Newcastle United slipped to yet another defeat in the Premier League last night.
The Magpies’ winless run extended to eight games in the league and 10 in all competitions, with Aston Villa the latest victors.
It was yet another sorry performance under Steve Bruce, who has infuriated many supporters with his post-match assessment of the game that he was encouraged by what he saw.
It was remarkable to watch Villa knock the ball around with such ease when they were 2-0 up.
There just seemed to be no urgency and no industry.
By contrast, those were two things displayed in absolute spade-loads by Ross Barkley, who was starting his second league game in a row after recently returning from a hamstring injury.
Barkley oozed class for the hosts, completing 90% of his passes (43/48) and winning three out of six duels according to Sofascore.
The star’s performance was always going to be under the microscope, after the Chronicle had reported earlier this month that Bruce had wanted to sign £15 million star Barkley (BBC Sport) on loan from Chelsea last summer, but was blocked from doing so.
Last night, he certainly showed Newcastle what they are missing.
Newcastle lacking Barkley X-factor
Newcastle’s midfield has lacked spark all season.
There is no one in there who can make things happen with the ball.
Jonjo Shelvey has the potential to pick passes, but it’s from deeper positions and he isn’t consistent.
There is no one that can take the ball and drive, break the lines and link with the centre-forwards.
One wonders how costly not signing Barkley, or a player like him, will ultimately prove to be.
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