Didn’t have to make any dangerous saves of note but the command of his box and footwork were flawless today, very aggressive in coming for high balls into the box and was always successful.
Absolutely shut down the right hand side of the pitch, pocketed Gordon in one half and Barnes in the other and it was his great cross that created the goal.
Completely dominant defensively, shut down the opposition attack and was unbeatable in the air. Maybe could have done better with a chance he had in the first half but a very good game.
Was really good without the ball today, defending well but some of his passing in the first hour or so was erratic and caused us issues. Got better as the game went on though and put a great ball over the top to Isidor for a shot on target.
Another brilliant performance by the full back, Newcastle didn’t have a chance down his side of the pitch.
Dogged out of possession, chased down Newcastle players for the full 90 minutes and showed quality on the ball too.
A brilliant performance in the middle of the pitch, kept the ball, won it back and a real captain’s performance.
Was absolutely everywhere hassling the opposition, made himself a real nuisance all over the pitch.
Put a delicious outside of the foot cross into the box in the first half that someone really should have attacked, not much else from him going forward but put in a real shift to help the team.
Caused his opposition full back a few problems when he ran at him, which probably wasn’t enough, but in the second half in particular there were a couple of really good drives down the line.
Didn’t get much to work with around the opposition box but was a real handful for the Newcastle defence with his strength and hold up play.
Helped us see out the game and put in a trademark thundering tackle with time ticking down.
Was a willing runner with more space in behind and tested Ramsdale with a good shot after chesting down Alderete’s pass.
A late sub as we saw the game out.
Man of the Match: Nordi Mukiele
Some great team performances today, Ballard, Xhaka, Sadiki, Roefs and Reinildo in particular were all stand out performers but my man of the match is Mukiele. Not only was he extremely good defensively, with no opposition player able to get the better of him but he was good on the ball going forward too and whipped in a great cross for the winner.