Newcastle United player ratings v Brentford: 'Sluggish' Alexander Isak & three 8/10s from opening 45
Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford player ratings: Here’s how Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali Bruno Guimaraes and co have fared so far.
Newcastle United are beating Brentford 1-0 in the Premier League at St James’ Park - here are the player ratings from the match.
Newcastle returned to Premier League action for the first time in over three weeks as they look to build on their Carabao Cup success and continue their push for Champions League qualification.
The Magpies named an unchanged starting line-up from their previous Premier League match at West Ham and the 2-1 Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool. But there was one change on the bench with 18-year-old full-back Leo Shahar called up to the first team for the first time with Matt Targett dropping out.
Newcastle had a big chance in the opening 90 seconds of the game with Alexander Isak heading wide. Joelinton and Harvey Barnes also came close but the hosts were unable to test Mark Flekken in the Brentford goal.
Harvey Barnes had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time but the offside flag went up and a VAR check confirmed the decision. With the first half set to end goalless, Newcastle took the lead through Alexander Isak, who volleyed in from Jacob Murphy’s cross.
Here are the Newcastle United half-time player ratings from the match so far...
Nick Pope - 6
Had little to do but solid with his distribution.
Kieran Trippier - 8
Made a vital defensive header at the back post and some big challenges.
Fabian Schar - 7
Made an important block to deny Kevin Schade. Lined up a shot from distance but opted to pass instead.
Dan Burn - 7
A composed defensive display. Strong in the air and made some important blocks.
Tino Livramento - 8
Put a great ball into the box with his left foot in the opening two minutes but Isak headed wide. Showed plenty of energy down the right and remained on the front foot.
Sandro Tonali - 8
Made an important interception to cut out a dangerous Brentford attack. Covered every blade of grass to keep Newcastle on the front foot.
Bruno Guimaraes - 6
Pushed forward well and had the ball in some dangerous areas, just lacking the final pass.
Joelinton - 6
Flashed an angled shot wide early on. Battled in the middle of the park but a little sloppy in possession.
Jacob Murphy - 6
Snatched the ball off Ethan Pinnock and played through Isak, who couldn’t capitalise. Was quiet for the most part in the opening 45 minutes but put in a great cross to set up Isak once again.
Harvey Barnes - 6
Curled a venomous shot wide from the edge of the box. Looks capable of causing problems but yet to find that killer touch.
Alexander Isak - 6
Headed narrowly wide in the opening minutes. Blasted over after 22 minutes after being slipped in by Murphy. A sluggish first half performance by his high standards but capped it off with his 24th goal of the season.