Newcastle United threw yet another lead away as they were pegged back to a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
An unfortunate Bruno Guimaraes own goal had Newcastle United trailing at the break but Eddie Howe’s side responded after half-time.
Nick Woltemade pressed Mark Flekken into a mistake and duly won a penalty, which was expertly dispatched by Anthony Gordon.
Who was your MOTM vs Bayer Leverkusen?
Lewis Miley, who came off the bench for Joelinton, then headed in Gordon’s cross to give Newcastle hope of a first comeback victory since February.
Once again, however, Howe’s side conceded late as Alejandro Grimaldo’s clever movement dumbfounded the defence before the Leverkusen star scored.
Here’s how Geordie Boot Boys rated the players…
Aaron Ramsdale – 7
Few decent saves but did not convince for the goal, albeit in difficult circumstances.
Tino Livramento – 6
Rarely puts a foot wrong in general but wasn’t at his best on Wednesday.
Malick Thiaw – 6
Lucky not to have been sent off, after previously looking composed. Sadly his worst half for the club yet.
Did almost score in the second-half, however.
Dan Burn – 6
Should have done better for the second goal.
Lewis Hall – 7
Energetic and one of few Newcastle players who looks like they can create something out of nothing.
Give us your three-word review to Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Newcastle United
We’ll go with ‘same old problems’….
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Saw a lot of the ball and was reasonably unlucky with the own goal, although he wasn’t really watching the ball when the cross came in.
Sandro Tonali – 5
Should have done better for the goal and almost cost Newcastle on the counter with an unfortunate slip. Far from his best.
Joelinton – 6
Joelinton has played far worse this season but it still wasn’t great. Taken off injured.
Anthony Gordon – 9
Wasteful up until another brilliant penalty. Gordon has talked about being a big game player and that’s what he’s looking like again.
Teed up Miley for his goal and also hit the post. Hopefully, he takes that form into the derby.
Nick Woltemade – 7
Tried too hard on his return to Germany. Everything felt rushed and some of his trademark nice touches were off. Snatched at the rare chance afforded to him.
Then came the second half. Through sheer force of will, he pressed Mark Flekken into making a mistake and won the penalty.
Not a bad performance by any means but he did look a little too eager to impress.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Bright in the first half but faded in the second.
Subs:
Lewis Miley – 8
Jacob Murphy – 7
Yoane Wissa – N/A
Jacob Ramsey – N/A
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