Newcastle United player ratings v AC Milan: ‘8.5/10 ‘warrior’ as 5/10 ‘allows game to pass him by’ - gallery
Jordan Cronin
·2-min read
It was Pope v Milan in the first-half as the goalkeeper made SEVEN saves. Ended the night on nine in total. A hero.
Newcastle United opened up their Champions League group stage campaign with a 0-0 draw against AC Milan.
Newcastle survived a first-half onslaught to remain level at half-time with Nick Pope forced into making seven saves. Meanwhile, his opposite number Mike Maignan didn’t have to make any.
The hosts continued to pile the pressure on in the second-half but the Magpies’ defence held out a point on their first Champions League night in 20 years.
A calm influence throughout the evening. Having played at this level before, the Trippier’s experience really did shine through.
Here’s Newcastle our player ratings from the San Siro:
Ventured forward on a couple of occasions with Newcastle struggling to create. Made one or two important interceptions.
Rose to aerial challenge up against Olivier Giroud.
Made some good defensive contributions but was careless in possession. Passed the ball out of play three times.
Was smart in everything that he done, whether than be making tackles, winning free-kicks or retaining possession.
Provided legs and energy to a midfield that lacked exactly that earlier in the season.
Was a return to his boyhood club too much, too soon? Tonali often allowed the game to pass him by and created an unbalance the left-hand side by not doing his defensive duties.
Threatened to show flashes of what he can do but never really got going.
A vital contribution after clearing Tommaso Pobega’s effort off the line. Twice tried his luck from distance but stuck both efforts over.
Tried to get into the game by dropping deep but didn’t get much joy. Moved out to the left-hand midway through the second half and left Burn exposed.
Let down by minimal service.
Didn’t impact the game in the final but made a crucial sliding clearance at the back post.
Produced an important block and tackle when introduced.
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