How they rated

KYLE NAUGHTON

Did well in both defence and attack while also helping Sanches settle in the first-half. Has been under scrutiny but showing improvements in his game.

FEDERICO FERNANDEZ (CAPT)

One or two shaky moments but also showed signs that he is retaining the improved form from the end of last season. Much more reliable.

ALFIE MAWSON

Some classy touches and interventions but will be frustrated that Lascelles was able to get a run on him at killer corner.

MARTIN OLSSON

Didn’t have the impact going forward the side needed with Newcastle so narrow. More is expected of the player who hasn’t hit the heights of last term yet.

TOM CARROLL

Busy and heavily involved while had a good attempt saved by Elliott but couldn’t make most of space in front of black-shirted wall to open opposition up.

SAM CLUCAS

Played at base of midfield and was neat and tidy without impressing as much as he had done at Palace. Nothing wrong but not eye-catching either.

LEROY FER

Started behind the frontmen before switching with Sanches. One lovely pass through that Abraham looked to have pounced on but not enough.

RENATO SANCHES

Classy with some of the touches but looked exactly what he is – a player a little short on confidence and match sharpness after a year on the fringes at Bayern. Needs to do better and will do better.

JORDAN AYEW

Offered plenty of hard work alongside Abraham and chased down enough to earn chances. Could have done better when played through in either half but was one of few making space.

TAMMY ABRAHAM

Used strength well against physical markers but couldn’t get opening he wanted – and when he did he was denied by Lascelles on the line in a chance he’s in the side to take.

SUBSTITUTES

Wilfried Bony (for Sanches 69): Looked hungry to be involved in play but didn’t have chance to come alive in box. 6 Luciano Narsingh (for Carroll 85): Limited late impact. 6 Not Used: Nordfeldt (gk), van der Hoorn, Routledge, Rangel, Mesa

OPPOSITION

Elliott; Manquillo, Clark, Lascelles (Capt), Games; Hayden (Diame 69), Merino; Ritchie, Perez, Murphy (Atsu 58); Joselu (Gale 79). Subs Not Used: Woodman (Gk), Shelvey, Lejeune, Yedlin

REFEREE

Mike Jones (Cheshire)

ATTENDANCE:

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