Newcastle player ratings v West Brom: Benitez regular awful in 4/10 display
Midfielders
Mikel Merino (Centre-Midfielder) – 7: Newcastle fans will be delighted to see him back in the starting XI and for good reason. He makes a huge difference to the side and they cannot afford for injury or suspension to keep him out much this season.
Isaac Hayden (Defensive-Midfielder) – 6: A typical defensive performance from the former Arsenal man although he maybe should have stamped more authority in the centre of the park.
Jacob Murphy (Left Midfielder) – 7: Energetic and exciting to watch, the youngster is a rough diamond who is starting to come good for the Magpies. The more game time he receives the better he will becomes, and will no doubt enjoy fighting with Rolando Aarons for a role in Christian Atsu’s absence.
Matt Ritchie (Right Midfielder) – 8: The Scottish winger must have had some words in his ear at half time as he came out for the second half a changed man. A disappointing display in the opening 45 minutes was replaced by a performance which resulted in the Newcastle comeback. His deliveries from set pieces were all they needed, although perhaps should have done better in open play.
Click ‘reveal’ below to see how we rated Newcastle’s attack against the Baggies…