We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2.
In retrospect I accept the draw and the point, but we could have had a lot more. We could have had a lot less as this was a good example of a game of two halves.
In the first half, Leverkusen were content to let us have the ball and hit us on half-time when we handed the ball back to them, something we did with monotonous regularity.
We were pedestrian on offense and pedestrian on defense. When Leverkusen broke, they crossed us more than once.
In reality, they could have gone into halftime with a two or three goal lead. They did score from a poorly defended corner and we were just inches away from a penalty.
The second half was a different story. Newcastle played on the front foot, with energy and purpose. We scored two, hit the post twice and should have seen the game over the line.
But Leverkusen came back into it and made sure we held on for the final minutes of the game, and this season Newcastle have not been good at defending in those conditions.
At the moment we are not a party that can keep its mouth shut, and we certainly have not done so. Leverkusen cut through us one last time and scored the equalizer in the final minutes.
Overall, this was a mixed bag from Newcastle: some bad play, some good play, some bad luck and some luck. As I said, I’ll take the point and our position (12th) in the CL table. But if we had held on to our lead we would have finished sixth and had an excellent chance of automatic qualification. But if we mistreat the mackems on Sunday, all will be forgiven.
Aaron Ramsdale 7
Couldn’t do much about either of Leverkusen’s goals and made three crucial saves. Did well.
Tino Livramento6.5
Tino played a decent game in defense and attack.
I can’t think of any highlights, nor any crying fits.
Malick Thiaw6
A mediocre first half, in which he was millimeters away from a penalty and was caught out more than once by Leverkusen’s counter-attack.
A much better second half, in which he appeared more confident and twice came close to scoring. Looked a bit flat-footed for Leverkusen’s second.
And Fire 6
He looked particularly vulnerable when Leverkusen crossed us, but fought well all night.
Lost his position for Leverkusen’s second.
Lewis room 7
A good performance from Lewis – worked well with Gordon on the left.
Not much got past him in defense and he looked dangerous in attack.
Bruno Guimaraes6
Not his best match. I thought his energy levels looked depleted, especially in the first half.
Things looked better in the second. I tried my best, as always, but I didn’t quite succeed.
He should not be blamed for the own goal.
Sandro Tonali 5.5
A disappointing showing, to be honest. Weak defense for Leverkusen’s opener and was anonymous for much of the match. Some nice moments, but not enough
Joelinton
The last few times I’ve reviewed Joelinton I’ve made the same comment, and I’d say it again about this game; he seems to have sacrificed his usual aggressive style for something more controlled.
It’s not him, it doesn’t work, and I don’t like it. His form has definitely declined.
Harvey Barnes6
The definition of an average performance in my book.
Worked hard, was in the right place when necessary and didn’t make any major mistakes.
But he didn’t threaten Leverkusen’s goal either and I can’t remember him getting a decent cross all night.
Nick Woltemade 6.5
We almost scored a good goal and got the penalty for the equalizer.
Overall played a decent match, without hitting the heights.
Anthony Gordon 8
Our best player of the evening; this was perhaps his best performance of the season.
Scored a crucial penalty, got a great cross for our second and saw a shot from the inside of the post.
He hasn’t been at his best this season, but this was a welcome return to form.
SUBS
Lewis Miley7
It won’t be long before Lewis starts on a regular basis.
It’s so composed for a young boy and keeps things simple. I mean that as a compliment.
Scored our second with a determined header. A relief when he entered.
Jacob Murphy 5.5
Played well enough for the short time he was on.
Make one excellent cross to the back post and hit the inside of the post.
Jacob Ramsey N/A
Not long enough to judge.
Yoane Wissa N/A
Not long enough to judge.
Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2 – Wednesday December 10, 2025 8:00 PM
Match statistics
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 51 pen, Miley 74
Leverkusen:
Bruno OG 13, Grimaldo 88
Possess was Newcastle 49% Leverkusen 51%
Total shots were Newcastle 13 Leverkusen 17
Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Leverkusen 7
Corners were Newcastle 6 Leverkusen 9
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 32 Leverkusen 28
Newcastle team in Leverkusen:
Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton (Miley 60), Bruno, Gordon (Ramsey 92), Barnes (Jacob Murphy 78), Woltemade (Wissa 93)
Unused subs:
Thompson, Harrison, Schar, Alex Murphy, Willock, Elanga
#Bayer #Leverkusen #Newcastle #match #ratings #commentaries #Newcastle #United #players