Newcastle player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen with one 5/10 as Magpies draw | Football | Sport
Newcastle United succumbed to a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen as their tendency to concede late goals reared its head on a European night. Leverkusen took the lead courtesy of some generous defending from Newcastle. Alejandro Grimaldo lofted the ball to the back post where centre-back Robert Andrich headed across goal, easily outmanoeuvring Sandro Tonali. The header struck Bruno Guimaraes before slipping past Aaron Ramsdale, gifting the German side an easy opener. However, if Newcastle had been generous in the festive season, Leverkusen were about to return the favour.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken took one touch too many, allowing Nick Woltemade to steal the ball and subsequently be brought down by the former Brentford player. Anthony Gordon stepped up to level the score at 1-1 at the BayArena on the 51st minute. Newcastle took the lead at 74 minutes when Gordon set up Lewis Miley to head home. But with just two minutes remaining, Toon hearts were shattered as Maza slipped in Grimaldo who fired home to make it 2-2. Express Sport rates and slates the Newcastle players…
Aaron Ramsdale – 7
His effort to keep out the opener was questionable as Bruno’s shot trickled past him. However, he made significant saves to recover well in both halves.
Tino Livramento – 6
He managed to slice through Leverkusen a few times but was not at his best.
Malick Thiaw – 5
Truth be told, he had a subpar first half. He improved in the second half but didn’t shine during the equaliser.
Dan Burn – 6
He had a mixed performance as he fought hard but was outmanoeuvred for the Leverkusen equaliser.
Lewis Hall – 7
He was a bright spark on the left flank for Newcastle. One superb cross to the back post should have been converted by Barnes. He also contributed to the second goal.
Joelinton – 5
Managed 33 touches and made a couple of blocks. However, he struggled to find his rhythm as Leverkusen kept a tight rein on him in midfield. Now has Miley hot on his heels.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Bounced back from an own goal in the first half with a decent enough performance.
Sandro Tonali – 5
His night didn’t improve after he was caught napping at the back post, allowing Andrich to head towards goal for the opener.
Anthony Gordon – 8
Maintained his scoring streak in the Champions League and delivered a fantastic cross for Miley. Nearly at his best after a shaky first half.
Harvey Barnes – 5
Posed some threat but lacked clinical finishing. Failed to deliver an accurate cross throughout the match.
Nick Woltemade – 7
While not a flawless performance, he still made a significant impact and was unlucky not to beat Flekken. Earned the penalty that brought his team back into the game.
Substitutes
Lewis Miley (for Joelinton 60) – 8
The super sub came through with a crucial goal. Despite making an impact, it sadly wasn’t the winning goal.
