Newcastle United’s half-time player ratings for their pre-season friendly against Celtic in Glasgow.
The Magpies are back in business after their triumphant qualification to the Champions League at the end of last season.
There was a lot of worry upon seeing the starting XI announcement, as Alexander Isak was not part of the Newcastle United squad. It was confirmed that Isak’s minutes are being managed alongside Joelinton’s so they will not feature.
Elsewhere, players like Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento were not included as the former continues his recovery from injury and the latter enjoys an extended holiday.
With Newcastle a goal down after the first 45, we look at how the starting XI performed at Celtic Park.
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Nick Pope – 5
Nick Pope was thrown straight back into the starting XI for pre-season, but did not have much to do in the first half. Always seemed attentive to the situation at hand and moved the ball well around the defenders. Made a great save from his own teammate from close range. Dived the wrong way for the penalty.
An absolute howler for Celtic’s second, the 33-year-old missed a header for Hoops man Kenny to fire into an empty net.
Kieran Trippier – 5.5
Taking the place of Livramento, Kieran Trippier was kept busy by a pacey Celtic side in the opening 45. The 34-year-old struggled to keep up at times, and the ball eventually came from his side before Willock conceded the penalty.
Sven Botman – 5.5
Always a towering force at the back for Newcastle, Sven Botman put himself on the line time and time again despite his recent knee issues. The Dutchman threw himself in front of Callum McGregor’s effort to force a corner in the early stages.
Nowhere to be seen for the second goal.
Fabian Schar – 5.5
Like Botman, Fabian Schar can always be relied on for Newcastle. The 33-year-old had moments at both ends, working well with Pope to get the ball up the field before coming close to scoring when his volley sailed over the top of the Celtic bar. Nearly scored an own goal, had it not been for Pope’s quick reactions.
Like Botman, unseen for the second goal.
Matt Targett – 5
Got his chance to impress with Hall’s absence, but had very little to do in the opening 45. It remains to be seen what Matt Targett’s role in Newcastle’s first-team squad will be next season.
Looked worse and worse as the half went on, could not keep up with the pace of Celtic’s wingers.
Joe Willock – 4.5
Had Joelinton been available, it is likely that Joe Willock would not have been a part of Newcastle’s starting XI. The £25million signing needed to stamp his authority after being given a chance by Eddie Howe, but it just was not to be. Conceded the penalty for a trip on Arne Engels.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5
Despite returning to pre-season training on Monday, Bruno Guimaraes was thrown straight into Newcastle’s starting XI for the game against Celtic. The Brazilian blasted wide from distance but kept his midfield partners calm for the most part. An impressive opener for the Newcastle captain.
Played a lovely ball up the pitch to Barnes which should have come to much more.
Lewis Miley – 6
The first half went by without much mention of Lewis Miley. The young midfielder needs to get himself more involved in the game to give himself a chance of being named in Howe’s starting XI more often. Made a few forward passes but nothing inspiring.
Jacob Murphy – 7
Jacob Murphy had a point to prove after the arrival of Anthony Elanga. The winger looked very bright throughout the first 45 minutes with dangerous runs and crosses into the box.
William Osula – 6.5
Another player given the opportunity to impress against Celtic, William Osula came close to finding an opener in the clash a few minutes before the half-hour mark with a deflected effort which forced a brilliant save from Kasper Schmeichel.
Harvey Barnes – 5.5
Harvey Barnes had the freedom to run down the left wing on occasion, but did very little with the ball. There were occasions where the Englishman managed to break into the Celtic box but his passes would be blocked quickly.
Has a lot to prove with Anthony Gordon fit and ready for next season, but he needs to do more in the second half.
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