Newcastle

2.83

• 
  6

  0

  3.00

  Tim Krul

  Rarely called upon, more thanks to Metalist's failure to hit the target than a comprehensive defensive display, but when asked the question by Cleiton Xavier's header, the Dutchman hand the answer, pulling off a superb save from point-blank range.

• 
  3

  0

  2.50

  Fabricio Coloccini

  A largely comfortable display for the captain, particularly with the opposition attack doing most of their bidding from the flanks, yet the Argentine was fortunate to see Krul save Xavier's header after his poor attempt to clear.

• 
  7

  1

  3.00

  Davide Santon

  Struggled at times with the twisting and turning of Marlos, Metalist's most lively attacking threat, but showed good intent when going forward himself, particularly when teeing up Cisse for a superb second-half opportunity.

• 
  4

  1

  3.00

  Steven Taylor

  Looked unaffected by the mistake which cost Newcastle a point against Tottenham. Comfortable in possession, and certainly an equal in the defensive partnership with Coloccini.

• 
  9

  0

  2.50

  Mapou Yangambiwa

  Looked nervy during the first 45 at right-back, but his performance improved tenfold after the break, with the 23-year-old a whole lot more assured when on the ball.

• 
  4

  0

  3.00

  Yohan Cabaye

  Constantly dropping off to link up play and retain possession, the France international's lovely first-time through ball for Cisse in the first half really should have resulted in the opening goal of the game.

• 
  3

  1

  2.50

  Jonas Gutierrez

  Reluctant to get forward in the opening stages, but when he did, the Argentine gave a typical performance - swashbuckling forward runs that rarely ended with a productive final ball.

• 
  2

  2

  3.00

  Cheikh Tiote

  A combative performance in midfield that was not without the customary yellow card. Still needs to improve his awareness, but a display to remind Newcastle of his worth after the recent exploits of Sissoko.

• 
  18

  0

  3.50

  Moussa Sissoko Top of the Match

  It may only be his fourth outing in a Newcastle shirt, but the Frenchman is already renowned in these parts for bullying the opposition with his pace and power. A player who makes things happen, and was unfortunate to be wrongly ruled offside after teeing up Cisse to score

• 
  3

  2

  2.50

  Papiss Cissé

  The Senegalese striker's form from last season continues to elude him. Unfortunate to see his first-half goal wrongly cancelled out by the linesman, and then again in the second. A frustrating evening for Cisse, who offers little if he isn't scoring

• 
  4

  1

  2.50

  Gabriel Obertan

  A continuation of the form that suggests Obertan may have a role to play, however small, on Tyneside. Looks to be gaining increasing confidence when on the flank, and while his crossing can leave much to be desired, he linked up well with Santon and Cabaye at times

Substitutions

• 
  2

  1

  3.00

  Sylvain Marveaux

  Replaced Obertan with half an hour remaining, and made an immediate impact. The Frenchman looked fearless when running at the Metalist defence, even if his final touch alluded him.

• 
  0

  3

  Shola Ameobi

  Came on for the final 10 minuets in place of Tiote, and couldn't force any further attacking chances for the hosts

Metalist Kharkiv

2.42

• 
  3

  1

  3.00

  Oleksandr Horyainov

  Had very little to do throughout, but when called upon, particularly by Cisse's close-range effort in the second half, was more than up to the task.

• 
  0

  2

  2.00

  Cristian Villagra

  Struggled with the double-pronged threat of Santon and Obertan, and then Gutierrez in the second half, and should have done more to exploit the space behind his fellow full-back.

• 
  0

  2

  1.50

  Marco Torsiglieri Flop of the Match

  Repeatedly bullied off the ball by Sissoko, while he allowed Cisse to turn him far too easily to get a run through on goal.

• 
  1

  1

  2.00

  Fininho

  When Gutierrez did get forward, the Brazilian was easily beaten at left-back. However, after Marveaux's introduction, had little to think about in the way of defending.

• 
  1

  1

  3.00

  Papa Gueye

  Certainly looked more comfortable than his fellow centre-back, and dealt with Cisse well throughout.

• 
  1

  1

  2.50

  Edmar

  Helped to retain possession well and move the ball forward, particularly in the first half when Metalist enjoyed their best spell of possession

• 
  1

  1

  3.00

  Cleiton Xavier

  Happy to drop off Santon's shoulder, the Brazilian was a key part of Metalist's fluid forward line up. Was unfortunate not to score after his captain got in his way as he looked to pull there trigger.

• 
  2

  1

  3.00

  José Sosa

  A busy midfield display from the captain, who was prepared to drop deep to seek the ball and also drive the game forward. However, a lack of communication with Cleiton Xavier saw a superb chance squandered, with the pair getting in each other's way when through on goal.

• 
  1

  1

  2.00

  Juan Torres

  The diminutive defensive midfielder struggled against Newcastle's impressive central trio of Cabaye, Sissoko and Tiote.

• 
  3

  1

  3.50

  Marlos

  Aside from Sissoko, the most impressive player on the field. The 24-year-old was equally adept cutting inside from the right as he was driving down the flank, and was only hampered by his own reluctance to shoot at times.

• 
  2

  1

  1.50

  Jonatan Ezequiel Cristaldo

  Very quiet from the 23-year-old, who rarely troubled either of the Newcastle centre-halts, with the widemen instead providing the bulk of attacking impetus.

Substitutions

• 
  1

  1

  2.00

  Willian

  Replaced Marlos with 20 minutes left to play and did little to influence the game

• 
  1

  1

  Jajá

  Replaced the non-existent Cristaldo, and looked more lively in his short spell on the field, driving forward on the break.