No injuries was the main thing for Steve Bruce, but a confidence-boosting display would also have come as a welcome boost for the Magpies’ squad. But how did individuals perform? Our NUFC writer Liam Kennedy rates the Magpies show with returning Matt Ritchie, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Matty Longstaff coming in for particular praise on what was a comfortable night for Newcastle.
9. Matt Ritchie - 8
United have missed his class in the final third. Two assists proves that. Photo: Ian MacNicol
10. Miguel Almiron - 8
Scores goals in patches in his career and he's on a red hot one now. Cannot stop scoring. Photo: Martin Swinney
11. Joelinton - 7
Back to goalscoring ways. This will be a massive boost for the player who put in a proper shift up top - and was rewarded. Photo: Martin Swinney
12. Tom Allan - 6
(for Lascelles 55) An assist on his senior debut. Looked nervy but grew into it. Photo: Martin Swinney