Newcastle United Player Ratings Vs Wigan Athletic
Newcastle picked up a vital 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday at the St James’ Park to edge closer to Premier League promotion.
The Magpies’ highest goal-scorer Dwight Gayle put his side ahead in the 18th minute thanks to a close range left-footed finish. However, Michael Jacobs equalized for the visitors soon after the restart, in the 50th minute. But the parity didn’t last for too long as just seven minutes later, Matt Ritchie put Newcastle in front again.
The win saw Newcastle continue at the top of the table with 81 points from 39 games, with Brighton & Hove Albion just a point behind the leaders. In what was a crucial win for the home side, here is how the players fared on the day.
Ratings:
Karl Darlow – 7/10
Did not have much to do, but looked alert when called upon. Made two important stops in the second half to keep the Latics at bay.
Vurnon Anita – 7/10
A solid display at right-back from the Dutchman. Compact while defending, linked up well when going forward.
Jamaal Lascelles – 6/10
Not the best outing from the captain. Made some errors at the back and should have done better in stopping the lead up to the equalizer for Wigan.
Grant Hanley – 7/10
Did not give an inch to the Wigan forwards. Won almost everything that came his way. Made three interceptions and seven clearances in the game.
Paul Dummett – 6/10
Another reliable outing from the left-back. Was solid and dependable and also chipped in with the cross for Ritchie’s goal.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6/10
Was an inconsistent display as he ebbed and flowed throughout the course of the game. Had the chance to kill the tie late in the match, but missed it.
Jack Colback – 6/10
Unspectacular, but steady and solid in the middle of the park. Made several crucial interceptions and was up for the challenges.
Matt Ritchie – 8/10
Dragged Newcastle across the winning line with another exceptional performance on the right-flank, capped by the winning goal.
Mohamed Diame – 5.5/10
His selection in the line-up week in week out is hard to understand considering his poor performances. It was much of the same again on Saturday, except the assist for Gayle’s strike.
Yoan Gouffran – 6/10
Worked hard on the left wing, but hardly made any impact. Wasn’t surprising to see him come off.
Dwight Gayle – 7/10
Fed off the scraps for large parts of the game but looked to cause problems when an opportunity presented itself. Opened the scoring in the first-half.
Substitutes
Christian Atsu – 6/10
Replaced Gouffran in the 63rd minute. Threatened a couple of times.
Isaac Hayden – 7/10
Made his return from injury when he replaced Colback in the 70th minute. Showed what Newcastle were missing in his absence.
Ayoze Perez – NA
Replaced Gayle with ten minutes left on the clock. Not enough time to make an impact.