Newcastle United player ratings v Athletic Club.placeholder image
Newcastle United player ratings v Athletic Club. | Getty Images
Newcastle United 2-0 Athletic Club: Here’s how Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Joelinton and co fared at St James’ Park.
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 back 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.
But within minutes of the restart, Newcastle eventually found a second as Joelinton headed in from Harvey Barnes’ cross.
That would be enough to see The Magpies claim a third successive win in the Champions League to move up to sixth in the overall group phase table at the halfway point.
Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from the match...
Nick Pope - 7
Made a good save with his feet to deny Unai Gomez. Got down well to deny Nico Serrano twice in the second half.
Kieran Trippier - 8
An excellent delivery helped but Newcastle in front. Defended well down the right and was effective in and out of possession. A classy Champions League display from the experienced right-back on his return to the side.
Malick Thiaw - 7
Mopped things up well at the back and caused problems in the penalty area when he pushed forward. A solid and steady display where he kept Athletic Club at bay without being hugely tested.
Sven Botman - 7
Kept his composure under pressure. Saw a header saved in the second half.
Dan Burn - 8
An incredible header to put Newcastle ahead with their first opportunity of the game. Pushed on well in the second half and threatened to score again.
Sandro Tonali - 7
Grew into the game after slow start. Played through Athletic Club’s high press, releasing Jacob Murphy well on a couple of occasions.
Bruno Guimaraes - 6
Gifted Athletic Club an early chance after letting the ball run away from him. Looked to still be struggling after his illness but improved in the second half before being withdrawn.
Joelinton - 7
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 but made amends with a header shortly after the restart. Looked to have a spring in his step after that as he pushed forward well.
Harvey Barnes - 7
Put a good ball in for Woltemade, which was headed wide. Moved out to the left wing following Gordon’s withdrawal and posed a threat, quickly providing an assist for Joelinton.
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.
Nick Woltemade - 6
Missed a good opportunity with a header that would have doubled Newcastle’s lead. Had a couple of neat touches but it was a frustrating evening on the whole for the striker as nothing really came off for him but kept going before his late withdrawal.
Substitutes
Jacob Murphy - 5
On for Gordon 41: Gave Newcastle a new dimension with his availability and delivery from the right. Had a couple of heavy touches that just halted the hosts’ fluidity on the ball at times.
Lewis Hall - 7
On for Burn 65: A welcome return to the pitch after a month out with a hamstring injury. Showed some great close control to bring the ball out.
Anthony Elanga - 5
On for Barnes 65: Brought on in a new position on the left and moved up front for the closing stages. Nothing really came off for him and put Newcastle under pressure with some sloppiness in possession.
Lewis Miley - 6
On for Guimaraes 65: Brought on in a No. 8 role in place of Guimaraes and kept Newcastle ticking over in the middle of the park as they saw out the win.
On for Woltemade 83: A late introduction.
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