Newcastle comfortably beat Brentford 3-1 at St. James’ Park.
It was a routine victory for Newcastle United on Saturday as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Brentford, making it three wins on the bounce for Rafael Benitez.
Here is a look at how the players rated at St. James’ Park.
Karl Darlow 7.5/10
A brilliant performance between the sticks for Darlow, with Brentford’s goal the only negative. The 26-year-old made a couple of excellent saves in the first half, and was a calming influence, often taking the pressure off his defenders from set pieces.
Vurnon Anita 8/10
It is no wonder that Anita is one of Benitez’s favourites at Newcastle when the Dutchman puts in performances like he did against Brentford. Anita was untroubled throughout, dealing with everything and providing a threat going forward, linking up nicely with Christian Atsu.
Jamaal Lascelles 7/10
Steady showing from the Newcastle skipper, who had a quiet afternoon at the back. A couple of wild passes into touch raised a few eyebrows, and Lascelles was replaced on the hour mark, presumably as a precaution.
Ciaran Clark 9/10
Colossal. This is the only word that to describe Clark, and it is a word that has been used about him a lot in black and white. The defender headed home the opener, and was a giant at the back, somehow popping out Cruyff turns in his own box as if he was Sergio Ramos.
Paul Dummett 6.5/10
The Geordie left-back was good enough. Dummett was untested throughout, and did what he had to do defensively, and did it well. Was exposed when in possession.
Christian Atsu 8/10
A brilliant winger’s performance from Atsu. The Ghanaian was a constant threat, using the ball well and terrifying defenders with his dribbling. Wasteful on occasions, however.
Jack Colback 7.5/10
A strong 90 minutes from Colback, who has been overshadowed by Isaac Hayden this season. Newcastle’s number four has had a good run in the team now, and shown he is capable of battling Hayden for the right to partner Jonjo Shelvey.
Jonjo Shelvey 9/10
Simply brilliant from Shelvey. The midfielder did not put a foot wrong all afternoon. His wonderful cross allowed Clark to head home, another neat ball forward forced Gayle’s first strike, and a clever pull-back gave the number nine the easiest chance he will ever get. Shelvey ended the game as captain, and it was that type of performance from the 24-year-old.
Yoan Gouffran 7/10
Another job well done from the Frenchman. Gouffran is rarely sensational, but he has not done much wrong this season. Steady as he goes.
Ayoze Perez 6/10
Given another chance by Benitez, but the Spaniard did not take it. Yet again, Perez was too weak, constantly losing possession cheaply.
Dwight Gayle 8.5/10
If you put a bet on this man to be the league’s top scorer this season, then you might be in the money come May. Gayle was lively all afternoon, continuing to bang in the goals like a Newcastle number nine should.
SUBSTITUTES
Grant Hanley (Lascelles 60) 6/10
Hanley replaced the Newcastle skipper for the final 30 minutes, but appeared to struggle. The Scot almost gave away a penalty, but was bailed out by his partner Clark.
DeAndre Yedlin (Atsu 72) 6/10
The American was full of running as usual, but could not really get in the game as the Magpies saw out the victory.
Achraf Lazaar (Gouffran 84) N/A
The Moroccan did not have enough time to make an impact.
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