Jason Cundy left disappointed by 29-year-old Newcastle player’s lack of impact vs Dortmund

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe had a plan against Borussia Dortmund, but it massively backfired.

There was a huge surprise when the Newcastle team was announced, with both Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron named on the bench. Instead, Howe had Tino Livramento and Joelinton on the wings.

It looked like Newcastle were going to try and stay in the game before going for it in the second half by bringing on their attackers. They did that at half time, with Gordon and Almiron replacing Lewis Hall and Callum Wilson.

The big guns were on, but they were firing blanks. The Toon substitutes were unable to inspire a comeback, with Newcastle going on to lose 2-0. It leaves Newcastle with a mountain to climb in the Champions League, with Paris Saint-Germain away up next.

Howe tried to change things at half time, but the Magpies were powerless against Borussia Dortmund.

Now TalkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy has admitted that he was disappointed with Almiron’s impact off the bench.

Jason Cundy disappointed with Miguel Almiron vs Dortmund

Following the 2-0 defeat to Dortmund, Cundy spoke on TalkSPORT about Howe’s decision to bring Almiron on for the second half.

“He’s made the change at half time, Almiron’s warmed up just before half time,” he said.

“He didn’t really have the impact you hoped.

“They would have taken a point, a point would have been a great result bearing in mind they got beat at home. That’s the result that’s killed them, Dortmund at home.”

Newcastle could not get the best out of Almiron on Tuesday night

Almiron is his most dangerous when Newcastle are playing on the break and he can use his blistering speed. However, he was unable to do that on Tuesday night as Dortmund defended their lead.

It might have been a different story had the 29-year-old came on at 0-0, but Newcastle were unable to avoid conceding in the first half.

Howe will have wanted more from his substitutes, but they were unable to help Newcastle avoid a disappointing defeat. Almiron did nearly get himself a goal, but his stoppage time scissor kick was blocked.

It means that the Magpies are now bottom of the group, with qualification to the next round of the Champions League looking extremely unlikely.