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Newcastle player ratings v Cardiff City

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OPINION

Newcastle United were left frustrated against Cardiff City in their first away game of the new Premier League season – and there were a number of hits and misses among their squad.

The Magpies played out a 0-0 with the newly promoted side, with Rafael Benitez having to deal with the sending off of Isaac Hayden after his introduction as a substitute in the second half – but gave up the chance to take all three points in added time as Kenedy saw his penalty saved.

This is Futbol has delivered ratings for all the Newcastle players during the stalemate in Wales:

Goalkeeper and defence

Martin Dubravka: 7/10 – A nervy opening saw a clearance deflected by Kenneth Zohore, and his unconvincing display with kicking continued in the second half. However, he was dominant in the air with punching and catching.

Javier Manquillo: 2/10 – The Spaniard stepped into the right back slot in place of the injured DeAndre Yedlin but showed why he was firmly second choice. Cardiff got far too much joy down his flank, and he was an embarrassment in the back line – hopefully he stays out for a while after being hooked at half time.

Jamaal Lascelles: 6/10 – The captain was pretty comfortable when the ball was in the air, although had to be careful of giving away fouls through brute force with a whistle-happy referee in Craig Pawson. Marking could have been better.

Ciaran Clark: 6/10 – Perhaps a surprise the Republic of Ireland man has kept his spot despite new defensive recruits coming in, he was consistent but unspectacular. Often launched balls forward to little effect, does not fit the passing style Benitez wants to employ.

Paul Dummett: 7/10 – Newcastle’s Mr Consistent performed admirably once again, giving Cardiff very little to sniff at down their right wing – although with the joy they got down the left, he was rarely tested.

Midfield

Mohamed Diame: 4/10 – Who? The first half an hour passed Diame by as he struggled to get any foothold against the Cardiff midfield, and he hardly improved as the game went on. Only notable contributions were a couple of blocks and a couple of fouls.

Jonjo Shelvey: 8/10 – Hit and miss in the first half, delivering some brilliant passes while finding others going astray. The 26-year-old picked up his performance and started to dictate the game when he had the ball. Was solid in defending too. Newcastle’s man of the match.

Matt Ritchie: 5/10 – Booked early on for a fairly innocuous foul, it left the Scottish winger having to temper his fight against the Bluebirds. As such, he was a much quieter influence than expected.

Kenedy: 2/10 – On the ball the Brazilian looked like offering nothing, and he was incredibly lucky not to see red for lashing out just after half an hour. Another embarrassing display, and expect retrospective punishment – quite frankly it would be deserved. A missed penalty summed up his game.

Attack

Ayoze Perez: 6/10 – Snatched at a great early chance when he fired straight at goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, but was a constant thorn in Cardiff with his movement up top. Found himself contributing at the other end as well with some defensive blocks.

Joselu: 4/10 – Another passenger, he offered nothing up top and deserved to be hooked. Instead led the line for 90 minutes.

Substitutes

Isaac Hayden (45′): 4/10 – Replacing Javi Manquillo at right back, the natural defensive midfielder demonstrated he is no full back, and was sent off for an adjudged high challenge – a harsh dismissal, but he gave Pawson a decision to make.

Yoshinori Muto (65′): 5/10 – Took the place of Ayoze Perez, but offered very little as the visitors struggled with 10 men.

Jacob Murphy (70′) 5/10 – Came on as a right wing-back, but found nothing going forward.

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