Birmingham City 2-3 Newcastle United Player Ratings: Controversy spoils FA Cup magic
Did the ball cross the line for Joe Willock’s goal? That will be the debate among the fans but one thing is clear – Newcastle United have defeated Birmingham City to make it to the 5th Round.
Laird gave the home side the lead inside the first 40 seconds and the home fans were buzzing. The Championship side were doing all they could to keep the Carabao Cup finalists away from their goal, but Willock scored a controversial goal to level things up. Nobody seemed to think the ball crossed the line, but the linesman did and the goal was given.
The goal changed the game and Callum Wilson gave the Premier League side the lead within 5 minutes of the equalizer. However, the home side bounced back with a stunning goal from Iwata just before the break.
The match looked set for extra time when Joe Willock scored his second of the game and made it 3-2 in the 82nd minute. He then had a shot saved on the line but Birmingham failed to test Pope – who had to make one stunning save to stop an own goal. Here are Birmingham City vs Newcastle United player ratings.
Birmingham City Player Ratings vs Newcastle United
Goalkeeper
Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 6: Should have done a lot better for the goal he conceded. The third goal went through his legs and he then got saved by a goalline clearance as well.
Defenders
Ethan Laird – 7.5: The best defender on the pitch today. Got the early goal for his side and also did his best to handle Willock but did not get the support.
Christoph Klarer – 7: He was rock-solid at the back and tried his best to keep the Newcastle United strikers in check. Got booked for a rugby tackle on Willock in the second half.
Ben Davies – 7.5: A superb performance despite conceding thrice. He made a goal-line clearance in the final minute of normal time to keep his side in the game during the injury time.
Alex Cochrane – 6: He struggled against Osula and was not able to do much in the game. Played the entire game but was just unable to do anything.
Midfielders
Tomoki Iwata – 7: He was trying to make the most of the very little he got of the ball today. Scored a stunning goal to equalize but that was his highlight in the game.
Marc Leonard – 6: A rather quiet evening for him as he found it hard to link with his teammates. The game just went by him without anything from his side.
Scott Wright – 5: He was barely noticeable on the pitch today. Played just over 75 minutes but hardly got on the ball in the game.
Kieran Dowell – 7: The attacking midfielder was doing all he can but got closed down very quickly by the Newcastle United players. He could not create much and his only shot in the game was from miles out and way off target.
Keshi Anderson – 8: He was the best player from the home side today despite getting very little of the ball. He was effective every time he got the ball, but the home fans were hoping to see a lot more of it.
Forward
Jay Stansfield – 6.5: He started up front but hardly got out of the shadows of the Newcastle United players. His only shot on target was from miles out and his best chance was put wide.
Substitutes
Willum Thor Willumsson – 6
Alfie May – 6.5
Krystian Bielik – 6
Lyndon Dykes – 6
Grant Hanley – 6
Manager
Chris Davies – 7.5: He got the most out of his players but was just unlucky with the result.
Newcastle United player ratings vs Birmingham City
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope – 6: The goalkeeper might get some heat for the goals, but he will be remembered for the save at 3-2 that kept Newcastle United’s lead intact.
Defenders
Valentino Livramento – 6.5: He was playing in the final third most of the time in th the second half and did well to link up play with Longstaff. Not his best game, but did well to help his side.
Emil Krafth – 6: He struggled in the first half but did well to get himself together in the second half. Almost scored an own goal in the final 5 minutes of normal time.
Dan Burn – 5.5: He was the exact opposite of what he was in the Arsenal win. Had to go off injured as well and it looks like a hamstring issue.
Matt Targett – 6: He was decent today and managed to do well against the Birmingham attackers.
Midfielders
Sean Longstaff – 7: He was relentless in the second half and was trying to drive into the box at every chance. Got the assist for the winner late in the game.
Bruno Gumares – 6.5: He was the focus point for Newcastle United in the first half but was getting marked out most of the time. Eddie Howe decided to take him off at the break.
Lewis Miley – 6.5: A match where he was trying his best to get involved but could not do much in the final third.
Forward
William Osula – 8.5: He was the Man of the Match today. Got two important assists and was not afraid to shoot from range.
Callum Wilson – 7.5: He made the most of his rare start today and gave Newcastle United the lead in the first half. However, still not fit enough to play more than an hour and was taken off in the 55th minute.
Joe Willock – 8: He scored twice today and would be the man of the match for many. However, he was not as involved in the game as Osula but that might do down to Birmingham players targetting him constantly.
Substitutes
Sandro Tonali – 6
Fabian Schär- 7
Jacob Murphy – 7
Alexander Isak – 5
Manager
Eddie Howe – 5: He stuck to his plan and played a second-string XI. The players got the job done though they struggled at the start.
FAQs
What was the result of Birmingham City vs Newcastle United?
Birmingham City lost 3-2 to Newcastle United
When was Birmingham City vs Newcastle United?
Birmingham City vs Newcastle United took place on February 8, 2025.
Who was the man of the match in Birmingham City vs Newcastle United?
William Osula was the man of the match in Birmingham City vs Newcastle United.
Who was the worst player of the match in Birmingham City vs Newcastle United?
Scott Wright was the worst player in Birmingham City vs Newcastle United.