Karl Darlow’s promotion ahead of Matz Sels has helped Newcastle look more solid in their own penalty area – the goalkeeper came off his line to make two excellent catches – but there is still a general vulnerability when balls are delivered into the six-yard box.
It would be harsh to be too critical of anything after such a comfortable win, but Rafael Benitez will still have been disappointed to see his side concede another soft goal from a set-piece in the second half.
Scott Hogan was able to head home from close range after a corner was flicked on at the front post, and dealing with crosses into the box remains an issue for the Magpies’ back four.
Neither Lascelles nor Clark were able to get close enough to Hogan, and Newcastle also looked vulnerable from deliveries from the wide positions in their last home game against Norwich.