Newcastle United player ratings vs Watford: Here’s how the Magpies fared
Newcastle United moved out of the relegation zone after picking up their first win of the Premier League season against Watford on Saturday.
A second-half strike from substitute Ayoze Perez was enough to give the Magpies all three points at St. James’ Park. However, the win came at a cost, as Rafael Benitez lost Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto to injury.
After going 1-0 down, Watford tried their level best to equalise but Newcastle survived a nervous last 15 minutes to hold onto their first win of the season.
Newcastle United Player Ratings
Martin Dubravka – 8/10
Dubravka was a stellar presence in goal for Newcastle once again. Narrowed down the angle on Deulofeu before denying Success in the first half. Dealt with the threat the came into the box after the break.
DeAndre Yedlin – 7/10
Yedlin was a bundle of energy on the right. Made some really crucial interceptions and blocks to help the Magpies to all three points.
Jamaal Lascelles – 6/10
Lascelles put in an improved performance. However, he was subbed off at half-time due to an injury.
Federico Fernandez – 7/10
Fernandez was a pillar at the back. Dealt with everything that came his way.
Paul Dummett – 6/10
Put in a fantastic shift on the left. Moved forward well and was defensively solid as usual.
Matt Ritchie – 5/10
Ritchie was not up to the mark as his crossing and passing were wayward. Didn’t make much of an impact in the final third.
Mohamed Diame – 4/10
Other than forcing Foster to a good save, Diame was well off the pace. Ceded possession easily and conceded cheap fouls to heap unnecessary pressure on his team.
Jonjo Shelvey – 4/10
Struggled to impose himself in the game. Shelvey’s range of passing was off and was substituted after the break due to an injury.
Kenedy – 6/10
Made a fantastic challenge to deny Success at the death. Worked tirelessly off the ball.
Yoshinori Muto – 5/10
Looked lively and his movement off the ball caused problems to the Watford backline. Forced off due to an injury.
Salomon Rondon – 5/10
A powerful, physical presence up top, Rondon lacked the service from his teammates. He had to rely on the scraps.
Substitutes
Ayoze Perez – 7/10
Glanced a header past Foster from Ki’s free-kick to give Newcastle their first win of the season.
Fabian Schar – 6/10
Came in for the injured Lascelles at the break and did well to restrict the Watford attackers.
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Ki Sung-Yeung – 6/10
Ki won a free-kick just outside the corner of the Watford penalty area and then supplied a delicious cross from which Perez scored.