Newcastle United returned to winning ways in midweek with a well-earned 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
The night was filled with relief, celebration, and a sense of regained confidence, even if the team’s performance wasn’t completely flawless. The Magpies showed grit, determination, and flashes of the attacking football fans have come to expect under Eddie Howe.
However, questions still remain about the team’s overall rhythm and fluidity heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
The match offered plenty of talking points, not least the performances of individual players. Some stood out with dominant displays, while others struggled to make their mark. Below is a breakdown of how each Newcastle player performed on the night and how they rated after an important win at St James’ Park.
Nick Pope – 7.5/10
After facing criticism for his recent performance against West Ham, Pope responded well. He made a series of strong saves, two of which came at crucial moments to keep Bilbao at bay.
His decision-making was sharp, particularly when sweeping up danger outside his box. Despite his known limitations with distribution, his throwing was accurate and helped launch a few counterattacks. A confident and commanding display overall.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5/10
Trippier’s delivery from set pieces remains a vital weapon for Newcastle. His pinpoint cross led to the opening goal, adding another assist to his growing tally. Defensively, he was solid and made four key tackles.
However, his passing accuracy dipped to 67%, which slightly lowered his overall rating. Even so, his leadership and defensive awareness were evident throughout.
Malick Thiaw – 9/10
Without question, Thiaw was Newcastle’s standout performer. The German centre-back looked every bit the elite signing fans were hoping for. His reading of the game was exceptional, and his calmness under pressure made him a pillar at the back.
Thiaw completed 88% of his 77 passes and looked in complete control against Bilbao’s attacking threats. It’s clear he’s becoming an indispensable figure in Eddie Howe’s defensive setup.
Sven Botman – 7.5/10
Botman continues to build a strong partnership with Thiaw. He was composed under pressure, distributed the ball well, and handled his defensive duties with minimal fuss.
He did, however, miss a great chance to score from a second-half set piece. Still, his overall performance showed confidence and experience, and his chemistry with Thiaw is improving rapidly.
Dan Burn – 8/10
Burn answered his critics with a strong performance and an unforgettable goal. His towering header was not only vital but also symbolic a reminder of what he brings to this team in big moments.
Though he remains a makeshift option at left-back and is often targeted by opposition wingers, Burn looked more assured in this game. His defensive positioning and work rate were excellent throughout.
Bruno Guimarães – 7/10
Playing through illness, Bruno’s composure on the ball stood out. He kept possession with a 94% pass accuracy and helped Newcastle control the tempo.
Although he didn’t cover as much ground as usual, his intelligence and calmness under pressure made a big difference in midfield. Given his physical condition, it was a commendable display.
Sandro Tonali – 7.5/10
Tonali’s consistency continues to shine through. He was key in maintaining Newcastle’s control of the game, drawing fouls at vital moments and dictating play in midfield.
His ability to win free-kicks relieved pressure on several occasions, and his balance between aggression and calmness was impressive. Tonali is proving to be a player Newcastle can rely on week after week.
Joelinton – 7.5/10
After a few inconsistent weeks, Joelinton looked closer to his best. His energy, aggression, and ability to make runs behind Bilbao’s defence were impressive.
He took his goal with confidence and was relentless without the ball. However, his technical side still lacks refinement at times, preventing him from being a guaranteed starter in every match.
Harvey Barnes – 7/10
Barnes looked sharper than in previous outings. After switching to the left, he provided the assist for the second goal and consistently looked like a threat.
His link-up play was intelligent, and he seems to be regaining the form that made him such an exciting addition last season. Among the attackers, Barnes was arguably the most effective.
Nick Woltemade – 5.5/10
It was a frustrating evening for the young forward. He struggled to impose himself physically and often lost possession when trying to link up play. Athletic Bilbao’s defenders targeted him aggressively, and he found it difficult to adapt. He missed a good first-half chance, and overall, it was a subdued performance.
Anthony Gordon – 4/10
Gordon endured a night to forget. His passing was sloppy, his decision-making was off, and he never really troubled Bilbao’s backline. Clearly not at full fitness, he limped off before half-time with what appeared to be a recurrence of his hip injury. Hopefully, his struggles were due to physical issues rather than form, because he looked far from his usual self.
Jacob Murphy – 5/10
Murphy had little impact after coming on. He struggled to get involved and was largely anonymous on the right wing.
Lewis Hall – 7.5/10
Hall’s cameo was bright and full of promise. His energy down the left flank gave Newcastle renewed balance, and his ball-carrying ability added an extra dimension to the attack. His return to full fitness will be a massive boost for Eddie Howe’s side.
Lewis Miley – 5/10
Miley barely influenced the game after being introduced. He saw little of the ball and struggled to get up to the pace of the match.
Anthony Elanga – 4/10
Elanga’s struggles continue. He looked nervous in possession and missed another clear opportunity to score. His decision-making was poor, and he appeared low on confidence. Despite his pace, his end product remains a concern.
Jacob Ramsey – N/A
Played too little to be rated, but his introduction offered fresh legs late on.
Newcastle’s performance against Athletic Bilbao was encouraging in parts and concerning in others. Players like Thiaw, Burn, and Tonali stood tall, while Gordon and Elanga disappointed.
The win keeps them firmly in contention in the Champions League, but with Brentford up next, Howe will hope for more consistency and sharper finishing across the pitch.
