Newcastle United won their second Champions League game in a row on Tuesday night, beating Portuguese giants Benfica 3-0 at St James’ Park.
It was a clinical display from Eddie Howe’s men, which helped the Englishman to his first win over a Jose Mourinho side since 2015, as per Transfermarkt.
The performance itself was sensational from the Magpies. Benfica played well in the early stages, with Dodi Lukebakio posing a real threat down the left-hand side. Yet, Anthony Gordon’s opener just past the half-hour mark put the Magpies ahead. The England star got on the end of Jacob Murphy’s low cross across the penalty area.
It was second-half substitute Harvey Barnes who added the second and third goals for Newcastle. His first was a superb strike after getting on the end of a huge throw from Nick Pope. Barnes carried the ball into Benfica’s penalty area and smashed home via the post.
His second strike was another well-worked goal. A slick one-two from Gordon and Nick Woltemade created space for the England international to drive into. He played Barnes in behind, with the substitute striking the ball first time and bagging his second of the night.
It was an excellent win from Newcastle, with midfield pair Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley particularly shining.
Guimaraes and Miley’s performance vs. Benfica
It was a hardworking performance from the two Newcastle midfielders against Benfica. For Guimaraes, he simply maintained a standard expected of him now, having garnered a reputation as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
The Brazilian was everywhere against Mourinho’s side, winning four duels and making seven recoveries. In possession, he was constantly picking the ball up and driving forward, causing real issues carrying from deeper areas.
He also played a wonderful pass to Murphy, which led to Gordon’s goal.
The role Miley had was arguably harder. He was filling in for Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, both of whom are key players in the Magpies’ midfield. The homegrown star coped well with the pressure. He was metronomic in midfield, completing 37 from 41 passes and creating one chance, as well as working hard without the ball.
Scott Wilson, chief sports writer at the Northern Echo, noticed their top performances. He gave them each an 8/10 for their efforts on Tuesday night, explaining that Guimaraes put in a ‘fine midfield display’ and Miley ‘deserves more game time’ after that showing.
However, the other man in Newcastle’s midfield struggled more than their pivot.
The Newcastle midfielder who struggled vs Benfica
Howe’s side were certainly hamstrung by the lack of midfield firepower at St James’ Park. Tonali was only a substitute after suffering from illness in the past few days, and Joelinton was rested following several starts.
That gave an opportunity to summer signing Jacob Ramsey to play from the start. It was the 24-year-old’s first start at St James’ Park, after a few injury issues derailed his start to life in the North East.
It was certainly a tough night at the office for the former Aston Villa star. Unlike his midfield partners, Ramsey struggled to get into the game, unable to get a real grasp and create things in a fairly advanced midfield role.
Wilson was certainly a little more critical of the Magpies’ number 41. He gave him a 6/10 rating for his efforts, explaining that he ‘wasn’t really able to dictate play’. although he did note he brought ‘plenty of energy and effort’ to the middle of the park.
Indeed, some of his stats from the game show how disappointing a performance it was from the 24-year-old. He had fewer touches than Newcastle goalkeeper Pope, with 32 compared to the shot-stopper’s 39.
Ramsey lost the ball seven times and only won three duels.
Touches
32
Passes completed
18/19
Opposition half passes completed
12/13
Number of times ball lost
7
Ground duels won
3/7
Chances created
1
Next up for Newcastle is a tough assignment at home against a well-drilled Fulham side. With Tonali and Joelinton both potentially back in contention to start, it will be interesting to see if Ramsey is kept in the starting lineup by Howe.
His struggles against Mourinho’s side on Tuesday might well mean the Newcastle boss brings back one of his first-choice midfielders, who can help control the game more. It was certainly something Ramsey struggled with at times in the Champions League.
There are options waiting in the wings if Howe decides to go down this route. It is certainly a big call ahead of a must-win game in the top flight.