Newcastle player ratings v Brighton: Under fire figure stars in 8/10 display
Midfielders
Isaac Hayden – 6: After an injury layoff which kept him out of the club’s last two games, the midfield enforcer returned to line up alongside Merino in the middle of the park. Inadvertently forced a great save from Mat Ryan after seeing his fluffed shot deflected, but a quiet performance otherwise.
Mikel Merino – 6: Entrusted with carrying out the creative duties from the centre of the park in place of Jonjo Shelvey, he showed off his dynamism early on, hassling and harrying the Brighton midfield. Demonstrated his vision with a brilliant through ball for Dwight Gayle in the first half, but struggled to dictate the tempo.
Matt Ritchie – 5: Back after a rest against Manchester City, the winger had a poor start to the clash, with a free kick sailing over the heads of his team mates before a poor clearance which handed Brighton a shooting chance. Not the Scotland international’s finest display, he was hooked by Benitez before the full time whistle..
Christian Atsu – 6: After what was an impressive cameo appearance against Manchester City last time out, the Ghanaian winger was restored to the starting XI, but failed to have the same impact. His first touch was poor and he struggled to create much down the left flank.
Click below to reveal the ratings for the Newcastle forwards…