempts at goal by a poor Blackburn defence. Dummett’s willingness to maraud along Newcastle’s left flank enabled Gouffran to drift centrally to impact on the game when appropriate. Replaced by Christian Atsu for the closing minutes.
AM: Mohamed Diame (7.5/10) – Supported Gayle with threatening effect from an advanced midfield role, and saw a thunderous 30 yard strike smash against the cross bar in the 19th minute. However, as with the rest of his team mates, Diame was left frustrated that none of Newcastle’s attempts and significant possession counted for anything at the final whistle.
FW: Dwight Gayle (6/10) – Newcastle’s goal-getter had the best chances of the first half, but first his left footed drive was kept out by Blackburn’s goalkeeper Jason Steele and then ten minutes before the break Gayle had another opportunity to open the scoring, as Newcastle’s number 9 lost his marker but failed to take advantage. To typify the luckless 25-year-old’s showing, the second half saw a Gayle headed goal ruled out for offside.
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