Lost the ball 34x, 0 shots on target, 19 duels lost: Newcastle's three worst players vs Brighton

Newcastle United managed to grind out another win as they saw off Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar early in the first half were enough to give Eddie Howe’s team all three points on Tyneside, although Lewis Dunk gave them a little bit of a scare after the interval with a bullet header.

It was a real slog at times for the hosts, who recorded fewer possession and shots on goal, and The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the Magpies’ three worst performers were on the day:

Admittedly tied with Jacob Murphy in terms of rating (6.6), Shelvey ranks in third here having played the entire game, whereas the ex-Norwich winger featured for just 64 minutes.

The Newcastle captain lost out on three of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on target, dribble, interception or tackle, along with losing the ball eight times.

Joelinton was ranked as the Magpies’ second-worst player with a 6.5 overall rating from SofaScore.

The Brazilian was unsuccessful in eight of his duels, while he also had no shots on goal or successful dribbles and gave away possession on 14 separate occasions.

With a 6.4 rating, Willock was ranked as the worst Newcastle performer on the day.

The former Arsenal midfielder also lost eight duels, while he never tested Robert Sanchez in goal, and he made an error which led to a Seagulls chance.

He also gave the ball away 12 times and was dribbled past five times in a performance with which he may have been disappointed personally.

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