Newcastle United are through to the Carabao Cup fourth round after defeating Bradford City 4-1 on Wednesday.
It couldn’t have been a better start to Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup defence as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over League One’s Bradford City at St. James’ Park.
The visiting Bantams tried taking the game to Eddie Howe’s side from the off, but a quick-fire double from Joelinton and William Osula put Newcastle in control.
Bradford did well to stem the tide but Newcastle managed to find a third with 15 minutes to go when Joelinton calmly slotted into the bottom corner once more.
Just when it seemed the game was over, Newcastle fan Andy Cook blasted the ball into the top corner, but Newcastle were never in any real danger and Osula made it four late on.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Aaron Ramsdale – 7
Aaron Ramsdale was forced into a decent stop in the opening seconds, crucial given the entire game could have changed if he conceded so early. Could do nothing about the goal.
Emil Krafth – 6
In at right back and completely solid in the position. Bradford got no joy down his flank and he was efficient in possession without being a massive attacking asset.
Malick Thiaw – 6
The summer signing is still settling in and one wayward pass that gave Bradford a good opportunity was concerning. But was proactive at winning the ball back and looked comfortable.
Sven Botman – 7
Was beaten by Stephen Humphrys on one occasion as Bradford tried to seize upon a loose ball, but was otherwise resolute at the back.
Lewis Hall – 7
Howe hasn’t rushed Lewis Hall’s return to full fitness and the left-back has looked rusty in his few appearances, but this was a lot sharper.
He was up and down the flank for an hour and delivered some dangerous crosses into the area, which he was unlucky not to get at least one assist from.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Looked a little off his game with some sloppy passing in the opening stages but soon started to dominate the middle of the park and enjoy himself. It was Bruno Guimaraes’ delightful throughball that sent Osula through to score and he clipped a couple of lovely lofted passes out to the flanks.
A cheeky nutmeg and his tee-up for the third goal were highlights.
Lewis Miley – 6
It was Lewis Miley’s poor pass that put Newcastle under some early pressure but, after that dodgy start, he settled into the holding role and began to dictate the play with some tidy distribution.
He was controlling the game so much that Bradford moved to put another midfielder on to mark him at the break.
Yet, Miley’s strong display was tarnished by his dreadful pass into a Bradford player that allowed the Yorkshire club to score. He can’t be making those mistakes if he wants to play regularly in the Premier League.
Joelinton – 8
Looked up for it from the off despite the low calibre opposition and got the opening goal with a lovely touch and precise finish. The Brazilian was all hustle and bustle and took his second goal well with another composed strike.
Anthony Elanga – 5
An underwhelming performance from the £55m man. This would have been the perfect chance to open his goal or assist account but, even when he got into dangerous positions, he failed to pick the right ball or saw his tame efforts parried.
William Osula – 8
A confident finish and some great attacking play. Looks a bit ungainly, but so hard working and a real threat.
Missed some good chances before finally getting his second with a tap-in late on.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Another player who wasn’t at his sharpest to start with, showing some loose touches and lacklustre shooting. Yet, he too grew into the game and started to become a threat, testing the goalkeeper on multiple occasions and playing some threatening passes after drifting infield.
A much better display from him, but he should have scored, and he knew it.
Substitutes
Kieran Trippier – 6
An easy half an hour’s work.
Tino Livramento – 6
There was no rest for Tino Livramento. Even when he finally didn’t start a match this season, he came on for half an hour at left-back. Thankfully, it wasn’t a taxing afternoon.
Harvey Barnes – 8
Helped create the third goal with a lofted forward pass over the defensive line and then teed up the fourth with a tantalising ball across the face of goal. Had great chances to score himself, too.
Nick Woltemade – 6
Some nice attacking play.
Alex Murphy – N/A
Came on late for his first appearance of the season.
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