OPINION
Newcastle United knew that they had to make a statement when they faced Watford on Saturday, as it could easily be the game where they picked up their first win of the season.
It was the substitutes that really made the difference in this game, with Ayoze Perez netting the only goal of the game to ensure United of a 1-0 win – their first victory of the campaign.
Ki Sung-Yueng was practically sung from the hymn sheet during this clash, with his introduction making a vast impact on Newcastle’s attacking play.
Nothing But Newcastle has delivered ratings for all the Magpies players after their performances against Watford, with one player bordering on invisible in a 3/10 display.
Goalkeeper and defence
Martin Dubravka, 6 – Had a few saves to make in the first half due to Watford’s bright attacking play, but did not have that much to do once Newcastle scored.
DeAndre Yedlin, 6 – Once again showed off his speed during this clash, which caused the Watford defence all sorts of problems. All in all, he had a rather good game.
Jamaal Lascelles, 4 – Came off with a shoulder problem in the second half, so did not make much of an impact on the game, which is a shame,
Federico Fernandez, 5 – Made little impact on the game, but he was part of a back four that dealt incredibly well with the threat Watford posed in the second half.
Paul Dummett, 5 – Let himself down at times, but there was nothing that he really did wrong during this fixture – but it was not the best we have seen him at this season.
Midfield
Matt Ritchie, 4 – Was not at his best today, but was not woeful. Got injured but was unable to come off sue to all three substitutes being used.
Jonjo Shelvey, 4 – Looked surprisingly underwhelming for some stages of the first half, which was odd. Got taken off in the second half for Ki, where he limped off.
Mohamed Diame, 3 – Definitely did not warrant a start by Benitez in this game. The six foot [Transfermarkt] man forced a good save from Watford keeper Ben Foster in the first half, but other than that, looked incredibly lacklustre. In fact, he bordered on invisible.
Kenedy, 6 – Was excellent in the midfield, showing commitment to the cause by chasing every ball that was lost – a real asset to the team, and proved the doubters wrong.
Attack
Salomon Rondon, 7 – Showed his strength in the opening stages of the match, but managed to give the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Provided a slight threat, but he did not bother the Watford defence too much.
Yoshinori Muto, 4 – Had a few chances in the opening stages, and was a key threat during the first half. However, got substituted in the second half – overall, he must do better.
Substitutes
Ki Sung-Yueng (on for Shelvey, 50′ ), 9 – Wow, what a difference the summer recruit made when he came on. His shot was deflected by Perez for the only goal of the game, but his attacking play was really positive – made a case for a start next week.
Ayoze Perez (on for Muto, 51′), 7 – Looked a different player than usual when he came on. Netted the goal that secured Newcastle their first win, and really proved why Benitez was wrong to drop him to the bench.
Fabian Schar (on for Lascelles 45′), 6 – Impact was minimal, but stood firm when Watford piled on the pressure in the second half after the goal. Coped really well with their threat.
