Newcastle player ratings vs Brentford: Harvey Barnes impresses

In today’s Newcastle player ratings – We reflect on the game between Newcastle United and Brentford, which finished Newcastle 1-0 Brentford.

Newcastle United hosted Brentford this evening in gameweek 5 of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. Dubbed by pundit Paul Merson as a “must win” game, Newcastle continued their tough run of fixtures with a narrow win on home soil against Brentford.

It was made obvious from the first ten minutes that the Magpies would have a game on their hands, as the visiting Brentford started on the front foot. Ultimately, the game belonged to Newcastle as that early pressure soon subsided. In the end, a scoreline of just 1-0 was flattering for Brentford.

Given the outcome of the match, let’s jump in today’s Newcastle player ratings…

Newcastle player ratings vs Brentford

Nick Pope – 6/10

A clean sheet and not too much to do. This is EXACTLY what any Premier League player would want. Especially a player like Pope, who was struggling for form heading into this game.

Thankfully for the England international, he was helped by a fine display from his defenders, which left him somewhat redundant between the sticks. Still, a quiet evening is nothing to complain about as a goalkeeper.

Kieran Trippier – 7.5/10

As per usual, Trippier was unreal in the opposition’s half. He got forward a lot and created some great chances. From a defensive standpoint, he did well to deal with the pressure from Rico Henry who unfortunately was subbed off through injury.

Fabian Schar – 7/10

Another day at the office for Fabian Schar was his head smashed into anything and everything. Unsurprisingly, he handled the knock well and played the rest of the game. Head injuries are certainly nothing new to the colossal defender.

Sven Botman – 8.5/10

Another stunning centre back performance from Sven Botman as he played the ball well and made it virtually impossible for the rampant Brentford attack to do anything all game. Man of the match for me.

Dan Burn – 6/10

As expected, the Brentford front-line saw the left-hand side, operated by Dan Burn, as the Magpies’ weak spot to exploit. Therefore, Burn was faced with the most competition. Ultimately, Burn was comfortable under the pressure. I do think that Howe needs to stop playing him as a full-back, though.

Sean Longstaff – 5/10

It was a game of two halves for Longstaff. In the first half, he looked lost and gave the ball away a few times. He eased into the game after the break, though, as his presence was important in a lot of areas on the pitch. Overall, an average display.

Bruno Guimaraes – 8/10

He almost scored within the first half an hour, but it didn’t cross the line unfortunately. Other than the unfortunate missed opportunity, Bruno was his usual solid self. He rarely put a foot wrong as Newcastle won a lot of the midfield battles.

Elliot Anderson – 7/10

Throughout the match, Anderson was one of the best players on the pitch as Newcastle fans were reminded once again that he is the real deal.

The 25-year-old was great on the turn, looked comfortable in possession and even got forward to create some chances for the attacking line. Admittedly, he was in the squad for rotation purposes, but he did well given the chance and proved to Howe that he’s worthy of selection going forward.

Harvey Barnes – 8/10

In his first start for Newcastle United, the England international performed well. He proved to Howe that he has what it takes to be a staple starter in this team. Consistent bright runs into the opposing half and some great dribbling made it a bright full debut for the summer signing.

Callum Wilson – 8/10

Wilson was fuming and understandably so to be robbed of the opening goal in the 57th minute. Not much later than that, Wilson was granted the gift of a penalty and the striker obviously converted with aplomb. What a penalty that was!

Other than that, Wilson was bright and made some promising movements in the opposing half.

Anthony Gordon – 7/10

Some fans were critical of Gordon’s performance. The main criticism was that he ran around with no end product. In fact, I would argue the opposite. Particularly in the first half, it was Gordon who maneuvered some positive attacking movements. His link up play with Trippier on that right-hand side was impressive.

I mean, winning a penalty on home soil isn’t a bad performance, right?!

[Sub] Miguel Almiron – 4/10

It was the right decision to bench Almiron, as the two wingers played well. He didn’t come on with enough time to warrant a higher rating.

What were your Newcastle player ratings?