The Sandro Tonali decision that sums up embarrassing Newcastle United display

Add as preferred source on Google

Not even Sandro Tonali could save Newcastle United against West Ham.

The Magpies were expected to beat West Ham on Sunday, but actually produced their worst performance of the season.

Newcastle United lost 3-1 to West Ham, putting in a rotten display to hand Nuno Espirito Santo his first win as Hammers boss.

Alan Shearer slammed Newcastle United for how they played, describing them as ‘lazy’ as they continued their awful record away from home in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side were incredibly disjointed all over the pitch, and that was summed up by where Sandro Tonali ended the afternoon.

• Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro

Sandro Tonali forced to play right-back during Newcastle United loss

During Newcastle’s defeat to West Ham, they actually had four right-backs.

With Kieran Trippier suffering from illness, Emil Krafth retained his place in the starting XI. However, he was taken off at half-time.

Malick Thiaw shifted over, before Sven Botman’s withdrawal resulted in the German defender moving back to centre-back. In turn, Jacob Murphy dropped into the back four after starting and scoring from the right of attack.

The 30-year-old was then taken off himself, with Anthony Elanga coming on in the 77th minute. That change meant Newcastle United needed a fourth right-back of the afternoon, with Sandro Tonali getting the honours.

The fact that Newcastle’s most important player was being forced to operate completely out of position summed up the chaotic nature of their performance against West Ham. It was one of those games where nothing went right for the Magpies, who should be embarrassed by their efforts in the capital.

Newcastle United not far away from double boost at right-back

Trippier was a big miss against West Ham, but should hopefully be available for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Athletic Club. He will likely be asked to immediately return to the starting lineup, with Krafth’s limitations clear for all to see at the London Stadium.

After that, Tino Livramento is not too far away from returning to fitness. The England international is currently out of action with a knee injury, but is back in training.

The belief is that Livramento could return against Manchester City on 22nd November. That is Newcastle’s first game after the upcoming international break.

With Trippier only unavailable through illness and Livramento not far away from a return, this right-back crisis should be a one-off.