Newcastle United beat Stade Brestois 1-0 at St James’ Park to win the Sela Cup - here are the player ratings from the match.
Eddie Howe made 11 changes to the side that beat Girona 4-0 on Friday evening with Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka and new signing Will Osula making their first appearances of pre-season.
Osula hit an early opportunity at the Brest goalkeeper after breaking down the right before Harvey Barnes put the hosts in front after quarter-of-an-hour. The winger cut inside from the left and curled the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Osula thought he’d doubled Newcastle’s lead in the first half but was denied by the offside flag.
Brest then had chances to find an equaliser but were denied twice by Dubravka in the Newcastle goal. The Magpies held on to their 1-0 lead heading in at half-time.
Newcastle struggled to create any further chances in the second half but they were able to keep Brest at bay and retain the Sela Cup ahead of the new season. Eddie Howe’s side open the 2024-25 Premier League campaign against Southampton on Saturday, August 17 at St James’ Park (3pm kick-off).
Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from the match...
9. Miguel Almiron - 6
Slipped Osula through in the opening minutes to create Newcastle's first chance. Curled a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box. | Getty Images
10. Harvey Barnes - 7
Headed wide early on but did well to cut inside and open his account for pre-season with a good finish. Was quiet afterwards. | Getty Images
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
11. William Osula - 7
Rapid off the mark to break through on goal and get a shot away that was saved by the goalkeeper. Put the ball in the net after 23 minutes but was denied by the offside flag. An encouraging first look at the 21-year-old. | Getty Images
12. Odysseas Vlachodimos - 7
On for Dubravka 46: Tipped the ball around the post shortly after coming on. Was quick off his line to clear the danger when Brest threatened. | Getty Images