Newcastle United put in a dominant display to earn a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Goals from Dan Burn and Joelinton made the difference in a one-sided contest that saw Eddie Howe's side send a real message in the competition.
There were plenty of top displays to discuss, so here are GiveMeSport's player ratings from Newcastle's clash at St. James' Park.
Match Highlights
To follow shortly.
Newcastle Player Ratings
Joelinton
GK: Nick Pope - 8/10
Had a limited amount to do but claimed the ball with authority in the box. His distribution was good too, which helped Newcastle on the night.
RB: Kieran Trippier - 7/10
Set up Newcastle's opener with a wonderful free-kick that found the head of Burn. Strong defensively too.
CB: Malick Thiaw — 8.5/10
A really dominant display. Won the most duels on the pitch and completed the most passes too, as he dictated play from the back.
CB: Sven Botman - 7.5/10
Showed his excellent passing range with top-tier passing accuracy. Dominant in defence and kept Athletic Bilbao quiet.
LB: Dan Burn - 8/10
Opened the scoring with a beautiful header. Always seems to be the man for the big occasion and rose to the occasion once again.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - 7/10
A good performance. Passed the ball well and used his long passing range to release Newcastle's wide men.
CM: Sandro Tonali — 7/10
Fouled more than any player on the pitch but made his mark by dictating play in the middle of the park.
CM: Joelinton - 9/10
Had a goal disallowed in the first half but got on the scoresheet with a good header in the second. A truly complete midfield display with passes, touches and recoveries aplenty.
RW: Harvey Barnes - 7.5/10
Showed great composure to tee up Joelinton for Newcastle's second.
LW: Anthony Gordon - 5/10
Forced off just before half-time with an injury. Failed to make much of an impact before that.
ST: Nick Woltemade - 6/10
A little bit isolated in attack at times. Put himself about but struggled to really impact the game.
Sub: Jacob Murphy - 7/10
Really dangerous down the right when he came on and looked to find Woltemade with several long, raking crosses from the flank.
Sub: Lewis Hall - 7/10
Looked really bright after coming on. Tried to push forward and force the issue.
Sub: Anthony Elanga - 6/10
Struggled to impact the game after being introduced.
Sub: Lewis Miley - N/A
Replaced Bruno Guimaraes but didn't manage to assert himself on the game.
Sub: Jacob Ramsey - N/A
Athletic Bilbao Player Ratings
GK: Unai Simon - 4/10
Had a tough night making two saves and conceding two. His passing was poor too.
RB: Jesus Areso - 6/10
Arguably Athletic Bilbao's best player. Put in plenty of tackles to nullify Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
CB: Daniel Vivian - 5.5/10
Put in a decent display against Nick Woltemade.
CB: Aitor Paredes - 5/10
Struggled throughout against the threat of the Magpies.
LB: Adama Boiro - 5/10
Went very close with a vicious half-volley from range that rattled the post. Looked poor defensively.
CM: Alejandro Rego - 4.5/10
Really poor passing. Didn't help his team with his lack of quality in midfield.
CM: Mikel Jauregizar - 5/10
Another ineffective performance in midfield. Allowed Newcastle to really assert themselves.
RW: Robert Navarro - 5/10
Met his match against Big Dan Burn. Struggled to cause man problems.
CAM: Mikel Vesga - 5/10
Really poor quality on the ball which meant Newcastle were able to handle pressure with ease.
LW: Alex Berenguer - 5.5/10
Possibly Athletic Bilbao's most dangerous attacker but lacked the quality to really cause problems.
ST: Unai Gomez - 5.5/10
Pretty isolated and struggled to really threaten Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal.
Sub: Selton Sanchez - N/A
Sub: Nico Serrano - N/A
Sub: Andoni Gorosabel - N/A
Sub: Asier Hierro - N/A