Newcastle United were beaten 1-0 by Bundesliga side Mainz 05 during the final friendly of their pre-season tour of Austria.
Dutchman Delano Burgzorg scored the only goal just before the hour amid scorching temperatures at the Kufstein Arena, located at the foot of the Tirol Mountains.
Our North-East football correspondent, Craig Hope, was in attendance. Here, he brings you five talking points…
Starting XI clues?
It could well be that Howe’s thinking with regards his preferred starting XI is becoming apparent. There is a feeling he will trial likely partnerships during pre-season and, to that end, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar being paired at the heart of the defence is interesting.