7 Pope: Made a fine first-half save from Gomez and an equally-important second-half one from Sanchez

9 TRIPPIER: Right back to his best – won everything defensively and delivered the free-kick for Burn’s goal

8 Thiaw: Oozes control and composure when he is on song – didn’t give the Athletic attack a sniff

7 Botman: Led by example at the heart of the back four, defending aggressively throughout

8 Burn: Opened the scoring with a sensational header and got himself into a number of other excellent attacking positions

6 Guimaraes: Ragged on occasion, particularly in the first half,  but was always looking to get on the front foot

6 Tonali: Displayed some neat touches, although he also gave the ball away on occasion

7 Joelinton: Got better as the night wore on and made no mistake as he headed home from Barnes’ cross

7 Barnes: Capped a much-improved display with the excellent cross that enabled Joelinton to double Newcastle’s lead

6 Woltemade: Showed for the ball whenever it as near him, but it was another night when he didn’t look...