Newcastle United legend Shay Given has admitted that he feels sorry for Eddie Howe after the Magpies’ Carabao Cup exit.
Newcastle crashed out of the competition on Tuesday night, losing on penalties to Chelsea. It was an agonising way to be eliminated, with Howe’s side leading up until the 92nd minute.
But a Kieran Trippier error handed the Blues an equaliser, and the 33-year-old was then one of two Newcastle players who missed in the shootout.
The Magpies defended valiantly at Stamford Bridge, but just did not have enough energy to really be a threat on the ball in the second half. Newcastle barely got up the pitch, spending half of the evening camped on the edge of their own box.
Once again, Howe was unable to impact the game in a positive way with his substitutions, with the likes of Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson forced to play the full 90 minutes despite being shattered.
Eddie Howe unable to make enough attacking changes against Chelsea
Following the Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea, Shay Given was asked on Sky Sports if he thought Newcastle ran out of steam at Stamford Bridge. The goalkeeper agreed, before naming two players who Howe probably wanted to take off.
“Possibly [Newcastle ran out of steam],” he said.
“You look at Chelsea’s bench then you look at Newcastle’s bench. I think there were two keepers. I know Matt Ritchie is more of an attacking player but the rest are fullbacks.
“You look at Almiron at times, maybe even Wilson, and you want to take them off for 20 minutes. Give them a bit of fresh impetus up top to get them higher up the pitch. But they couldn’t do that.
“You have to feel for Eddie and his staff because he’s got to trust the 10 that’s out there.”
Newcastle need fresh legs, but no sign of a reprieve
Almiron seemed to be running on empty against Chelsea, while Wilson’s fitness is always a concern given his injury record.
But Howe was unable to take them off. The only attacking player he had in reserve was Matt Ritchie, and he was forced to come on for the injured Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle’s lack of attacking options has been the biggest issue during this injury crisis. We are desperate for the likes of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy to return.
But it is unclear when they will be back, while Alexander Isak is also struggling with a groin problem. There was a chance he could feature against Chelsea, but instead the 24-year-old was absent for a second consecutive game.
Howe desperately needs players back, or he needs reinforcements. However, that will not happen for another couple of weeks when the January transfer window opens.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
