Rate the players: Who was best for NUFC in win over Rotherham

Christian Atsu curled home a special winner just before half-time, but it was a backs-to-the-wall effort for the Magpies on occasions.

Miles Starforth has rated the Newcastle players, but do you agree with him? use our selector tool to move up and down the players you think starred.

Karl Darlow: Dealt with everything that came his way on a difficult afternoon 7

Vurnon Anita: Steady performance at right-back on his return to the team 6

Jamaal Lascelles: United’s captain put in a spirited and committed performance alongside the superb Clark 6

Ciaran Clark: Outstanding at the back, put in a series of crucial blocks and interceptions 8

Paul Dummett: Had his hands full defensively on a testing afternoon in South Yorkshire 6

Jonjo Shelvey: Played some telling passes, including the simple ball that set away Atsu for his goal 7

Jack Colback: Was committed in the tackle in the face of wave after wave of Rotherham attacks 6

Christian Atsu: Marked his full debut with a stunning left-footed goal and was United’s best player before the break 8

Mohamed Diame: Kept his place and amid calls for a change and attempted to support Gayle 5

Yoan Gouffran: Put in a hard-working shift and had a first-half shot cleared off the line 6

Dwight Gayle: Found chances hard to come by just four days after scoring a memorable hat-trick 6

SUBSTITUTES

Matt Ritchie (for Atsu, 66): Thrown on in an attempt to relieve the pressure on United 6

Aleksandar Mitrovic (for Gayle, 79): Again had to settle for a place on the bench 6

Grant Hanley (for Diame, 87) United needed his height and aerial ability in the dying minutes 6