Good save to deny Sam Greenwood early on. Had little chance with the former Sunderland man’s free-kick. However, the second goal was certainly saveable. Subbed for Nick Pope at half-time.placeholder image
Good save to deny Sam Greenwood early on. Had little chance with the former Sunderland man’s free-kick. However, the second goal was certainly saveable. Subbed for Nick Pope at half-time. | AFP via Getty Images

Newcastle United player ratings vs Bristol City: Nightmare return sees 2/10 score for £35m star

Charlie Bennett
By Charlie Bennett

Newcastle United writer

Published 29th Jul 2026, 21:20 GMT

Bristol City thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 in their third pre-season fixture ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Bristol City inflicted Newcastle United their first defeat of pre-season with a humbling 4-1 win at Ashton Gate.

Goals from Sam Greenwood and Lorent Tolaj gave the hosts a deserved scoreline at the break. Max Bird fired the Robins into a three-goal lead shortly after half-time as the 3,800-strong away end feared a cricket score.

Ultimately, Harvey Barnes netted a consolation before a comical Sven Botman own goal completed the rout. Here are your Newcastle United player ratings from a pre-season fixture to forget.

Carried his World Cup confidence into the opening 20 minutes. Failed to replicate the same energy. Probably Newcastle’s best player - although that does not say much.

9. Anthony Elanga - 6

Carried his World Cup confidence into the opening 20 minutes. Failed to replicate the same energy. Probably Newcastle’s best player - although that does not say much. | Getty Images

Tried to provide an outlet from the left. However, his delivery was lacking. Grabbed a goal late on but Newcastle need more from him now Anthony Gordon has gone.

10. Harvey Barnes - 5

Tried to provide an outlet from the left. However, his delivery was lacking. Grabbed a goal late on but Newcastle need more from him now Anthony Gordon has gone. | Getty Images

A similar tale to Gateshead. Never stopped trying but failed to get a few half-chances away. Hit the bar early into the second half. A loan to pursue regular first-team football is needed.

11. Sean Neave - 5

A similar tale to Gateshead. Never stopped trying but failed to get a few half-chances away. Hit the bar early into the second half. A loan to pursue regular first-team football is needed. | Getty Images

Little he could do about the third goal. Should have probably saved the fourth.

12. Nick Pope - 5

Little he could do about the third goal. Should have probably saved the fourth. | Getty Images

Previous
3 / 4
Next Page
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice