Newcastle faced Sheffield United in an empty St James’ Park, with Sheffield hoping to bounce back from a draw on Wednesday. In a result few would have predicted, Newcastle won 3-0, with goals coming from Saint-Maximin, Ritchie and Joelinton(!). Sheffield have now lost two games in a row and have only had .81xG over the last two games, suggesting that they aren’t deserving of much better.
BEST PLAYER - ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN
The man in the Gucci headband was once again the best player on Newcastle’s pitch. Allan Saint-Maximin has Newcastle’s second most goal contributions and is vital to their counter-attacks, completing 4.6 dribbles per game (the 3rd best in the league). Yesterday was more of the same as Saint-Maximin completed 7 dribbles (more than double anyone else on the pitch) to progress his team up the pitch. He was then decisive in the final third, making 1 key pass and scoring Newcastle’s opener.
WORST PLAYER - JOHN EGAN
John Egan may feel at least partly responsible for Sheffield losing against Newcastle. The Irish centre back put in a fairly standard performance in the first half, making 2 interceptions and winning two aerial duels, consistent with what he has averaged throughout the season. However, after losing a duel, Egan fouled Joelinton, earning himself a second yellow card. His absence had a clear effect, as Newcastle opened the scoring only 5 minutes later. WIth O’Connell injured and Egan now suspended, Wilder is running out of centre back options.
UNDERRATED PLAYER - MIGUEL ALMIRON
Following his move to Newcastle in January 2019, Almiron had a tough time. Despite registering 40 shots, he was without a goal until December. He now has 6 goals and 2 assists in all competitions, a vast improvement. The midfielder from Paraguay is often Newcastle’s creative hub, and yesterday was no different. Receiving the ball from deep, he completed 3 dribbles to move up the pitch, before finding a teammate 91% of the time (a team high). Almiron’s vision was further displayed by his 3 key passes, one of which was to Joelinton for the 3rd goal. With 1.15 expected assists (xA), Almiron deservingly added to his assist tally.
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