Newcastle United earned a 4-2 win at Brentford to keep the European dream alive for another week.
OK, they had a slow start and could easily have fell behind had it not been for a VAR call and a Nick Pope save. But they settled their nerves through a Harvey Barnes header mid-way through the first half.
Barnes’ effort was followed up by goals from Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak who helped himself to a third goal and his 24th of the season. Newcastle only need to see this game out to secure seventh spot.
In the second half Brentford made life a little more difficult when Vitaly Janelt pulled a goal back on 48 minutes to reduce arrears at 3-1. Yoan Wissa’s stunning strike made it a tense finish with 20 minutes left but a close range strike from Bruno restored the two-goal cushion for Newcastle.
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Here’s how the players rated overall:
Nick Pope 8
Made some important saves in both halves including a tremendous diving stop to deny Ivan Toney. A good show in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate.
Emil Krafth 7
An honest shift but suffered some problems on his side in the second half.
Fabian Schar 7
Grew stronger as the game went on. Some crucial blocks.
Dan Burn 7
A calm enough influence in the heart of defence after some early jitters from team-mates. Has utilised Row Z when needed almost clipping a journalist’s cap off in the process.
Lewis Hall 7
Overcome a tough start to the game by offering a threat down the left.
Sean Longstaff 7
A tidy display with some important interceptions. Unlucky to see a goal chalked off.
Bruno Guimaraes 10
A sparkling man of the match display to underline how important he is to the team. Two assists and a goal said it all.
Joelinton 7
Despite a horror miss and a yellow card his midfield presence as he quicky offered more of a physical threat in midfield.
Jacob Murphy 9
Had a hand in two goals and grabbed one himself. A productive shift on a big weekend for the Murphy family in London following brother Josh’s strike at Wembley.
Harvey Barnes 8
A good show overall with an important headed goal and positive attacking play to sign season off on a high.
Alexander Isak 9
Scored one, made one then hit a well struck free-kick that led to Bruno tapping home.
Subs
Miguel Almiron (for J Murphy 68)
Elliot Anderson (for Barnes 68)
Kieran Trippier (for Joelinton 80)
Callum Wilson (for Isak 80)
Paul Dummett (for Schar 90)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark.
Here’s how the players rated in the first half:
Nick Pope 7
Calmed things down after Brentford’s quick start. A key save to deny Toney on his return.
Emil Krafth 6
Has battled away and put in a shift.
Fabian Schar 6
Looks like he’s easing himself back to full fitness.
Dan Burn 7
A calm enough influence in the heart of defence after some early jitters from team-mates. Has utilised Row Z when needed almost clipping a journalist’s cap off in the process.
Lewis Hall 6
Suffered a rough time in the opening stages as Bryan Mbeumo had plenty of success down his side.
Sean Longstaff 7
Has battled hard. A tad unfortunate to see his strike ruled out after Isak strayed offside.
Bruno Guimaraes 9
Offering some finesse for the Magpies. A lovely cross for the opener and a second assist followed for Isak’s goal.
Joelinton 6
A horror miss and a yellow card. Can only get better.
Jacob Murphy 9
A hand in two goals and on the scoresheet himself.
Harvey Barnes 7
When Newcastle needed a big moment he stepped up to provide one.
Alexander Isak 9
A goal and an assist as he looks to sign off in style for the season.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-player-ratings-brentford-29199218
