Newcastle United player ratings: Magpies star ‘class above’ whilst others struggle in Tranmere win

Newcastle United edged past League Two side Tranmere Rovers to book their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Eddie Howe’s side fell behind through Elliott Nevitt but clawed their way to victory after goals from captain Jamaal Lascelles and Chris Wood.

It was far from a convincing performance by the Magpies but progression into the third round is all that matters.

Howe made 10 changes from the 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Sunday with Joe Willock the only player to survive the wholesale changes.

Karl Darlow, a surprise starter ahead of Martin Dubravka, was one of five players making their first appearances of the season.

Elliot Anderson made his first-ever senior start for the Magpies, while Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie also started.

The hosts took a shock lead on 21 minutes when Nevitt converted Josh Dacres-Cogley’s cutback after some poor defending from United.

Emil Krafth had to be stretchered off in a big injury blow for United on 39 minutes but Kieran Trippier’s introduction helped spark a comeback by the Magpies.

Two Trippier corners either side of half-time were converted by Lascelles and Wood to send United into the next round.

Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Magpies marks from the 2-1 win at Prenton Park:

Karl Darlow - 7

Unlucky not to keep Nevitt’s opener out after getting a hand to it. Also fortunate not to be seriously injured too, after a late challenge from Kane Hemmings in first-half injury time.

Emil Krafth - 5

Krafth’s evening was brought to a premature end on 39 minutes after needing to be stretchered off. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious.

Jamaal Lascelles - 7

Lascelles was in the wars against Tranmere after taking a heavy blow to his nose in the first-half. Still, he managed to carry on and equalise for United.

Paul Dummett - 6

Nowhere to be seen as a simple ball down the left cut open the United defence and led to Tranmere’s opener.

Matt Targett - 5

Committed to winning the ball high off Josh Dacres-Cogley but left a huge gap in between as Tranmere opened the scoring.

Sean Longstaff - 6

Sitting deepest of the midfield three, Longstaff struggled to find his teammates with a pass in the first-half but gradually improved as the game progressed.

Joe Willock - 6

A few driving runs forward saw Willock start brightly. That’s what he’s good at, but he didn’t do it enough at Prenton Park.

Elliot Anderson - 7

One of Newcastle’s bright sparks in the first-half but faded after the break, although he volleyed wide a good chance from a Trippier corner.

Matt Ritchie - 6

There’s no faulting Ritche’s effort and leadership - two valuable traits - but he slowed a number of attacks down for United.

Jacob Murphy - 6

Wasted two decent opportunities in the opening quarter of an hour. Gave the Tranmere defence something to think about in the second half after taking up a more central position.

Chris Wood - 6

Rarely involved from open play but produced a bullet header to put United in front from a Trippier corner.

Kieran Trippier (on for Krafth, 39) - 9

A class above on the night. Trippier made an instant impact minutes after coming on - delivering the corner that Lascelles hammered home for a United equaliser. Also assisted Wood’s goal.

Jamal Lewis (on for Targett, 45) - 6

Showed plenty of energy up and down the left flank on his first appearance of any kind since December 2021.

Sven Botman (on for Lascelles, 70) - 6

Played on his unfavoured side of defence but helped United see out the win after late Tranmere pressure.

Joelinton (on for Willock, 70) - 7

Injected a bit of class and physicality into United’s midfield. Had a few lovely touches.

Bruno Guimaraes (on for Anderson, 85) - N/A