Newcastle United’s Premier League winning run came to a disappointing end on Monday night as they were defeated 2-0 by a frustratingly superior Aston Villa side.
Toon fans had been looking forward to the game after two surprisingly good performances from Steve Bruce’s side, however another sobering loss has merely put the spotlight back on the squad’s key problems.
Joelinton and Miguel Almron once again struggled in front of goal, and despite his brilliant efforts, Allan Saint-Maximin could not force the issue on his own.
And while NUFC defenders have saved the day with their brilliant set-piece goals over the past few weeks, Villa had no trouble in playing them at their own game, as silly fouls from DeAndre Yedlin and Federico Fernandez allowed them to score twice from free-kicks.
Conor Hourihane proved the difference between the sides, scoring the first free-kick with a great curling effort and then providing a wicked delivery across the six-yard box with the second, allowing Anwar El Ghazi to tap home.
Understandingly, Bruce’s defensive line up has since come under mass criticism from fans after the game.
Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark and Fernandez made up a shaky back three on the night, while Jetro Willems and Yedlin started in the wing back roles.
However Dummett was the only change to the same defensive line-up that helped secure wins over Bournemouth and West Ham this month, the Welshman replacing the recently injured Jamaal Lascelles.
But after what was a less than commanding performance from Dummett, fans have questioned why Bruce did not opt for crowd favourite Fabian Schar instead.
Scharly he must start?
Schar has spent a month on the side lines with a knee injury, and with Newcastle returning to winning ways since his absence, it’s maybe not surprising Bruce chose not to rush him back into the side.
However the defender returned to regular training two weeks ago, and when fit, it’s clear Schar is not only one of the Toon’s best centre-backs, but also one of their best players.
Newcastle’s counter attacking style means they heavily rely on ball-playing centre backs and without the Swiss international, the back three struggle to maintain possession.
Toon Captain Jamaal Lascelles’ knee injury versus Bournemouth has also meant the Toon’s defence is in dire need of leadership and defensive stability.
For many Newcastle fans, it’s Schar who helps solve these problems, not Paul Dummett.
But bizarrely, Schar remained on the bench for the fixture, which has baffled supporters.
Although fans are happy to see the Villa loss as a blip, the consensus is that Schar must return to the side on Saturday.
Toon fans react to Schar benching
https://twitter.com/Ftbxll/status/1199075170645766144
https://twitter.com/BootGeordie/status/1199068910265544704
https://twitter.com/grbenson/status/1199067734467842048
https://twitter.com/JJFletcher7/status/1199067073722408968
https://twitter.com/thorburn_iain/status/1199065284033892354
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