Newcastle United player ratings v Bayer Leverkusen: 'Amazing' Mason Miley & four 5/10s in pre-season defeat
Newcastle United 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen reaction: Here’s how Mason Miley, Yoane Wissa, Sean Steur and co fared at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United were back at St James’ Park for the first time ahead of the new season as they were beaten 2-1 by Bayer Leverkusen in the Visit Malta trophy.
The Magpies conceded in the opening minute as Ibrahim Maza’s edge-of-the-box effort dipped over Lukas Hornicek and into the Gallowgate End net. Malick Thiaw then drew Newcastle level just before the half-time break with a close-range header from Anthony Elanga’s corner to make it 1-1 at the break.
But second-half changes saw Leverkusen substitute Victor Boniface show good composure in the box to slot the visitors back in front in the closing stages. That was enough to secure victory for the Bundesliga side, who lifted the Visit Malta pre-season trophy at full-time.
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Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from the match...
Lukas Hornicek - 5
Questionable for the opening goal. The second time in three friendly games he has conceded the first shot he's faced. Started an attack for Newcastle with some good distribution from the back but Harvey Barnes couldn't convert.
Mason Miley - 8
Showed good vision and composure to create an opening for Yoane Wissa with a dinked pass into the box. Looked comfortable on his first senior start and made a great block on the edge of the box early in the second half and continued to be strong defensively from there. Dubbed ‘amazing’ by Matthias Jaissle after the match.
Malick Thiaw - 7
Made an impressive last-man challenge to deny Leverkusen going through on goal. Then headed Newcastle level just before the break.
Sven Botman - 6
An improved display after a poor midweek showing. Had a couple of moments on the edge but came off on the right side.
Lewis Hall - 5
Questionable defensively at times and lacked his usual vigour on the ball.
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Sean Steur - 6
Showed great composure at times with a good range of passing in the first half. Faded in the second half and was exposed as Leverkusen went back in front.
Lewis Miley - 7
Formed a good partnership with Sean Steur in the middle. Good to have him back on the pitch before his planned half-time withdrawal.
Anthony Elanga - 6
Hit an effort straight at Mark Flekken from the edge of the box. Relatively quiet until the closing stages of the first half when he grabbed an assist for Malick Thiaw. Struggled to make an impact in open play.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Had a good chance early on but was denied by the goalkeeper. Struggled to threaten the goal after that despite getting into some decent areas. Couldn't properly connect with a fizzed effort across the face of goal from Yoane Wissa.
Nick Woltemade - 5
Had moments of good link-up play but was wasteful at other times. Hit an angled effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Yoane Wissa - 7
Got into some good areas and was denied by Mark Flekken early on. Slipped a smart pass through to Harvey Barnes, but the chance came to nothing. Did the same with Nick Woltemade in the second half. Been the star of pre-season in terms of Newcastle's forward players. Almost brilliantly set up Harvey Barnes for a late equaliser.
Substitutes
Rory Finneran - 6
On for Lewis Miley 46: Dispossessed in a dangerous area shortly after his introduction but recovered well to help win the ball back. Got stuck in.
Miodrag Pivas - n/a
On for Mason Miley 80: Conceded shortly after coming on but couldn't do anything about it.
Sean Neave - n/a