âLeeds Hold Newcastle in Stalemate as Osula, Ramsey & Tonali Shine Differently â Half-Time Player Ratings Reveal Surprising Performancesâ
Leeds United and Newcastle United went into the break locked at 0-0 in a tense battle at Elland Road on Saturday evening. Despite the lack of goals, there were plenty of talking points, particularly around team selection and individual displays.
With Anthony Gordon suspended, Alexander Isak sidelined, and Joelinton injured, Eddie Howe was forced to shake things up, making four changes to the side that lost 3-2 against Liverpool earlier in the week. Among the surprises were Jacob Ramsey and William Osula, who both earned their first Premier League starts, while Sven Botman returned to the lineup for the first time this season as part of a tactical reshuffle.
Hereâs a breakdown of how the Magpiesâ players fared in the opening 45 minutes:
Nick Pope (5): Largely untested in the first half, making just one routine claim. Picked up a booking.
Kieran Trippier (6): Delivered a few teasing crosses but had his hands full dealing with Willy Gnontoâs pace.
Fabian Schär (6): Kept his spot despite a concussion scare. Produced an important block early on and nearly scored an audacious chip before the break.
Sven Botman (6): Back in the starting XI and alert in denying Lucas Nmecha early on. A couple of clumsy fouls but solid overall.
Dan Burn (6): Dominant in the air and composed under Leedsâ pressing.
Tino Livramento (7): Newcastleâs most threatening outlet, creating their first big chance with a driving run forward. Lively and positive throughout.
Sandro Tonali (6): Lost possession dangerously to Sean Longstaff early on but kept things tidy in midfield with plenty of touches.
Bruno GuimarĂŁes (6): Worked hard to influence the game but endured a frustrating half.
Jacob Ramsey (7): Impressive debut half. Made driving runs and linked up well with Osula, even creating a decent chance for the striker. Looks composed and confident.
Jacob Murphy (6): Delivered a few crosses and tested the keeper with Newcastleâs first shot on target late in the half.
William Osula (5): Struggled to impose himself. Had an early chance blocked after hesitating and taking too many touches. Did well to relieve pressure late on but needs more impact.
Both sides will need more cutting edge after the interval, but Newcastleâs young guns, particularly Ramsey and Livramento, showed glimpses of promise, while Osula will be eager to make his mark in the second half.
đĽ đ¨âPlayer Ratings REVEALED! Shock Scores for Leeds Clash â One Star SLAMMED as âFrustratingâ, Another Hailed as âBiggest Threatâ with 7/10⌠Fans Canât Believe It!â
đĽ đ¨âPlayer Ratings REVEALED! Shock Scores for Leeds Clash â One Star SLAMMED as âFrustratingâ, Another Hailed as âBiggest Threatâ with 7/10⌠Fans Canât Believe It!â