Two 8/10s, three 7s and one 5 – Newcastle player ratings from 2-0 win at Hull

Newcastle stepped up their pre-season plans with a comfortable 2-0 win away at Hull City this afternoon, as first half goals from Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy set us up nicely ahead of tomorrow’s flight to Japan.

Check out our player ratings in full below:

Pope – 7 – Welcome return for Howe’s No.1, who made a crucial save from Slater’s close-range shot in the first half, showing superb reflexes. Claimed a few crosses and looked sharp. Didn’t have much to do.

Livramento – 6 – Formed a solid partnership with Murphy as we dominate that right flank. Came off just after the hour mark, shortly after firing an effort of his own wide. Steady display and minutes in the tank after he failed to feature in our 3-1 win in Germany.

Krafth – 6 – Sometimes looks more comfortable at centre-back, a little like Burn. Late pressure did highlight some of his defensive limitations, but he did a decent job and picked out a few nice passes in the first half.

Burn – 6 – Didn’t have much thrown his way but put in a steady display as captain. Did collide with Krafth which almost allowed Slater to capitalise, but made a few timely clearances in the second half.

Lewis – 6 – The former Norwich man made his first Newcastle appearance since a two minute cameo against Chelsea on the final day in 2023. Delivered a few dangerous crosses and looked eager to impress. Nothing spectacular but should be good for his confidence as he looks to find a move.

Hall – 8 – Showed his versatility all game, starting as a No.6 before slotting in as a left-sided No.8 and then a left-back. Performed well in all roles and showed his drive both on and off the ball. Clear signs that he will become the next Eddie Howe ‘success story’.

Joelinton – 7 – Came close to opening scoring after a few dangerous arrivals into the box. Oozed class with two inexperienced midfielders around him and looked strong. Big season ahead for the Brazilian.

J. Miley – 6 – Lewis’ older brother helped smother Hull midfield on his first start for the senior side. Tidy performance from the debutant who will be happy with his showing against Championship opposition.

Murphy – 8 – Excellent afternoon, assisting Isak’s opener before a driving cross of his own found the back of the net. A fortunate goal but he delivered so many dangerous balls into the box and was very positive on the ball all afternoon. Such a handy squad option, even if we need a top-quality upgrade on the right wing.

Isak – 7 – Poacher’s finish off Murphy’s cross for the opener, making it two goals in two over pre-season for the Swede. Almost created a goal for Joelinton in the opening half hour and nearly added a second before his effort was blocked in the second half.

Barnes – 5 – Produced some dangerous attacks while linking up with Lewis down the left, but he looked a little rusty. Did well to tee up Isak in the second half but missed the chance to go through on goal after failing to gather Murphy’s through ball. Will need to step up drive and threat if he is to rival Gordon for a starting spot this season.

SUBS:

Sanusi (63′) – Worked hard and showed flashes despite being isolated in attack. Lovely touch to bring down Harrison’s arrowed pass, but overhit his final pass.

Harrison (63′) – Looked comfortable dropping deep and showing for the ball. Very tidy and confident taking possession in tight spaces.

Parkinson (63′) – Protected ball well at times, helping relieve some pressure by winning a free kick.

Turner-Cooke (63′) – Struggled to get into the game.

Vlachodimos (74′) – Made a good save to tip a long range effort around the post just after coming on.

Emerson, Munda, Stanton and Charlton – All four barely got a kick. Great to see Munda (an England youth international midfielder) make his first ever senior outing for the club.