Newcastle United’s players rated after their 1-1 Championship draw against Aston Villa – including the best player on the pitch.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle celebrates after Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick scored an own goal and their first
Rafa Benitez’s face on the full-time whistle revealed how disappointed his Newcastle side will be, after dominating large parts of the game but ultimately dropping two points at Villa Park.
Newcastle United took the lead in the first half, courtesy of an own-goal from Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick, and created many chances throughout the remainder of the match.
However, failure to convert these chances cost Newcastle dearly, and despite keeping the home side at bay during a last ten minutes of pressure, their inability to defend a corner in the late stages of the game led to an Aston Villa equaliser via Aaron Tshibola.
Here’s how their players rated after a result that leaves Newcastle in fifth position in the Championship table, four points off top.
GK – Matz Sels (6)
The Belgian was largely untroubled by Aston Villa until the closing stages, but looked comfortable and confident when called upon – until he lost the track of the ball for Villa’s late equaliser.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin (9)
The American’s pace and stamina on Newcastle’s right hand side caused Aston Villa no end of problems. The game’s opener originated from a Yedlin run and cross.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Seattle Sounders full-back looked every bit a Premier League performer before injuries to his head and foot led to his withdrawal with 15 minutes remaining. The best player on the Villa Park pitch.
Newcastle’s DeAndre Yedlin celebrates with Dwight Gayle and Yoan Gouffran after Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick scored an own goal and their first
CB – Jamaal Lascelles (7)
Lascelles is showing signs of growing into a very impressive centre-back and this season in the Championship will help his progression hugely. Organised Newcastle’s defence effectively in the first half and led by example under some Villa pressure in the closing stages. Will be disappointed to have conceded the equaliser late on.
CB – Ciaran Clark (8)
Returning to his former club after 15 years of service, Republic of Ireland international Clark appeared composed and organised. Looks to be forging a potentially strong partnership with Jamaal Lascelles in the centre of Newcastle’s back line.
LB – Paul Drummett (6)
Drummett defended well enough but offered little as an attacking full-back. The optimist would suggest he balances Yedlin’s offensive approach on the opposite side, but Newcastle will want more from their left side over the course of the season.
RM – Matt Ritchie (7)
Continued his good form from the start of the season. Winger Ritchie was a constant attacking threat for Rafa Benitez’s team and was a major reason why Newcastle’s best play stemmed from the right hand side.
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi
CM – Jonjo Shelvey (8)
Aside from Shelvey’s streak of impetuosity emerging on 26 minutes – in the form of a dangerous lunge on Kieran Westwood – the former Liverpool and Swansea midfielder was outstanding. Another who has the ability to light up the Championship this season if he can find consistency and that much requested discipline.
CM – Isaac Hayden (7)
Alongside Shelvey, Isaac Hayden dominated much of the midfield battle against Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak and Ashley Westwood. Tidy and intelligent on the ball, the former Arsenal man tired late on under Villa pressure.
Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi
LM – Yoan Gouffran (7)
Really benefitting from Newcastle’s good start to to campaign, Gouffran was a danger to Aston Villa’s right side and defence for most of the encounter. The Frenchman spent his 90 minutes supporting forward Dwight Gayle and also helping left-back Drummett. Could be a stand-out for the Toon this season.
AM – Mohamed Diame (6)
A relatively quiet game for Diame, whose best opportunity to impact on the game came in the final third of the match, when he side-footed a clear chance wide of Aston Villa’s goal. Played in a supporting role to Dwight Gayle, Diame’s physical presence and athleticism was welcomed throughout the contest, particularly in the second half.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle in action with Aston Villa’s James Chester
F – Dwight Gayle (6)
Newcastle’s number 9 was deployed in a lone forward role, but received plenty of support throughout the game from the quartet of Ritchie, Yedlin, Gouffran and Diame.
The striker, signed from Crystal Palace in the summer, failed to make a significant impact on the game. Missed a great chance to score in the 38th minute, when clear through on goal following a Tommy Elphick mistake. Replaced by Aleksandar Mitrovic with ten minutes remaining.
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