Newcastle United were thrashed away at Arsenal on Saturday night.
A five match unbeaten run was ended in really rather disappointing fashion at the Emirates Stadium as Newcastle were battered 4-1.
In truth, Eddie Howe’s side were lucky to have come away from the game having only conceded four goals. The Magpies boss has conceded that his team’s defensive problems are a real “worry” right now, with only Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and the Premier League‘s bottom three having let more in thus far.
Indeed, it was a particularly difficult night for Sven Botman.
The £35m star scored an own goal to kick things off and was criticised by pundit Don Hutchinson.
Sven Botman: Newcastle star criticised for Arsenal performance
Speaking to ESPN, Hutchinson said: “When you look at Newcastle’s strong point last season, it was clean sheets.
“I’ve been banging the drum for Sven Botman for a long time, thinking he’s different class. And he is. He was awful today. Fabian Schar the same.”
Sven Botman: Newcastle star needs improvement
Having admitted he played on through a serious injury without realising, it has clearly been a difficult season for Botman.
So good in his first season at the club as Hutchinson admits, there have been positive signs of late.
Still, even the most ardent Newcastle supporter would surely admit that Botman has been far from his best this time around. While the own goal was somewhat unlucky, it summed up his season so far.
With Jamaal Lascelles fit again following an injury of his own, perhaps it’s time for a change. Impressive at times when replacing Botman during his injury lay-off, there would appear to be little risk in swapping them out right now.
Newcastle want to build around Botman going forward. For now, however, he could surely do with being taken out of the firing line.
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