Newcastle United half-time player ratings: A shocker for Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett as Magpies fall behind

And here’s what our Newcastle United writer Liam Kennedy has made of the starting XI’s individual performances in the opening 45...

Martin Dubravka – 7

Some good saves but has flapped at a cross or two in the opening 45. Had to deal with a lot more than Newcastle would have hoped for in the opening half.

Jacob Murphy – 6

A tough task dealing with Dwight McNeil down the left but has done his defensive work reasonably well bar one poor tackle. Not been seen in an attacking sense at all.

Federico Fernandez – 5

Has looked a little shaky on return. Not had the calming influence everyone hoped.

Ciaran Clark – 3

Rubbish for the goal, not once but twice. And that’s proved the difference so far. A really poor return to the side, looks at sixes and sevens in the middle of the three.

Paul Dummett – 4

Only a touch better than Clark. Culpable for the goal, as were the other two. He was culpable for Harry Kane’s second last week, too. Almost capped off his first half with an own goal.

Matt Ritchie – 6

Has got forward at every attempt but delivery had let him down at times. One of the brighter sparks for United in a poor half of football for the Magpies.

Sean Longstaff – 5

Distribution has been poor even though he has tried to break into spaces from midfield.

Jonjo Shelvey – 3

His first four touches in the game all went out of play. Seems obsessed with long balls. None of them have worked.

Miguel Almiron – 5

Keeps running down blind alleys and into trouble. A shadow of the player who performed so well against Spurs.

Joelinton – 5

Has been strong against two very physical defenders. Not as good as against Spurs but decent all the same. Some awful defensive work at the end of the half.

Dwight Gayle – 5

Has had the ball in the net once but offside. And went close with one which was fantastically saved by Peacock-Farrell. United need to get the ball into the box for him more.