If there’s one thing Sean Longstaff isn’t then it’s a striker.
But when Miguel Almiron went off, the academy graduate was forced into an advanced role as the Magpies did their best to crash out of the FA Cup.
Longstaff started the game in a more advanced midfield role and excelled, brilliantly giving us the lead after 15 minutes. He also set up the second, and was clearly relishing the extra freedom in behind the striker.
However, it’s clear he isn’t a striker. And the fact he had to play up top is a sad reflection of where we are as a club.
The 21-year-old had the chance to seal the victory late on, but skewed his effort wide after a brilliant bit of play from Allan Saint-Maximin.
We were eventually punished, with Oxford taking the game to extra time.
Fair play to Longstaff for putting a shift in in an unfamiliar role, but please let it be the last time we see him there.
Steve Bruce didn’t sign a striker in January, and it already looks like a mistake. While the likes of Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle are due back from injury, the quality still isn’t there.
Mike Ashley watched on from the stands as his manager was forced to put an out of form midfielder up front, and he probably didn’t care one bit.
Toon fans can’t believe where Sean Longstaff was playing
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