Jermaine Jenas has highlighted something unusual Eddie Howe did last night for Newcastle United in their 2-1 loss against AC Milan.
The Toon crashed out of Europe yesterday as Newcastle threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at St. James’ Park, with PSG’s draw at Borussia Dortmund enough to send the Magpies to the bottom of their group.
With an injury list as long as any top club in Europe, many of Newcastle’s surviving players were running on fumes tonight, with Anthony Gordon once such name.
Yet speaking on TNT Sports, Jenas pointed out how Howe’s decision to take Gordon off was an unusual one given that Newcastle needed to get back into the game having just conceded their lead.
Jenas said about Howe’s decision to bring off Gordon: “He kept doing this Gordon, and it was a bit strange when he got took off. We all looked at each other like, what is it?
“But I think it leads into what I’m trying to say, he has given so much over the last couple of weeks and he was just running on fumes at the end.”
Eddie Howe got some decisions wrong for Newcastle vs AC Milan
Given how many players Newcastle currently have out and the fact that the Magpies were still in contention to progress from their group tonight, Howe can be given the benefit of the doubt.
However, there’s no denying that the Newcastle boss made some unusual decisions last night, namely the one highlighted by Jenas involving Gordon.
Whilst the winger was shattered, in a game as big as this it is important to keep all the game-changers on the pitch when possible, especially with a player like Alexander Isak on the bench.
Indeed, Gordon remaining on the pitch for an extra bit longer could have made the difference for Newcastle, with Howe likely kicking himself over his decision to take the youngster off after full time.
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