Newcastle United eased past a hapless West Ham United outfit at St. James’ Park to pick up their first win of the season. Goals from new signing Joselu, Ciaran Clark and Aleksandar Mitrovic meant Slaven Bilic’s side were condemned to their third defeat of the season.
Here are our Newcastle United’s player ratings:
Robert Elliot – 8/10
He wasn’t really tested by Chicharito and co. as they were barely involved with shots on target. Although, he showed positivity, distributed well and was confident while coming off his line.
Ciaran Clark – 8/10
Looked strong, made the all-important unbelievable acrobatic clearance to save Chicharito’s effort. Also, bagged a goal with an accurate effort and made full use of a static Zabaleta.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7.5/10
Organised the defence, defended set pieces and cleared the ball quite a few times.
Chancel Mbemba – 7/10
Linked up really well with Atsu and proved to be a threat offensively. At times though, struggled to find his place which left space and forced Atsu to drop back a bit.
Javier Manquillo – 6.5/10
Got front with intent and swagger, positioned himself really well too. Was aerially disciplined, but while facing the attack, at times he didn’t hold his ground and ended up throwing the kitchen sink at it.
Mikel Merino – 8.5/10
Broke the play at key intervals, was the nucleus of counter attack and controlled the game well. Played a lovely ball to Atsu for their first goal.
Isaac Hayden – 8.5/10
Played important forward passes and every time West Ham left themselves open in the middle, he exploited it and swiftly moved the ball forward.
Christian Atsu – 9/10
Good running, exploited the room whenever it was on offer. Drifted in whenever required, linked up well with Joselu, showed unselfishness for the assist and allowed Mbemba to occupy the left flank.
Ayoze Perez – 7.5/10
Good understanding with Ritchie and Atsu, ran into the box effortlessly. Something Newcastle needed that upfront from their No.10.
Matt Ritchie – 9.5/10
Dominant display. Every time he got the ball at his feet, it looked like something was in store. Played mouthwatering through balls, short passes really well. Threatening with his running and passing.
Joselu – 9/10
Played the perfect no. 9 role, got his first goal at full debut, brilliant one touch passing and got into wide areas to facilitate the forward movements of Ritchie and Atsu into the box instead of just poaching around.
Substitutes
Mohamed Diamé – 7/10
Performed the tasks of protecting the back four and supplying passes with the aim of 100% accuracy.
Aleksander Mitrovic – 7.5/10
When West Ham were being overrun in the final stages, he enjoyed himself, kept his composure around Hart and scored. Lacked discipline though.
Jacob Murphy – 4/10
Played too little to judge and hence didn’t influence the proceedings in the contest.
