West Brom v Newcastle - Player Ratings
Joe Masi rates the WBA players following their 0-0 draw with Newcastle at The Hawthorns.
Sam Johnstone
The goalkeeper made three routine saves to keep out efforts from Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Chris Willock. Overall, though, Johnstone didn’t have an awful lot to do.
Assured 7
Darnell Furlong
A committed display from the full-back, who made one excellent challenge on Willock inside the box. Vocal throughout, Furlong kept trying to rally his team-mates as Albion went in search of the win they desperately needed.
Leader 7
Dara O’Shea
Another confident and composed showing from the Republic of Ireland international. There was one moment when Joelinton beat him in a foot race. But otherwise O’Shea was comfortable against the Newcastle attack.
Comfortable 7
Kyle Bartley
Post-match, Sam Allardyce said Albion have ‘mastered’ the defensive side of the game. And Bartley’s performances are a huge reason why, with the centre-back having been excellent in recent weeks.
Commanding 7
Conor Townsend
Arguably Albion’s biggest threat, some of the crosses Townsend sent in from the left were excellent. It’s just a shame one of them wasn’t converted. Also sound defensively.
Impressive 8
Okay Yokuslu
With each passing week, you can’t help but wonder why Yokuslu isn’t playing for Celta Vigo. Excellent once again, the midfielder’s crunching tackles are a joy to behold. But his reading of the game and passing range is also first-class.
Excellent 8
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The Arsenal loanee protected Albion’s back four well in a display that saw him cover a lot of ground. But he needs to improve his final pass if he wants his future to be in midfield.
Box-to-box 7
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher always brings energy. But 60 hours after playing Everton, you couldn’t help but wonder if his levels would dip. They didn’t. Gallagher was outstanding in a tenacious display that saw him do everything he could to keep Albion on the front foot.
Fantastic 8
Matheus Pereira
Pereira constantly demanded the ball and kept trying to find the pass that would unlock Newcastle’s defence. The quality from the Brazilian just wasn’t there, though.
Lacked spark 6
Matt Phillips
Phillips should have scored when he met a cross only to then fire over from eight yards. The winger did a lot of good things, but when it really mattered the quality just wasn’t there.
Committed 6
Mbaye Diagne
Where would Albion be if Diagne had been able to convert just a few more chances? He should have scored here when Bartley flicked on a long-throw. Undoubtedly a handful, but he does need to be more clinical.
Frustrating 5
Substitutes
Hal Robson-Kanu (Diagne 84), Karlan Grant (Phillips 83). Not used: Button, Peltier, Ajayi, Livermore, Sawyers, Snodgrass Robinson.
