Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Match ratings and comments on all the Newcastle United players

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·3 April 2025

Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Match ratings and comments on all the Newcastle United players

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 2 Brentford 1.

My worry coming into this game was that the players would have a hangover (no, not that sort) after the cup win and celebration. But they were focused and combative from the get-go and were by far the better side in the first half.

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It looked as if we’d go into the break with nothing to show for our superiority, but as was the case at Wembley, we got a late goal to settle the nerves.

Brentford – a good side – hadn’t come to roll over, and they played with increasing confidence in the second half and got a deserved equaliser, albeit under frustrating circumstances. They also hit the post and had Newcastle fans biting their nails.

Then, pretty much out of the blue, we got an incredible winner. I had to watch it back again when I got home, as I couldn’t quite believe what I saw. Our matchwinner was graciously saying the goal was ‘70% cross’ but at the time I was convinced he meant it. For me, it was hit with too much venom to be a cross.

So three hard-earned points to maintain our push for Champions League football, some winnable fixtures to come, and no cup competitions to distract us. It’s in our hands…

Nick Pope – 7

Did OK for the most part and looked pretty commanding.

But a rush of blood to the head gifted Brentford the penalty from which they scored.

Kieran Trippier – 8

There was a lot of talk about Tripps leaving the Toon earlier in the season but I’m glad he didn’t.

He followed up his Wembley heroics with another assured display. He’ll be crucial to the run-in.

Fabian Schar – 8

Solid, aggressive when required, and his positional play was spot-on.

Dan Burn – 8

After the best fortnight of his life, BDB could have had his mind elsewhere, but he was sound.

Got his head to everything that came his way and kept Brentford quiet for most of the game.

Tino Livramento – 8

Another Wembley hero who carried on pretty much where he left off.

Defensively accomplished and unafraid to get up the other end.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7

Not Bruno’s best game.

Plenty of good bits but gave the ball away too often.

Guilty of looking for the Hollywood pass when he could have played it simple.

Sandro Tonali – 10

I’d have given him a 9 even if he hadn’t scored, as he was – for me – the classiest player on the pitch.

His radar is outstanding – he’s always where we need him to be – and he uses the ball so well.

And if he wants to continue banging crosses into the back of the net, I’m not going to stop him.

Joelinton – 8

Strong and aggressive but not tenth-yellow-card aggressive.

Disciplined, good with the ball, he can be satisfied with his night’s work.

Jacob Murphy – 7

Another good assist for an Isak goal but not much else to write home about.

By no means a poor display but not a great one either.

Alexander Isak – 8

Gets an eight because of his goal but in truth it wasn’t a vintage performance.

Could have scored with a header in the second minute and messed up a chance to score another when he passed to an offside Harvey Barnes, after doing all the hard work.

But that’s 20 goals for the season, so we can’t complain. He looked a bit jaded, so was rightly subbed off.

Harvey Barnes – 6

He’ll be credited with an assist for Tonali’s goal but I thought he was ineffective for most of the game.

Switched from left to right when Willock was subbed on and looked a little more comfortable there. We need more from Barnes.

Joe Willock – 6

Did OK. Happier running at players than either Murphy or Barnes.

Callum Wilson – 5

Struggled to get into the game when he came on but not for lack of trying.

Emil Krafth – 6

Barely noticed him after he came on but that’s not a bad thing for a defender.

Lewis Miley – N/A (Not on long enough to judge)

Not sure he touched the ball.