Newcastle Player Ratings: Aubameyang Double Sinks Magpies in Marseille

Newcastle player ratings set the tone for a dramatic Champions League night as the Magpies let a promising lead slip away, falling 2-1 to Marseille after a costly error from Nick Pope and a clinical brace by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This defeat leaves Eddie Howe’s side with a challenging path ahead if they are to reach the knockout stages.

Newcastle Player Ratings: Early Promise Turns to Frustration

Newcastle’s Champions League campaign took a hit at the Orange Velodrome, with Newcastle player ratings reflecting a night of missed opportunities and individual mistakes. The visitors started brightly, with Harvey Barnes continuing his fine form by firing the Magpies ahead in just the sixth minute. Barnes coolly slotted home after a clever cut-back from Sandro Tonali, setting the tone for what initially seemed a dominant Newcastle display.

Malick Thiaw almost doubled the lead moments later, only to see his close-range header cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. For the opening stretch, Newcastle pressed high and looked sharp, but as the half progressed, Marseille, steered by Roberto De Zerbi, took control, testing Nick Pope with a string of efforts.

The Turning Point: Nick Pope’s Error and Aubameyang’s Brilliance

High drama unfolded just seconds into the second half. Nick Pope, who had made several key saves earlier, suffered a lapse in judgment. Rushing far out of his box in an attempt to intercept, Pope was beaten to the ball by Aubameyang, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle to equalize. The momentum instantly shifted.

Before Newcastle could regroup, Aubameyang struck again. Two minutes after his first, the former Arsenal striker met Timothy Weah’s precise cross, volleying into the roof of the net to put the French hosts in front. The Velodrome exploded with joy as Marseille claimed their first win over English opposition in 12 attempts.

Newcastle’s Defensive and Midfield Performances

Despite the loss, several Magpies players showed grit. Malick Thiaw was busy at both ends — nearly scoring and making crucial clearances. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn worked tirelessly in defense, but constant Marseille pressure eventually told. In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes was relentless, full of running, and often forced to defend deep, while Tonali’s creativity shone in the build-up but faded as the hosts gained control.

Attacking Efforts Fall Short

Harvey Barnes continued his fine scoring form, but Newcastle’s attacking edge dulled after the opening exchanges. Jacob Murphy started brightly before fading, and Anthony Gordon struggled to make a decisive impact on his return to the starting eleven. Joe Willock, after an early booking, had a frustrating night, replaced late on by Jacob Ramsey, who injected some energy but not enough time to influence the outcome.

Eddie Howe’s Choices Under Scrutiny

Manager Eddie Howe rotated his squad, but the changes failed to pay off. Substitutes like Lewis Miley, Anthony Elanga, and Lewis Hall added vigor but couldn’t turn the tide. Howe’s decisions, particularly in managing the defensive approach after the early lead, will be questioned as the Magpies now face a steep uphill battle in a group that still includes Bayer Leverkusen, PSV, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle Player Ratings vs Marseille

• Nick Pope (4/10): Strong start with solid saves, but a costly mistake gifted Marseille their way back.
• Tino Livramento (6/10): Worked hard against overlapping runs but faded in the second half.
• Malick Thiaw (7/10): Nearly scored; strong defending throughout.
• Fabian Schar (6/10): Resilient but eventually overrun, subbed off on the hour.
• Dan Burn (6/10): Reliable defensively, limited mistakes.
• Bruno Guimaraes (7/10): Tireless and combative, but pinned back.
• Sandro Tonali (6/10): Orchestrated the opener but wasted a great chance.
• Joe Willock (5/10): Disjointed display, struggled to make an impact.
• Jacob Murphy (6/10): Bright start, then subdued as OM gained control.
• Anthony Gordon (6/10): Quiet return, lacked end product.
• Harvey Barnes (7/10): Sharp finish and movement, Newcastle’s key threat early on.

Substitutes and Manager

• Lewis Miley (6/10): Good defensive contributions.
• Anthony Elanga (6/10): Energetic but limited involvement.
• Lewis Hall (5/10): Showed intent, but little influence.
• Jacob Ramsey (6/10): Direct runs, needed more time.
• Nick Woltemade (5/10): Barely involved.
• Eddie Howe (5/10): Early promise faded, substitutions didn’t alter the course.

What’s Next for Newcastle in the Champions League?

The loss means Newcastle now face a daunting task in their remaining group matches. With clashes against Bayer Leverkusen, PSV, and Paris Saint-Germain looming, every mistake will be costly. The side’s Champions League hopes are very much alive but under threat, and improvements will be critical if the Magpies are to advance.

Opinion: Lessons to Learn from Marseille Defeat

This defeat is a stern reminder that in the Champions League, every detail matters. Newcastle showed they can compete at this level but were undone by lapses in concentration and key individual mistakes. Recovering from setbacks is the mark of a top side, and Eddie Howe’s team must regroup quickly. With decisive fixtures ahead, Newcastle’s spirit will be tested — but their destiny remains in their hands.

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