An uninspiring, disjointed display that mirrored the off-field situation at St James’ Park. Newcastle United could be forgiven for not wanting the new campaign to start despite the off-season feeling like a state of perennial limbo.
In the sticky South Korean humidity, a team of K-League all stars put Eddie Howe’s men to the sword 1-0. This was not an embarrassment akin to the Australian annihilation 14 months ago, when Newcastle’s novices were smashed 8-0 Down Under.
However, when the Magpies, a club desperately needing a jolt of optimism, walked off the field in Seoul, negativity took centre stage once again. The image of Joe Willock being stretchered off in stoppage time only compounded that misery. While only a pre-season encounter, there were little crumbs of comfort here.
It would be unfair to lay in to Will Osula - who missed several second-half chances - seeing he is a striker who at least bothered to travel to Asia with his teammates. The two Anthonys - Gordon and Elanga - ran aimlessly in the final third.
The brightest spark? One of South Korea’s own, Seung-Soo Park, who earned a rapturous applause from the local crowd every time he got the ball. His youthful fearlessness was there to be seen - this was a lad desperate to make an impression.
Overall, one to forget. Only the diehard Asian fans who caught the Magpies in action for the first time will remember this one. For the rest of us, the bigger focus lies elsewhere. Here are your Newcastle United player ratings in full.
5. Tino Livramento - 5
Here, there and everywhere in the first half but to little avail. Looked jaded in the second. | Getty Images
6. Sandro Tonali - 5
Played a blinder of a pass to Osula early on. It came to nothing but showed great intent. Was clearly the experienced head in the engine room. | Getty Images
7. Joe Willock - 4
Putting Osula through on 49 minutes was his highlight. Otherwise poor. Sad to see him stretchered off late on. | Getty Images
8. Lewis Miley - 5.5
Some neat and tidy passes but nothing to rave about. | AFP via Getty Images