The St James’ Park outfit extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to 6 games after putting Ipswich to the sword by a 3 nil scoreline at home. Thus keeping their top spot on the table with 31 points after the 14th round of fixtures.
As Newcastle kept their 8th clean sheet of the league in style, we take a look at how every of the 14 Rafa Benitez’s charges involved in action fared.
Darlow
The English shot-stopper kept his 3rd clean sheet of the season and has only appeared in 5 games. He put in a good display keeping Ipswich’s seldom attacking threat at bay and gathering cross after cross.
Rating : 5/5
Clark
The reliable centre-half continued to prove why he is a better choice to Mbemba, helping the team with his top notch defensive abilities and services. Newcastle have now kept 5 clean sheets with Clark on the pitch.
Rating : 4/5
Lascelles
The side’s skipper didn’t give the visitors any breathing space as he constantly kept their attackers in check. An all-around impressive performance from the youngster as usual.
Rating : 4/5
Dummett
Not one of his best days, and he found it hard giving his 100%. He was booked for the 3rd time this season with 4 minutes to go- not a bad record considering he has gone 10 games without getting a card. Still a trustworthy defender at the end of the day.
Rating : 3/5
Yedlin
Made excellent runs down his flank on the right and contributed well to the attacking play. The USA international is yet to receive bookings of any sort in all of his 7 appearances, and displays like this show why he might have earned his stripes as far as a permanent starting spot goes.
Rating : 4/5
Shelvey
Was once again in his elements despite being unable to get an assist or goal. And he definitely showed why he is the team’s anchor with another spirited display. Had a great game by all standard before his withdrawal with 7 minutes to play.
Rating : 4/5
Gouffran
The French winger carved out a wonderful assist in less than 1 minute into the game. Caused Ipswich defence all sorts of problems and will no doubt play a big role in Newcastle’s top-flight ambitions with these types of performances. Was withdrawn in the 75th minute to get deserved rest.
Rating : 4/5
Colback
Not his best game of the season, and didn’t justify why he should retake his spot after being unplayed in the last game. Picked up a yellow card, his 3rd in his last 4 Championship appearances.
Rating : 3/5
Ritchie
A superb display from the Scotland international. He took his assist tally to 5 with a great pass to help Perez bag the 2nd goal of the game, while he himself help put the game to bed with the 3rd.
Rating : 5/5
Ayoze Pérez
A brace from the Spaniard and he capped a man-of-the-match performance with a splendid assist for Ritchie’s goal. Might have just established himself as a regular following the display.
Rating : 5/5
Gayle
Couldn’t find the back of the net having missed a great chance in the first half. Had no other chances for the remainder of the game, and it doesn’t seem it will take long before he replies his silence in front of goal with another brace or hat-trick.
Rating : 3/5
SUBSTITUTIONS
Atsu
Came on for Gouffran with a quarter of an hour to play, couldn’t make much impact off the bench.
Rating : Unavailable
Mitrovic
Replaced Gayle with about 10 minutes to go, but wasn’t able to make his short presence known.
Rating : Unavailable
Hayden
Thrown into the fray with 7 minutes to go, but couldn’t do much.
Rating : Unavailable