Newcastle player ratings v Bournemouth

OPINION

Newcastle United were aiming to build on their first win of the season by overcoming Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Magpies got their first three points by defeating Watford 1-0 last weekend and hosted Eddie Howe’s team at St James Park seemingly full of confidence.

Rafa Benitez’s side started the game in decent fashion as Salomon Rondon put them ahead in the seventh minute after pouncing on an opportunity to fire a rebound home.

The forward, confident from his opening goal, then made it 2-0 with a bullet header before the half-time break.

Though it wasn’t all plain sailing as Bournemouth scored before the half-time whistle through Jefferson Lerma to see the score at the break be 2-1.

Nothing But Newcastle has delivered ratings for all the Magpies players after their performances against Bournemouth with two competing for the MOTM award in 9/10 while one struggled in 4/10.

Goalkeeper and defence

Martin Dubravka – 8 – Looked a little concerned when he saw Callum Wilson charging through on goal in the opening minutes but other than that he was fine. Made a one handed save to deny Steve Cook which was beautiful and made a great save at the death.

DeAndre Yedlin – 7 – Showcased his blistering pace to be involved in Rondon’s opening goal but still looks defensively suss at times. Good cross to start the second half. Looked a threat going forward.

Fabian Schar – 7 – Great understanding with Federico Fernandez, the Magpies looked solid at the back thanks to him. Booked for a reckless needless tackle just before the half-time whistle.

Federico Fernandez – 9 – What a block in the early stages to deny Wilson and Jordon Ibe combining to give the Cherries an early lead. Great last ditch tackle after Paul Dummett was bypassed in first half. Continued to make important blocks as the game went on.

Paul Dummett – 7 – Got caught out by Wilson in the first-half should be thankful to play alongside Fernandez. Always showcases passion and did so on Saturday.

Midfield

Matt Ritchie – 7 – Determined and involved in the Magpies’ opening goal of the game. Had a great effort on goal from range as confidence filled his veins.

Sung-Yeung Ki – 8 – Oozes confidence when in possession. Made a mistake that was pounced on in the first half but thankfully not punished. However quickly made up for it by being involved in the second goal. It was his man from the corner that scored Bournemouth’s goal before the half-time break.

Mohamed Diame – 7.5 – Good tackle on Ryan Fraser in opening minutes. Was involved in everything in the early stages of Saturday’s clash including playing an important part in helping his side go 1-0 up. However gave the ball away needlessly as started to showboat at one point.

Kenedy – 8.5 – Got caught out position in early stages and nearly got punished. However from there ran havoc in the first-half and created the Magpies’ second goal of the game.

Attack

Ayoze Perez – 4 – Easily bundled off the ball on a couple of occasions in the first-half, then flagged offside due to not paying attention. Somehow didn’t restore the Magpies’ two-goal cushion before half-time break. Missed several chances which could have made life easier, is a liability due to being wasteful.

Salomon Rondon – 9 – Ambitiously tried to bend the ball into the goal from 25-yards-out, didn’t put much power on the shot. However made sure to finish his dinner when the forward had an opportunity to fire a rebound to make it 1-0 to the Magpies. Then scored an excellent header to make it 2-0.