Newcastle United’s latest FA Cup adventure met a predictably miserable end on Sunday as they were beaten 3-0 at Chelsea.
The Magpies were arguably the better team in the first half but still headed into the break two goals down, with the remaining 45 minutes somewhat of a procession.
Rafa Benitez’s decision to rotate his full backs proved costly and here’s how we rated the beaten side…
Karl Darlow – 7
The goalkeeper made save after save to keep Newcastle in the game, but he was too easily beaten for Marcos Alonso’s clinching strike.
Javier Manquillo – 4
Manquillo got forward well, but his lack of quality was evident when faced with Alonso and Eden Hazard, who enjoyed tearing past the full back.
Chancel Mbemba – 5
Hazard repeatedly drifted inside to pick on Newcastle’s right-sided centre back, with Mbemba’s hard work not quite enough to keep Chelsea at bay.
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Jamaal Lascelles – 6
The Magpies captain won every header, while he was unfortunate to deflect Michy Batshuayi’s second strike over Darlow.
Ciaran Clark – 5
Although he was a constant option pushing on down the left, Clark’s defensive work suffered a little as he was caught of position for the second goal.
Massadio Haidara – 4
A poor return to the side – in which he was consistently beaten by Davide Zappacosta – should ensure Kenedy is given time to settle on Tyneside.
Henri Saivet – 6
Another man coming back into the team, Saivet was far more impressive than Haidara. He kept the ball moving well in the midfield.
Isaac Hayden – 6
As usual, the former Arsenal man was full of energy and he performed admirably in an unfamiliar right-sided role.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6
The England international drove Newcastle forward in the first half, but he missed at least one huge chance before fading after the break.
Matt Ritchie – 6
When Newcastle caused Chelsea problems early on, Ritchie was key to every move. His influence waned as the Blues took control.
Dwight Gayle – 5
Gayle worked hard, but he was largely anonymous in front of goal.
Joselu (sub for Gayle) – 4
The Spaniard contrived to impact the game even less than Gayle, scarcely keeping the Chelsea defence occupied.
Jacob Murphy (sub for Manquillo) – 5
Appearing at wing back, Murphy had little time to make an impact going forward.
Christian Atsu (sub for Hayden) – 5
With Chelsea by now cruising, Atsu saw very little of the ball against his former club.