'Newcastle United's bright spark' - Magpies player ratings from 3-3 draw with Brentford in Eddie Howe's first game
Newcastle United drew 3-3 with Brentford in their first game since Eddie Howe’s appointment as head coach.
The 43-year-old watched from his hotel room as his side twice came from behind to eventually settle for a point.
Results elsewhere meant United slipped to the bottom of the Premier League, with their search for a win extending into a 13th matchday.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’s Park and here’s how he rated each Toon player:
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Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’s Park and here’s how he rated each Toon player:
5. Ciaran Clark - 5
His selection was questioned by fans pre-match with Fernandez left out, and his display did little to silence his critics. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Matt Ritchie - 6
Similar to Murphy, Ritchie got forward well and put crosses into the box, as he tends to do. Same questions over his defensive ability, albeit a lot of hard work. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Jonjo Shelvey - 7
A steady presence in United’s midfield. For all his critics at times, Shelvey has been a miss in the centre of the park. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Joe Willock - 6
Improved display from Willock with breaks forward into the box. Dropped deeper as the game went on, where he was later substituted. Photo: Stu Forster