What is the biggest problem costing NUFC?

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reflects on Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Everton in the Premier League at St James' Park.
Who got his his top merit stars? Alexander Isak? Bruno Guimaraes? Elliot Anderson? Dan Burn? And why does he think Eddie Howe deserves some sympathy?

[jpd]

Great analysis as always. Just one small thing, Dan Burn I believe was overlooked. He was immense in the game and thought he was our best player for the game.

[bluepegasus]

Maybe I missed it, but I think Dan Burn deserved a mention for his performance. I thought he was outstanding at CB. I thought you were going to give him the 3 stars!

[std]

Dan Burn was easily man of the match. We would have lost had it not been for him second half.

[No.shopkeeper]

Excellent content Craig as always, but the Jury's in and as great a game that Elliot Anderson had, Dan Burn was man of the match and well done to him 🖤🤍🖤🤍

[geordiedog]

Paul Drummet had one job. We didn’t expect a baller with skills galore. No. We expected a senior pro to come on and not do anything egregious. Like manhandle an oppo player because he’s panicking. We expect him to demonstrate calm and show his seniority, maturity. Not to have a fucking melt down and lose his shite! Eddie was right to not single him out but privately he must be absolutely raging. But then brining him on was a substitute that should never have happened. Fifth choice full back comes on!! But still, he was inexcusable in his incompetence. He had one job. One. Job.

[mrjimbles]

Dummett’s legs have clearly gone and he looked and played like a fan who had won a competition to play at St James’

[terrym]

I’m another one who thought you were going to give Dan Burn three stars but for him not to get even one?WHAT GAME WERE YOU WATCHING 😄

[porciestreethenderson]

I thought BDB was immense tonight. Bruno was in absolute control of midfield fkn Pickford gets MOM.
How the hell....!

[markheddle]

Hopefully, this was the advert why the blind loyalty to Paul Dummett because he's a local lad needs to end this summer.

[PaulO-mvku]

Three good performances for your stars but how you missed out Burn I'll never know, particularly with the stick he's had. Good report though.

[dbulman]

Burn was man of the match, won everything, proper captains performance. Andersen was excellent. Should never have 2 keepers on bench, eddie needs to play some of young lads, alex murphy should be getting on pitch before dummet.

[NorthShieldsMag]

I thought Dan Burn was the man of the match. Fantastic at the back, made some vital challenges and was very unlucky with the disallowed goal.

[michaelcalvert]

Thought Dan Burn was great yesterday. Think of the goals have counted he would’ve been a good shout for man of the match.

[jonnyalive]

There was a lot of good performances last night, the freshness of Elliott and Barnes was so great in the first half. You're exactly right that we ran out of steam due to the bench.

As others have said Burn at the back (finally in the centre!) was excellent.

[jamiekirkbride]

Morning Craig. I don't agree with your merit marks. Dan Burn was motm and the best I've seen him in a black and white shirt.
Lack of squad depth and impactful substitutions cost us today. T-rex also earned his pay cheque.

I'm sick of the dead wood at NUFC. Why are the likes of Paul Dummet still at this club - we aren't a charity for God's sake.

There are too many weak links in the chain at NUFC right now. We need a serious clean out this summer. Dummet, Longstaff, Krafth, Lascelles, Ritchie, Almiron need to go.

Imagine how many goals Isak would score at a top team with top players around him.

[ssoolliidd]

Dan Burn was Man of the Match like. Agree with most of what youve said here Craig but criminal you havent mentioned him!

[stewartfraser]

Craig, I came to the comments to point out the man from Blyth's excellent performance, fully expecting a 2 or 3 star rating, not a total ghosting. Poor lad, plays poor and his performance is roundly critisized, plays well, plays very well and is ignored!
It is good to see the fruits of last summers transfer dealings beginning to blossom in this season; I know you've always said that transfer window should have been for this season so it's better late than never. But still that blossom is hampered by the blight of injury (Livramento) and poor management (perhaps Hall could have gained greater match fitness by playing with the U-21s, as suggested by other commenters).
I agree that this depleted squad depth is going to hamper the run in and, unfortunately likely to impact negatively on us getting a European place.

[GoldenbanjoDJ]

I’ve noticed that Newcastle always get scored against by the meme players. The players who struggle against everyone else and aren’t that great. Chris Wood, Richarlison, Muydryk, Calvert Lewin. Basically, if you’re a forward under fire for your performances and goal scoring, come play Newcastle and you’ll get a goal

[tugwilson]

Big Dan was mom - positioning - ball play - resposibility - leadership at the back - imagine how good Bruno and Isaac would be with better players around them - they are at the peak to what they can do - the worry is other clubs can see they may be at the peak at what they an achieve at NUFC -

[sfcobra]

Cheers Craig. Another honest report. Agree with it all.

In addition thought Burn looked good at CB, and Hall doing well also.
Annoyed at Dummy as should know better, but we were wasteful. Always needed 2-3 goals to make sure we won.
Disappointing still the day after, but given the squad we have we’ve done well considering.

It will be like this for the teaming 8 games, up and down so let’s see where we can get to.