The Average And The Worst Rated Newcastle United Players vs Oxford United

The Magpies crashed out of the 4th round of the F.A Cup at the hands of League One side Oxford United, continuing their dismal record of not reaching the 5th round of the tournament since 2006.

With 9 changes made to the starting XI that saw off Rotherham in last weekend’s Championship clash, a 2nd string Newcastle couldn’t come up with a way to get past Eastwood who made light of Gamez, El-Mhanni and Mitrovic’s attempts.

Following a goalless first half at the Kassam Stadium, Benitez’ men were soon down to a goal via Hemmings barely a minute after play restarted. Some minutes after the hour mark, Newcastle had their best chance to bounce back from the spot, only for Mitrovic to see his effort saved by the brilliant Oxford goalie.

They were soon punished for that as the hosts then heaped more woes by making it 2-nil with 11 minutes to go, with Curtis Nelson heading in a corner to underline Newcastle’s defensive woes. And any hopes of them getting back into the game were squashed on the 87th minute when teenage Spanish striker Toni Martinez, killed off the game with his header-goal.

With Benitez’s heavy rotation backfiring in yet another disappointing outing by Newcastle, a look is taken at how the players fared.

Sels

Despite making few saves, the 2nd choice goalie was unable to prevent all 3 goals from going in, but none was his fault.

He probably has tasted his last action of the season with the Championship the only competition Newcastle are now in.

Rating : 6/10

Hayden

Despite Nelson getting the better of him during Oxford’s 2nd goal, the midfielder didn’t do any wrong in the game.

He created many chances that his teammates upfront failed to convert in the first half, but he might have been more effective with Shelvey beside him.

Rating : 6/10

Good

The Australian defender was making his first starting XI appearance in more than 3 years, but despite a commendable performance that saw him make vital blocks, he had a very terrible 2nd half.

Rating : 5/10

Lazaar

While he was able to carve out chances from the wings with his crosses and was also commendable for his defensive efforts, some of his set pieces left little to be desired.

Rating : 6/10

Haïdara

Looked out of tune in Newcastle’s defence and was a weak link to an extent as he had few nervy moments against Oxford’s attackers.

Rating : 5/10

Hanley

Captained the side but couldn’t inspire them to a much-needed victory as much more was expected of him.

His interceptions were top notch though, as he helped to reduce the hosts’ threat.

Rating : 6/10

Jesús Gámez

Despite looking well equipped and ready to do a good job with a fine start, his influence faded as Oxford began to pile more pressure on the defence.

Rating : 5/10

Ben El-Mhanni

Was all over the place in the first half causing the Oxford defence all sorts of problems, but his end product let him down, while he wasn’t effective in the second period.

Rating : 6/10

Barlaser

Despite proving he has enough quality to lineup for the club, he couldn’t dominate proceedings from the middle of the park while he didn’t do much to help the team.

Rating : 5/10

Ayoze Pérez

A bad day in the office for the Spaniard as he couldn’t make any difference whatsoever to influence the game.

Rating : 4/10

Mitrović

Spurned 4 fine chances and failed to convert from the spot, and that killed the team’s chances totally.

Poor from the young Serb!!!

Rating : 3/10

SUBSTITUTES

Gouffran

Couldn’t make any required impact off the bench.

Rating : 5/10

Ritchie

Late sub.

Rating : Not available