Newcastle vs Cambridge: Player ratings and analysis as Kieran Trippier makes debut but Magpies stunned

Newcastle 0-1 Cambridge (Ironside ’56)

Upon signing for Newcastle, Kieran Trippier said he “likes to take chances and challenges” – and the scale of the task ahead of him was re-emphasised by defeat to Cambridge United in the third round of the FA Cup.

Despite the hosts having dominated for long spells, with both Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy seeing goals chalked off for offside, it fell to Joe Ironside – a boyhood Newcastle supporter who idolised Alan Shearer growing up – to open the scoring after an agonisingly lengthy VAR check.

Dimitar Mitov had kept the U’s in the tie, Trippier providing the added width and setting up Murphy in the early stages, but the 26-year-old was unable to connect properly. Yet his new teammate, Newcastle’s first high-profile addition since the PiF’s takeover, consistently threatened pressing high down the right and bringing a renewed composure to the backline.

That could not be said across the board, Matt Ritchie caught out of position on more than one occasion and fortunate not to concede a penalty for wrestling Harvey Knibbs inside the box.

More from Football

Olise sparkles in Palace turnaround as Millwall's upset hopes crushed - ratings and analysis08 January, 2022English football's biggest battle in 2022 is off the pitch - and it has Man Utd's support08 January, 2022Chesterfield finally meet Chelsea, 25 years after chairman Mike Goodwin wished VAR existed08 January, 2022

So too was Trippier required to make up for Ryan Fraser, replacing him on set pieces and attempting a direct free-kick from a similar position to his most famous hour during England’s 2018 World Cup semi-final.

Had he been signed for his dead-ball ability alone, he would no doubt have immediately improved this Newcastle side, but aside from one overhit pass after a deft touch from Jonjo Shelvey, the right-back quickly brought a more creative approach to an attack that is still reliant on moments of vision from Allan Saint-Maximin.

There were already moments when, as Schar searched for Trippier with his cross-field passes and he raced through the middle to lay the ball off to Joelinton, he felt increasingly like he has the potential to become one of the focal points of their attack as well as transforming the defence.

More on Newcastle United FC

Trippier was Newcastle’s easy transfer - Digne’s rejection proves the hard work starts now07 January, 2022Newcastle quoted 'premium' fees, Chelsea's Digne interest and Brexit battle for academy stars07 January, 2022Newcastle targeting a new striker and centre-back after sealing £12m Trippier deal05 January, 2022

The new signing will no doubt have helped along an impressive attendance of 51,395, which is no mean feat post-Christmas against a side 41 places below them in the football pyramid.

St James’ Park was once again disappointed, however, by another underwhelming performance at home as Eddie Howe’s attention turns once again to the January market and more reinforcements.

Newcastle player ratings

• Dubravka – 6
• Trippier – 8
• Krafth – 6
• Schar – 6
• Ritchie – 5
• Shelvey – 6
• Joelinton – 6
• S. Longstaff – 6
• Fraser – 6
• Saint-Maximin – 6
• Murphy – 7

Substitutes:

• Willock – 5
• Almiron – 6
• Manquillo – 6

from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/32T2afy