Newcastle Matt Targett (r) is congratulated by team mates after scoring
Necwastle United stars auditioned for the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Eddie Howe split up his side on the first day of the Sela weekender.
This was the final chance to stake a claim for a place in the team against Aston Villa and while some players played themselves into the mind of Eddie Howe, others may have easily played their way out.
On 16 minutes Antoniu Roca played the ball to Roberto Fernandez who back-heeled intelligently to Edu Exposito, who swerved home from 25 yards to beat Aaron Ramsdale on his [debut - but he would have his moment in the first half.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-vs-espanyol-live-32225476)
Newcastle cancelled out the opener when Lewis Miley crossed for Matt Targett to head home and make it 1-1 at the Gallowgate End.
Ramsdale produced a fine save to deny Javier Puado from the penalty spot after guessing the right way and pushing the ball to safety.
A last gasp equaliser from Kike Garcia helped the visitors to a draw after Newcastle switched off in the closing stages.
Here's how the players rated against Espanyol:
**Aaron Ramsdale 7**
A penalty save to make it a debut to remember. Made a fine save to deny Dolan's piledriver late on.
**Emil Krafth 7**
Set the tone by putting himself about. Set to be one of Howe's squad men this season and he won't complain back-up role.
**Fabian Schar 6**
A steady enough shift and should have done enough to start the season.
**Matt Targett 7**
A mixed night with a rare goal and a penalty conceded. Still hard to see where he fits in this season. Lewis Hall's stand-in after injury agony in recent years?
**Lewis Hall 7**
A decent shift switching from midfield to full-back with Matt Targett before coming off. Was eager for more minutes after being informed he'd been hooked but Howe taking precautions after long injury lay off.
**Dan Burn 7**
Usual sturdy performance as he kept the back four together.
**Bruno Guimaraes 7**
Battled hard and emptied the tank in final run out of pre-season.
**Lewis Miley 7**
Staking his claim in midfield. An assist was just part of a full of running performance.
**Seung-soo Park 8**
Went off to the loudest cheers of the night after a promising shift. Showed some good touches and demanded the ball.
**Jacob Murphy 8**
For a player who started pre-season with his place under threat, has responded well with another goal.
**William Osula 4**
Offered little in the danger area. Miserable pre-season continues without a goal. Not much threat.
**Subs**
**Alfie Harrison 6 (for Hall 46)**
Did not grasp opportunity.
**Sean Neave 6 (for Park 63)**
Not much fell his way.