Newcastle United fell to a 4-1 defeat against Bristol City in a pre-season friendly at Ashton Gate on Wednesday. The result exposed defensive vulnerabilities for the Premier League side during their third warm-up match.
Newcastle went close early through Sean Neave but trailed after Sam Greenwood scored from a free kick that flew in off the crossbar. Lorent Tolaj extended the lead to 2-0 before half time.
Max Bird made it 3-0 early in the second half after Jacob Murphy lost possession. Harvey Barnes pulled one back for Newcastle following a move involving Jacob Ramsey.
An own goal by Sven Botman completed the scoring. Botman and Murphy struggled throughout the match.
Newcastle fielded a depleted squad missing several key players including Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali who were sold this summer. Captain Bruno Guimaraes is not due to return until Friday.
