OPINION
Newcastle United entered Saturday’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion looking to secure their first Premier League victory of the season.
However, Rafael Benitez’s side crashed to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park as Beram Kayal’s deflected strike secured victory for Chris Hughton’s men, with numerous Magpies players failing to deliver the goods in a lacklustre performance.
The Magpies pushed forward relentlessly after falling behind but were unable to find their way past Seagulls goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, ultimately failing to reward the fans’ patience on Tyneside.
Nothing but Newcastle has delivered player ratings for every Newcastle player, with several failing to exceed 5/10 after some shocking displays against the visitors.
GOALKEEPER AND DEFENCE
Martin Dubravka – 5 – The Slovakian seemed mysteriously out of sorts against the Seagulls, with his passing out from the back woeful for the majority of the game. Had no chance with Brighton’s goal.
DeAndre Yedlin – 4 – A quiet afternoon’s work from the right back who never really made an impact on the game. Wasn’t his usual attacking force going forward.
Jamaal Lascelles – 4 – The Newcastle captain failed to assert himself on proceedings, but wasn’t at fault for Kayal’s strike. Did present a golden opportunity to Brighton in the second half with a big error.
Federico Fernandez – 5 – Didn’t have much to do as Newcastle threw men forward after going behind, missed a decent chance in the second half when he headed over.
Paul Dummett – 6 – Produced more going forward than Yedlin on the other side of the pitch. Delivered a nice cross in the second half that Matt Ritchie couldn’t get on the end of.
MIDFIELD
Matt Ritchie – 6 – Was his usual industrious self and was involved in everything positive the Magpies did going forward. Some nice crosses but ultimately unable to break the deadlock.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6 – Like Ritchie, was at the heart of anything Newcastle did well on Saturday. Went close in the first half but was denied by Ryan; troubled the Brighton defence going forward but gave away a few silly fouls.
Mohamed Diame – 3 – The senior Senegal international looks increasingly lost in the Magpies midfield. Offers very little going forward or defensively; a spare part and utterly woeful.
Kenedy – 4 – It just wasn’t his day. The Brazilian flatters to deceive far too often and, for all his talent, he never looked like being the man to unlock this Brighton defence.
ATTACK
Ayoze Perez – 4 – Missed a vital chance early on that would have completely changed the complexion of the game. Lots of running around but precious little end product from the Spaniard.
Yoshinori Muto – 5 – Failed to reproduce his sterling performance against Manchester United and missed a good chance when he headed the ball over after Ryan palmed away Shelvey’s drive.
SUBSTITUTES
Joselu (73) – 4 – Was unable to influence proceedings off the bench and his introduction for Muto was met by vociferous boos from the home fans.
