Overview
- Dan Burn opened the scoring with an 11th-minute curling header from a Kieran Trippier free-kick that Eddie Howe said was a training-ground routine, before Joelinton headed a second after half-time.
- The win is Newcastle’s third in a row in the Champions League, moving them to nine points from four games and into strong position in the league phase standings.
- Eddie Howe voiced pride in the progress but highlighted the need to correct Premier League away form, with a trip to Brentford next.
- Anthony Gordon left before the break with a recurring hip issue and will be assessed before Brentford, Dan Burn was substituted after a knock, and Lewis Hall returned from a hamstring injury for 24 minutes.
- Set-piece coach Martin Mark’s influence was cited in the well-worked opener, and a respectful, celebratory atmosphere between Newcastle and Athletic supporters framed the night.