Newcastle United had a chance to continue their dream Premier League campaign with another victory but they were quite easily outplayed by Watford on Saturday. The Magpies had an off day as Watford capitalized on an early goal to peg Newcastle back. Rafa Benitez’s side hardly looked like creating anything notable on the field and though the scoreline might not suggest it, the game was quite one-sided.
Martin Dubravka: 8/10
The goalkeeper had an excellent day, as he was busy throughout and made some good reflex saves, which included a double penalty-save too. Dubravka made it difficult for Watford to pick up more goals but was left quite helpless for the two goals that went in.
Manquillo: 5/10
Manquillo is very defensive in nature and hardly wanders ahead in the flank, but today he failed to do his defensive duties well and let in a couple of decisive crosses from his flank.
Paul Dummett: 5/10
Dummett was strong in defence, but he should have provided a better attacking impetus while going forward in a game that lacked creativity from Newcastle’s side.
Jamaal Lascelles: 4/10
Lascelles did not show his aerial prowess or physical strength today and failed to read the game properly too. He should have imposed more authority and command during the course of the game.
Florian Lejeune: 5/10
Lejeune had a decent enough game, but he should have closed down spaces well as he left a tad too much room in and around the penalty box for the opposition to make threaten the goal.
Mohamed Diame: 5/10
Diame had a quiet game, though he let attacks go past him and should have pressed more in the early portions of the game. He was better with the possession of the ball though.
Jonjo Shelvey: 4/10
Another erratic game for him as he was sloppy with possession gave far too many balls at times and did not shield the ball when he should have done it. Did not provide the drive, or the creative nous in the game.
Jacob Murphy: 3/10
Murphy’s presence wasn’t felt throughout his stay on the pitch as he provided nothing notable of sorts on the field. Was taken off at fifty minutes and that would have done his confidence major damage.
Ayoze Perez: 6/10
Perez was trying his best link up the play between the lines and to provide some creative force to the game in the opposition half. Finished his goal with a composed demeanour but could not save his side from losing three points.
Kenedy: 5/10
A rather subdued performance from the lad as he hardly ever got the possession of the ball. He was taken care of by Watford as they implied a physical approach to stop him from making his trademark runs from the flank or through the centre.
Dwight Gayle: 4/10
Gayle was lethargic whenever he got hold of the ball as his touch and poor control helped the opposition to bully him off the ball and regain possession. Failed to finish off a couple of easy chances and would be disappointed with this outing.
Substitutes:
Matt Ritchie: 6/10
Ritchie made his presence felt with some regular pressing and then tried to drive the team ahead too.
DeAndre Yedlin: 6/10
Yedlin got himself in advanced positions and added up as an extra man in attacking moves.
Mikel Merino: 5/10
Merino tried to join up in attack but had little time to make any significant impact of so
