Matt Ritchie could easily have had an afternoon to forget against Watford.
The Newcastle United man was up against in in-form Ismaila Sarr, and playing even more out of position.
The Magpies have started the season playing five at the back, with Ritchie operating as a left wing-back. But that changed against the Hornets, with Steve Bruce switching to a back four.
And rather than turn to out-and-out left-back Jamal Lewis, Bruce gave Ritchie the chance to play in a back four.
It was a decision that could have easily backfired. We’ve already seen Ritchie’s defensive limitations this season. Against a direct and pacey Sarr, it could have been a recipe for disaster.
But Ritchie proved he was more than up to the task. His job was even tougher when he picked up a lazy booking midway through the first half.
However, the 32-year-old recovered, and was able to nullify the threat of Watford’s talisman.
Yes, Sarr did score. But it was from a set piece, so the finger can’t be pointed at Ritchie.
In one-on-one situations, the Newcastle number 11 more than held his own against the 23-year-old.
The switch to a back four massively puts Ritchie’s position in the starting XI under threat. The Scotland international is learning on the job, having arrived at the club as a right-winger in 2016.
Compared to Lewis and Paul Dummett, Ritchie is wildly inexperienced in defence.
But up against one of the Premier League’s most in-form wingers, he proved he could hold his own at left-back.
Despite the result, Newcastle impressed against Watford. There were strong showings from the likes of Sean Longstaff.
But Ritchie should be especially proud of his performance.
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