Fabian Schär was controversially sent off just before the half-hour mark with the scoreline at 0-0, but Joelinton scored what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 45th minute.

And United defended doggedly in the second period to get the new campaign off to a superb start. There was a competitive debut for Lloyd Kelly as a second half substitute, while Bruno Guimarães captained Newcastle for the first time in the Premier League.

Serena Taylor, assisted by Michelle Mercer, brought newcastleunited.com this gallery from St. James' Park.