Massadio Haidara has rightfully earned that spot at left full-back after a string of good pre-season performances but the step-up to Premier League level is still someway off for the 22-year-old. His first touch needs a lot of work and let him down on numerous occasions as well as slowing the team's play. His saving grace was his ability to put high-level crosses into the box and he grabbed the assist for Papiss Cisse's first goal.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.