Centre-Half: Ciaran Clark (Newcastle) ... Jamal Lascelles scored a thumping header to win the match, and
received all the plaudits. But in his primary role, defending, he was beaten three times, resulting in three Swansea chances. Twice Rob Elliot made a good save, once Lascelles himself recovered for that goal-line clearance. Otherwise he was definitely good, but not exceptional. Clark was better. He too was beaten and lucky to escape, but only once, by Alfie Mawson on a corner. His passing wasn’t as good as Lascelles’, but his marking was better, his clearances were stronger, and overall he was the more valuable defender. If you think the goal should put Lascelles over the top, I won’t argue. But Clark was better. (Elsewhere, Cesar Azpilicueta had a strong overall performance, also marred by a big mistake.)