A late, late positive cameo from substitute Jacob Murphy might well have worked his way into Steve Bruce’s thinking while Andy Carroll’s impact off the bench played its part.
Here’s who Liam Kennedy picked as out as the plus points and the not so good, with Jonjo Shelvey not scoring too high in the ratings...
9. Joelinton - 7
A physical threat and has given England international Tyrone Mings something to think about off the right. But his decision-making always seems to let him down at the key moment. His best game in a while. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS
10. Dwight Gayle - 5
Switched central from time to time but mostly operating off the left. A little bit of a nonentity out wide. Doesn’t really look to have the adaptability to fit into this new Newcastle system… so far. Photo: Stu Forster
11. Ryan Fraser - 5
Didn't work as a 'false nine'. Not likely to be an experiment tried again. Further proves United have no other player like Almiron. Photo: Stu Forster
12. Jacob Murphy - 6
(for Fraser 78) Cracked a late chance off the bar. So close. Big impact in his short cameo. Photo: RICHARD SELLERS