5 Heroes (And 5 Villains) From Sacramento Republic 0-1 Newcastle

4. Vurnon Anita

This was as much down to the 4-4-1-1 system employed by Steve McClaren as Anita himself, but that does not excuse his ineffectiveness against Sacramento. The Dutchman played alongside Jack Colback in the middle of Newcastle's midfield but failed to control the pace of play, or impose himself upon the game. In fact, the majority of Republic's attacks came through the centre - and the only way Anita could stop them was by persistently giving away fouls in dangerous positions, one of which led to a free-kick which Tim Krul had to tip over for a corner. Anita looks unlikely to get much gametime following Georginio Wijnaldum's arrival, and this performance will not have aided his cause.