We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6.
When I did the player ratings for a previous fixture, I repeated the cliché that there are no easy games in the Champions League. And I meant it. After witnessing the first half of this game, I have to say that once in a while, there are.
Newcastle attacked Qarabag at will, and Qarabag let them. We could have scored double figures by half time – the Qarabag goalkeeper was their best player, and heroically kept the score to 0-5. It was so one-sided we hardly had to break sweat. Our opponents were dreadful, but we were very, very good; focused, sharp and clinical.
If I was a betting man, I’d have put my money on the score remaining 0-5 for the rest of the game, on the grounds that Qarabag couldn’t be as bad, and we didn’t need to burn unnecessary energy. And if I was Eddie, I’d have got some subs on there and then.
Well, there were no subs, Qarabag were nowhere near as bad, and we didn’t burn any unnecessary energy. So little, in fact, that Qarabag waltzed through our defence and got one back. Their fans came to life, seeming to believe they could recover the match.
The Newcastle subs came on at the time Eddie always brings them on and the game slowed down after that. Murphy scored a good goal with his swinger but the urgency seeped out of the encounter. That’s not a criticism, we just had to do enough, and we did.
But this was a fantastic win. Even in my most pessimistic moments I don’t see Qarabag scoring six more than us at SJP.
What could have been a tricky European away tie proved to be a nice, comfortable win. Three away wins on the trot, with a nice easy trip to the Etihad at the weekend to come.
High marks all round, even though no one had to be brilliant to get this one over the line.
Nick Pope 7
Could have done better for Qarabag’s goal (he may have been in shock when they shot) but otherwise comfortable.
Kieran Trippier 8
Barely tested in defence and very good in attack.
He looked out on his feet a few games ago, but he’s found new reserves of energy, got an assist.
Malick Thiaw 9
Another goal from another great header and an easy night for him in defence.
When Qarabag raised their game in the second half, he raised his.
Has the good sense to get a yellow card, which rules him out of the second leg, but not the following game.
Dan Burn 8
Solid and intimidating.
Unlucky not to score and largely untroubled in defence.
Lewis Hall 8
Bit rusty in the first few minutes but the usual smooth performance from Lewis after that.
Some good link-up play with Gordon, Barnes and Woltemade, and some great runs past opposition players. This boy has skills.
Sandro Tonali 8
Commanding, comfortable and cool.
In common with the majority of his teammates, he really didn’t have to exert himself to look better than his opposite numbers.
Joe Willock 7
Played quite well without setting the game alight.
There was talk about him leaving in January. I’m pleased he didn’t. He’s come into some form.
Anthony Elanga 7
The right player to put on the wing and he had the Qarabag left back on toast with his pace.
Didn’t do a great deal in terms of scoring or assisting but helped keep the opposition on the back foot.
Nick Woltemade 8
I was impressed with Nick.
Influenced the game from a withdrawn 10 position and linked the play well.
Quick feet and some intelligent passes.
Harvey Barnes 8
Meant business from the first minute, his interchanges with Gordon and Hall had the Qarabag defence all at sea.
Went a bit quiet in the second half but can claim an assist for Murphy’s goal.
Four goals, could have been six, and a great all-round display.
Just need to find a hypnotist that can convince him that every game is a Champions League fixture.
Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images
SUBS:
Jacob Murphy 7
Scored a lovely goal with his swinger and had a comfortable evening when he came on.
Ended up at right back to give Tripps a rest.
Jacob Ramsey 6
The game was over when he came on and it was just a matter of keeping things tidy. He did.
Will Osula 6
Came close to scoring and put in an energetic cameo that kept Qarabag on their toes.
Joelinton 5
Surprised to see him come on, given his recent injury, but he managed the situation well by never being where the ball was.
Sean Neave N/A (Not on long enough to rate)
Only on for a few minutes but looked the part. Some nice touches – he’ll have loved it.