Player ratings against Liverpool and…Which Newcastle United Fan Are You?

If you’re honest, you’ll admit as a Newcastle United fan, that you couldn’t predict the 2026-27 season with any confidence.

If you’re a typical Newcastle United fan in an NUFC chat room, you had a cynical view of it all.

New unproven manager. Captain gone. Rated midfielder and forward off to London and Barcelona, respectively.

Ageing former captain at right-back not offered a contract to stay on as at least a leader and capable back up.

“Poor” signings from summer 2025 still on the roster. Additions to the roster who are too young and inexperienced for the rigours of the Premier League.

No way this season could be anything other than ugly.

If you’re like many of the Newcastle supporters who don’t reside in chat rooms or comment sections, yours was a different view.

Chagrined at some, but not all, of the chaos over the summer. But not totally lost of hope or excitement.

You’ve seen worse on Tyneside.

Plus, there was this:

The arrival of a new coach and young talent. Several still-current Magpies who had good World Cups that might carry over to the new season. Still plenty of talent in the squad. No play in Europe. A fresh approach to tactics and player deployments. A blank slate for every player, so maybe more playing time given to raw, unrefined, or underperforming players by a staff unbiased on previous evaluations or performances.

This season could be better than everyone thinks.

And so it was in the 5th minute of the ’26-27 opener at St. James’ Park vs. Liverpool on Sunday that I had a deja vu from last season.

As Will Osula took a sliding interception-pass from newcomer Amar Dedić just above his own 18 yard box and took off like a wild colt with Scousers chasing and Anthony Elanga on his right and behind but closing the gap…

I had flashbacks to Osula’s wondergoal against Man United last season as I watched it unfold.

When Elanga’s first touch of Osula’s perfect layoff was a deft dribble that gave him space, it was no surprise to see the net fluttering as the ball bounded into the left corner.

I’ll admit. I’m a big fan of Osula. While some of his goal celebrations and other theatrics are cringe, there’s a scoring talent in there.

A goal in the 5th minute of the opener is not a bellwether of a banner season to come but this one hinted at a different season is upon us. Especially from the players who were dragged over the coals last season.

After a summer of discontent, 90 minutes of football on Sunday may have lifted the gloom.

A midweek Carabao Cup fixture home to West Brom followed by a tilt in north London against a Tottenham side that looked terrible in their opener are to come in the upcoming days.

A loss to either or both would re-establish the gloom, but there’s confidence now that both the Brommies and the Spuds can be dispatched, if the same efforts are replicated.

While beating a lower-level WBA at home in the Cup tie is expected, winning on the road is not.

Not if you’re Newcastle United. Not even against a suspect Spurs side and a certain Italian midfielder.

But two repeat performances of Sunday, and especially winning both matches, would be a promising sign that the ‘26-27 season will be better than all the doomsayers are predicting.

Player Ratings

Horniček – 7
Can’t fault the penalty but he could’ve got down better on Gakpo’s opener. Not bad at all, especially considering first start and his youth.

Dedić – 8
Signed under a week ago but impressed nonetheless. His sliding interception and pass in his own box started the first goal.

Thiaw – 8
Tackled, dueled, and fought well. A much different type of captain from Bruno, leading by example more than exuberance.

Botman – 8
Back to the CB we know and, along with Thiaw, kept Isak silent and unthreatening. Even had a few runs upfield.

Hall – 7
Indispensable. Outstanding defending, good runs, but a few missteps and errant passes. Tired challenge on Muñoz was clumsy but my god what a soft penalty.

Miley – 6.5
Steady as always but should’ve closed down Gakpo. Would benefit from a midfielder with experience so he doesn’t have to mentor Steur alone.

Steur – 6.5
Not bad at all. Ups and downs as any teenage debut, with good passing vision but not execution. Gave Liverpool too much space at times.

Barnes – 5.5
No real influence on the game. Works well with Hall down the left and it would be nice to take advantage of that.

Wissa – 8.5 (MotM)
His very good World Cup carried over to today. Ran himself into the ground, created well, got back on defense. Like a new signing.

Elanga – 7
Another one hopefully using a good World Cup to elevate his NUFC game. Nice run and goal. Still inconsistent with passing or decision-making.

Osula – 7
Brilliant run and lay-off for Elanga’s goal. Good pressure up top and deep in his own half. Typical inconsistency in passing or putting away chances.

Ramsey – 6
Subbed in for Steur but no real influence on the game.

Willock – 7.5
Subbed in for Osula as Willockinho. Well-taken goal, created havoc, should’ve buried Murphy’s cross that would’ve sealed all three points.

Bamba – 6
Subbed in for Miley but no real influence on the game. Still, good to see him debut.

Murphy – 6
Subbed in for Elanga. Steadying influence, a typically great cross that strikers couldn’t latch on to to seal the game.

Schar – NR

Subbed in for Wissa in fifth minute of added time, so no chance to be rated.

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