Yoane Wissa scored twice as a substitute to give Matthias Jaissle a winning start as Newcastle boss with a 2-1 comeback pre-season win at 10-man Valencia.
But what did we learn from Jaissle’s first match in charge?
Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie breaks down all the key talking points from The Mestalla…
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Change in formation
I was keen to see how Jaissle would set his new team up, and what changes we would see from Eddie Howe’s favoured 4-3-3.
The German went with a 4-2-3-1, with four attackers starting (Will Osula, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga).
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Woltemade started in the No 10 role, which many have been calling for for some time. Under Howe last season he was often played in midfield, but he struggled here. He looked off the pace and was dispossessed frequently.
However, I think Jaissle will persist with the 4-2-3-1 and his compatriot. The formation helps get an extra attacker into the team.
I like the fact he’s looked at the players at his disposal and opted for a formation that gets as many of them into the team as possible. He could easily switch to a 4-3-3 as well.
Elanga’s injury
Anthony Elanga, fresh from a strong World Cup showing for Sweden, looked electric in the first half-hour last night.
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That was until he found himself on the receiving end of a horror challenge from Valencia skipper Jose Gaya.
The Spaniard was shown a straight red for the lunging first-half tackle, that Jaissle said was shocking post-match, particularly in a friendly.
Jaissle admitted he feared a serious injury for the flying winger, but the post-match news has been positive. It looks like a dead leg and some heavy bruising for Elanga, with Jaissle admitting they are “blessed” by the outcome.
If the former Manchester United winger can start the season the way he began the match last night, Newcastle will start to see some of last summer’s £55m outlay repaid. He’s got a lot to improve on from last season, but the early signs are positive.
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New signings
Newcastle have added five players in this transfer window, with two of them goalkeepers. Three of the five (Lukas Hornicek, Aladji Bamba and Bazou Toure) made their debuts and I was impressed.
Bamba gave the ball away a couple of times but he looked physical and imposing. I also liked his manipulation of the ball in tight areas. He’s only 20, so Jaissle will not want to put too much pressure on him, but to me he looks like he should have the tools to hit the ground running in the Premier League.
He played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Sean Steur. The Dutchman is two years Bamba’s junior, but his summer showings belie his tender age.