Joe Buck reacts as Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Athletic Club
Newcastle United 1-0 Athletic Club: Here’s how Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali and co have fared so far.
Eddie Howe made two changes to the side that were beaten 3-1 at West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday with Kieran Trippier returning from illness and Harvey Barnes coming back into the side in place of Emil Krafth and Jacob Murphy, who dropped to the bench.
Bruno Guimaraes passed a late fitness test to keep his place in the starting line-up despite missing training on Tuesday due to illness.
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Newcastle went into the game on the baack of a defeat but had one each of their last four games at St James’ Park and their last two in the Champions League.
Despite a slow opening 10 minutes to the game, Newcastle took their lead with their first sight of goal as Dan Burn headed in his second-ever Champions League goal from Kieran Trippier’s free-kick.
Athletic Club responded well with Unai Gomez and Adama Boiro both coming close to grabbing an equaliser but they were denied by Nick Pope and the left post, respectively.
Newcastle came close to extending their lead through Nick Woltemade and Joelinton but the score remained 1-0 as the sides went in at half-time.
Nick Pope - 6
Made a good save with his feet to deny Unai Gomez.
Kieran Trippier - 7
An excellent delivery helped but Newcastle in front. Defended well down the
Malick Thiaw - 7
Mopped things up well at the back.
Sven Botman - 7
Kept his composure under pressure.
Dan Burn - 8
An incredible header to put Newcastle ahead with their first opportunity of the game.
Sandro Tonali - 6
Grew into the game after slow start. Trying to play through Athletic Club’s high press.
Bruno Guimaraes - 5
Gifted Athletic Club an early chance after letting the ball run away from him. Looked to still be struggling after his illness.
Joelinton - 5
Clumsy in possession. Had the ball in the net early on but was denied by the offside flag. Should have made it 2-0 before half-time with a one-on-one chance.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Put a good ball in for Woltemade, which was headed wide. Moved out to the left wing following Gordon’s withdrawl.
Anthony Gordon - 4
Kept gifting possession to the opposition early on with some heavy touches on under-hit passes. Blasted over on the volley following a counter-attack but the flag was up anyway. Looked to be struggling with his hip once again and was substituted before half-time. A nightmare evening for the winger.
Missed a good opportunity with a header that would have doubled Newcastle’s lead. Had a couple of neat touches.
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