Newcastle United have ended their losing streak by drawing 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in pre-season.
An entertaining first half ended with one goal apiece. Brennan Johnson had looked to pour more misery on the Magpies with his fourth-minute opener, but Eddie Howe’s side fought back and levelled through a wicked Harvey Barnes strike.
Unlike Spurs, Newcastle United didn’t make a single change at the break as Howe aims to put his side through their paces after many were rested against Team K League.
A competitive half, which included many tackles that wouldn’t look out of place in a Premier League encounter, lacked a goal before the pace was derailed by Son Heung-min’s emotional farewell.
No side could find a winner and the game finished level.
Here’s how the players rated in the second half.
Nick Pope – 7
Wasn’t tested until the 72nd minute but got down to it well when he finally was. Made another good save and one strong catch, which was all that was asked of him.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Continued to play exciting passes into space for Murphy to work with and managed to keep his left flank more secure than in the opening half.
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Fabian Schar – 6
A great hooked clearance early on but otherwise Fabian Schar was rarely tested.
Dan Burn – 6
Met his match for strength when he came up against Mathys Tel but a lot more comfortable than in the first half as Newcastle controlled from the off.
Matt Targett – 7
His good display continued into the second half and he nearly got an assist with a dangerous cross into Gordon. Staked a case to be used more next season.
Lewis Miley – 6
A quiet second half after a bright opening 45 but was still tidy on the ball.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
Took a nasty slip that looked worrying but shook off the knock to put in a typically industrious display. Even as the sitter in midfield, he was always looking to burst through the lines on the ball.
Joelinton – 6.5
Lucky not to be punished for a wayward elbow in the face of Archie Gray but the game became the exact sort of battle the Brazilian thrives in as he put his considerable strength to good use.
Was dispossessed to give Spurs their first opening and little quality on the ball, though.
Jacob Murphy – 8
Even more lively than in the first half, with explosive running into space, dangerous deliveries and continued great link-up play with Trippier.
Scrumptious ball for Gordon to score, but he was flagged offside, and some more great passes as he was the biggest threat for either side.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Only played 16 minutes but was a real danger in the box again. He was unlucky not to score after four minutes and then when he did find the back of the net with a smart finish, he was rightly flagged offside.
A really promising display from him up front.
Harvey Barnes – 6.5
Some more nice touches and threatening moments but didn’t get as many openings or real chances as he did in the first half.
Substitutes
Will Osula – 5
Immediately put himself about with his powerful running and drew a booking for Spurs when he burst past him. A lot of effort but little to show for it.
Tino Livramento – 6
A solid but unspectacular display at left-back before moving back to the right.
Lewis Hall – 6.5
A welcome return to the field for the first time since his season was cut short by injury and, within moments, he was making an important interception on the recovery.
Park Seung-soo – 6
As one Korean legend left the field, potentially one in the making entered to loud cheers for his second appearance in a Newcastle shirt. Put himself about and got one moment when he dazzled with some tricks on the ball.
Mark Gillespie – 6
A rare appearance for the goalkeeper who came on with 10 minutes to go and was alert to any danger.
Anthony Elanga – 6
Didn’t see much of the ball in a brief cameo.
Emil Krafth – 6
Solid.
Travis Hernes – 5
Came on late.