We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6.
When I did the player ratings for a previous match, I repeated the cliché that there are no easy games in the Champions League. And I meant it. After witnessing the first half of this game, I have to say that it does at times.
Newcastle attacked Qarabag at will, and Qarabag allowed it. We could have scored double figures at half time – Qarabag’s goalkeeper was their best player and heroically kept the score at 0-5. It was so one-sided that we hardly had to sweat. Our opponents were terrible, but we were very good; focused, sharp and clinical.
If I were a betting man, I’d have put my money on the remaining 0-5 for the rest of the match, on the grounds that Qarabag couldn’t be that bad and we didn’t have to burn any unnecessary energy. And if I were Eddie, I’d have some subs every now and then.
Well, there were no subs, Qarabag wasn’t nearly as bad, and we didn’t burn any unnecessary energy. So little in fact that Qarabag waltzed through our defense and got one back. Their fans came alive and seemed to believe they could restore the match.
The Newcastle substitutions arrived at the time Eddie always puts them on, and the game slowed down after that. Murphy scored a good goal with his swinger, but the urgency oozed from the encounter. That’s not a criticism, we just had to do enough, and we did.
But this was a fantastic victory. Even in my most pessimistic moments, I don’t see Qarabag scoring six times more than us at SJP.
What could have been a difficult European away game turned out to be a nice, comfortable victory. Three away wins on the trot, with a nice easy trip to the Etihad the following weekend.
High marks all around, even though no one had to be brilliant to get this one over the line.
Nick Pope 7
Could have done better for Qarabag’s goal (he may have been in shock when they shot), but otherwise comfortable.
Kieran Trippier8
Hardly tested in defense and very good in attack.
A few games ago he looked upright, but he has found new reserves of energy and got an assist.
Malick Thiaw9
Another goal from another great header and an easy night for him in defence.
When Qarabag raised their game in the second half, he raised his.
Has the good sense to get a yellow card, ruling him out of the second leg but not the next match.
And burned 8
Solid and intimidating.
Unfortunately not scored and largely carefree in defense.
Lewis Hall 8
A bit rusty in the first few minutes but then the usual smooth performance from Lewis.
Some good links with Gordon, Barnes and Woltemade, and some great runs past opponents. This kid has skills.
Sandro Tonali 8
Commander, comfortable and cool.
Like most of his teammates, he really didn’t have to put in any effort to look better than his counterparts.
Joe Willock7
Played quite well without the game being on fire.
There was talk of his departure in January. I’m glad he didn’t. It has taken a certain shape.
Anthony Elanga 7
The right player to put on the wing and he had the Qarabag on toast again with his pace.
Didn’t do much in terms of scoring or assisting, but helped keep the opponent in the background.
Nick Woltemade8
I was impressed with Nick.
Influenced the game from a withdrawn 10 position and linked the game well.
Quick feet and some intelligent passes.
Harvey Barnes8
It was serious business from the first minute: his exchanges with Gordon and Hall had the Qarabag defense completely at sea.
It was a bit quiet in the second half, but can claim an assist on Murphy’s goal.
Anthony Gordon 10
Four goals, it could have been six, and a great all-round display.
You just need to find a hypnotist who can convince him that every match is a Champions League match.
Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images
SUBS:
Jacob Murphy7
Scored a beautiful goal with his swinger and had a comfortable evening when he came on.
Ended up at right back to give Tripps a rest.
Jacob Ramsey6
The game was over when he came on and it was just a matter of keeping things tidy. He did.
Wil Osula 6
Came close to scoring and provided an energetic cameo that kept Qarabag on his toes.
5. Joelinton
Surprised to see him come on given his recent injury, but he managed the situation well by never being where the ball was.
Sean Neave N/A (Not active long enough to review)
Only on for a few minutes but looked good. Some nice touches – he would have loved it.
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