The Magpies suffered a shocking defeat at Saint James’ Park to bottom-table team Rovers, as a 75th minute goal from Mulgrew was enough to hand Benitez’s side their 4th loss of the new Championship season and end their run of 9 successive victories.
However, it didn’t do much damage to their position on the log as they now only lead Brighton & Hove Albion with 2 points.
How did the 2nd-string Toons side fare against the 20th placed Blackburn Rovers?
Darlow
Was only tested twice in the game, one in each half. But he just couldn’t save Mulgrew’s acrobatic close-range volley that handed Blackburn an escape from the relegation zone.
Rating : 7/10
Mbemba
The defender didn’t have much to do at the back, but made an attempted assist at the other end, whipping in a fine cross to Aleksandar Mitrovic in the first half.
Got replaced with Gayle with 5 minutes from regular time as Benitez sought for an equalizer.
Rating : 5/10
Clark
Steele denied the centre half on one occasion from a corner, while his close-range effort couldn’t trouble the Rovers defence. Wasn’t able to stop the visitors from striking Newcastle down.
Rating : 6/10
Yedlin
The right-back attempted a shot at goal in the first half but couldn’t get it on target. His runs down the flank also troubled Rovers’ backline as he won a freekick on an occasion.
Rating : 6/10
Gámez
The former Atletico Madrid left-back suffered a knock that got him stretchered off just 10 minutes after the restart. It was his first start for Newcastle in the Championship since arriving in July.
Was caught offside very early in the game after Jonjo Shelvey played a through ball towards him.
Rating : 5/10
Hayden
Went close to registering a goal just after the break and won freekicks for Newcastle. Kept on breaking play with many fouls and eventually got himself booked.
Rating : 5/10
Shelvey
Registered Newcastle’s best chance of the game and their first shot on target after almost 70 minutes played.
Played in 2 fine through balls towards the visitors’ goal at the start and towards the end of the game, but his targets were caught offside.
Rating : 6/10
Ritchie
The right winger blasted a chance over the bar, but made great crosses into Blackburn’s box that Mitrovic couldn’t make the best of. Was lucky to have escaped booking for his fouls.
Rating : 6/10
Atsu
The Chelsea loanee had a chance to put Newcastle in front but his shot went wide minutes after the restart, and he tried hard to make an impact, but none resulted in anything.
Rating : 6/10
Pérez
Won freekicks, attempted shots and laid on passes to his teammates but nothing came out of his dedicated performance.
Rating : 6/10
Mitrović
Led the attack as Gayle was rested ahead of midweek’s EFL Cup clash against Hull, but he didn’t do anything to prove he is worthy of getting a recall into the starting XI anytime soon.
Rating : 5/10
SUBSTITUTES
Dummett
Replaced Gamez but couldn’t contribute much to the proceedings.
Rating : 5/10
Gayle
Came on very late and had just an effort that didn’t go well.
Rating : Not Available