‘Mike Ashley is killing nufc’ – Newcastle Fans React After 1-0 Defeat To Huddersfield + Player Ratings

Full Time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Newcastle United

Newcastle United could not get off the mark in the Premier League, as they were defeated 1-0 by fellow newcomers Huddersfield Town at the John Smith Stadium, on Sunday afternoon. 

It was very much a scrappy affair in the first period, with both sides not really threatening for long. However, five minutes after the restart, the Terriers took the lead, courtesy of a fine strike from midfielder Aaron Mooy, after a neat linkup between him and Elias Kachunga. Newcastle did have a few chances late in the game, but couldn’t pierce through the Huddersfield backline and returned with no points. 

Here’s how Rafael Benitez’s men fared on the day.

Newcastle United Player Ratings

Rob Eliott – 5.5/10

Looked unconvincing coming out for corners at times, distribution not that great. But there wasn’t much he could do about the goal. 

Javier Manquillo – 5/10

It was a nice tussle between him and Rajiv van La Parra in the opening stages, where he came out second best on most occasions. Raided forward, but the end product wasn’t up to the mark.

Jamaal Lascelles – 6/10

The captain had a decent enough game as he never really allowed Steve Mounie to threaten to a great degree. Booked harshly in the injury time.

Ciaran Clark – 6/10

Started at the heart of the defence, when most expected him to slot in at left-back. Solid for most of the game.

Chancel Mbemba – 6.5/10

Started at an unfamiliar left-back position. Did not offer a great deal going forward, but was the steadiest at the back for the Magpies. 

Christian Atsu – 6/10

A blocked header and a couple of darting runs aside, the Ghanaian could not have a big say on the proceedings.

Mikel Merino – 5/10

A few nice touches and a good pass or two aside, the Spaniard struggled to get into the game.

Isaac Hayden – 5/10

Booked for a late challenge on Phillip Billing. Looked out of pace on a number of occasions. 

Matt Ritchie – 6/10

Denied by an excellent save from Jonas Lossl early on. Booked for a studs-up challenge on Aaron Mooy. Looked the most likely to get Newcastle into the game. Set-piece delivery did leave a lot to be desired.

Ayoze Perez – 5/10

Looked bright at times, but flitted in and out of the game too often. Needs to do a lot more.

Dwight Gayle – 4/10

Isolated at the top and was never given a breathing space by the Terriers’ backline. Subbed off early in the second half.

Substitutes

Joselu – 6/10

Replaced Gayle after conceding the goal. Booked for a foul on Lossl. Denied by the keeper soon after and once more in the dying minutes.

Mohamed Diame – 5/10

Came on for Hayden in the 77th minute. Gave away possession cheaply.

Jacob Murphy – NA

Made his debut, replacing Perez with ten minutes left on the clock. Added a spark late on, but had little time to make serious impact. 

Obviously, it wasn’t a welcome result for the supporters and here’s how the Newcastle United faithful reacted to the result on social media.