Newcastle United were victorious in their friendly against Al Hilal on Thursday night, beating their Saudi Arabian opponents 5-0.
It was a comfortable win for the Magpies, with plenty of players getting minutes in the tank ahead of the Premier League’s return.
Al Hilal posed some problems, but were unable to find a way past Loris Karius and then Mark Gillespie.
But it was a win in Riyadh for Newcastle, and these are our Toon player ratings vs Al Hilal
Loris Karius 8/10
On the day it was rumoured that Loris Karius will be staying at Newcastle, the German justified those claims with a fantastic first ever performance in Toon colours. He made smart save after smart save in the first half.
Javi Manquillo 6/10
Tidy showing from Javi Manquillo, who linked up nicely with Jacob Murphy in the first 45 minutes. Almost scored a comical own goal, however.
Jamaal Lascelles 6/10
Solid if unspectacular from the skipper.
Sven Botman 6/10
Commanding as ever, and expertly dealt with some lofted balls over the top. However, he probably should have conceded a penalty in the first half.
Jamal Lewis 5/10
Not a convincing performance from the Northern Ireland international. He was targeted by Al Hilal in the first half and looked incredibly uncomfortable.
Joe Willock 8/10
A wonderful assist for Joelinton on what was a good night for Joe Willock. A confident performance from a man who has two goals in his last two competitive games.
Jonjo Shelvey 5/10
Sloppy and wasteful in possession. A lot more is needed if Jonjo Shelvey is to force himself into Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Joelinton 8/10
Two goals for Joelinton. Are you watching Tite? Excellent stuff from the Brazilian, who was his usual dominant self alongside his brace.
Jacob Murphy 8/10
A fantastic first half performance. Murphy was one of Newcastle’s liveliest players, both in and out of possession. He also provided the assist for Joelinton’s first goal of the game. Very impressive from Murphy.
Allan Saint-Maximin 7/10
The Frenchman was a real threat in the first half, but faded in the second. But the most important thing for Saint-Maximin was regaining match fitness.
Chris Wood 6/10
Led the press well in the first half, but was forced off early due to injury.
Substitutes
Sean Longstaff 7/10
Replaced Wood late in the first half, and clipped in a wonderful lofted pass for Miguel Almiron to score his second.
Miguel Almiron 8/10
He’s just so confident, isn’t he? The World Cup break isn’t going to stop Miggy, who scored two great goals.
Mark Gillespie 6/10
Had a lot less to do than Karius, but dealt with everything that came his way.
Elliot Anderson 7/10
A mixed bag from Elliot Anderson. He hit the post and was denied an assist by the offside flag, but he was also sloppy on the ball at times.
Ryan Fraser 6/10
Quiet outing from Ryan Fraser, but he did well to create Newcastle’s fifth.
Dan Burn 6/10
Front foot defending from Newcastle’s late arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Joe White 6/10
The youngster kept the ball well in the second half and was tidy in possession.
Dylan Stephenson 7/10
The academy product got his goal. Hopefully we see him score in a competitive game in the future.
Alex Murphy 6/10
Didn’t have much to do. Highlight was a good block to deny Moussa Marega.
Lewis Miley N/A
Jay Turner-Cooke N/A
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
