Newcastle United player ratings v PSG: 8/10 ‘warrior’ stars alongside ‘impressive’ 7/10 Lewis Miley

PSG v Newcastle United: How Joe Willock, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Miley & co fared in our player ratings.

Newcastle United had to settle for a point at the Parc des Princes after a strong display away at the reigning European champions from Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle United player ratings v PSG | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Newcastle United player ratings v PSG | AFP via Getty Images

In November 2023, Newcastle United’s players trudged off the Parc des Princes pitch the victim of a refereeing injustice that cost them two precious points. Syzmon Marciniak’s name will live on in infamy on Tyneside for that awarding of a penalty.

Within two minutes of this game, Slavko Vincic did his very best impression of his Polish colleague as he inexplicably awarded a penalty for the hosts for a handball by Lewis Miley within two minutes of kick-off. Fortunately, Nick Pope was able to make a brilliant stop to see that justice was served and that the hosts, this time, wouldn’t get a free pass from the officials.

That lasted just four minutes, though, before Vitinha slammed home a strike from outside the area to give his side the lead. The hosts looked dangerous every time they attacked with Newcastle’s defensive structure being ran ragged by their opponents and in particular Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Newcastle United’s first chance of the night fell to Miley but his volley went high and wide. Another battling refereeing decision soon followed when Anthony Elanga was booked, despite winning a free-kick for his side following a foul by Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian was substituted minutes later after sustaining an injury in the process of committing that foul.

The Magpies were able to quell their hosts after a lightning quick start from them and enjoyed more possession and created a couple of opportunities, without threatening too much, as the first-half came to a close. When they were able to threaten though, they took their chance superbly as Willock nodded home from six yards after a well worked free-kick and a knockdown by Dan Burn.

Willock’s goal was the last action of the first-half which ended with Newcastle United deservedly level, particularly after the injustice of the first few minutes. Newcastle were much more composed in the second half and restricted PSG to pot shots from range.

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As the hour mark passed, Howe opted to make changes to his team with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, scorers of 11 Champions League goals this season, coming onto the pitch. Those substitutes certainly made an impact on their play as Newcastle United all of a sudden looked most likely to take the lead.

Both Gordon and Barnes went close to giving their side a late lead with the latter slicing a golden chance into the side netting after a swift break from the man on his opposite flank. That was the final opportunity for both sides before VIncic’s whistle signalled full-time and a place in the play-off round for both teams. Here are our player ratings from Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with PSG in the Champions League.

Newcastle United player ratings v PSG

Nick Pope - 7

Made a brilliant save to deny Dembele’s penalty. May feel he should have done better with the opener, but did well minutes later to deny Dembele again. Made some good saves from long shots but none that you wouldn’t expect him to make. Very solid.

Malick Thiaw - 6

After a shaky start he grew into the game more and offered Miley much more help. Very slack in possession, though, and gave the ball away very cheaply at times.

Sven Botman - 7

Possibly should have closed down Vitinha’s strike rather than backing off in the manner he did. Put in some strong challenges in the second half and looked a lot more composed.

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Dan Burn - 8

Captained the side on his return to action. Exposed early on when Hall pressed high and PSG countered. Did brilliantly to get his head on the free-kick that set up Willock’s equaliser. A warrior on his return to the team following injury.

Lewis Miley - 7

Was so unfortunate to give away a penalty within the first couple of minutes. Endured a tough start to the game against Barcola with little support from players in front of him. Controlled his opposite number from the 20th minute onwards and put in yet another mature and impressive performance in Europe.

Jacob Ramsey - 6

Did little to support Miley behind him and struggled to influence the game in attack early on. Grew into the game as it progressed but was guilty of being sloppy with the ball in the second period. Ran with the ball well

Sandro Tonali - 7

Ran and pressed relentlessly early on in a selfless performance early doors. Far from a headline stealing performance, but played a vital role in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Lewis Hall - 7

Was sold a dummy by Vitinha before his goal and ended up on his back, rather than blocking that attempt. Grew into the game like many of his teammates and could have had an assist for some very smart thinking but for a flag from the assistant. Quiet by his usual high standards.

Anthony Elanga - 6

Energetic and lively from the off but lacked service or any end product. Kept the PSG defence honest but faded as the game wore on before being withdrawn in the 68th minute.

Nick Woltemade - 5

Loose in possession early on and saw a few flicks to teammates go astray. Very quiet in the first half but started the second period with a lot more hunger and desire. Struggled again in front of goal.

Joe Willock - 8

Had a little bit of joy up against Achraf Hakimi and was the provider of two opportunities in the first half an hour. Deserved his goal for that bright play and took it very well. Could have had a second but was denied by a flag. One of his best performances for a number of years.