Ian Wright was shocked to see the level of defending on show from Newcastle United in the second-half against Tottenham Hotpsur.
The Magpies fell to a 5-1 defeat in north London, and were miles off it in the end.
Eddie Howe’s side actually started OK and were fairly good containing the threat of the Spurs attackers.
and the visitors actually took the lead through a Fabian Schar free-kick.
But Ben Davies equalised moments later and in the second-half, the floodgates completely opened.
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It was a real surprise to see Newcastle lose all their stability.
The Magpies have been so solid since the turn of the year, and it was remarkable to see how easily they ere cut open.
Tottenham have some quality attacking players and did play well. But at times Newcastle made it far too easy.
On Match of the Day 2 last night, ex-Arsenal striker Wright was surprised to see how much Newcastle’s level dipped.
Nedum Onuoha highlighted that Newcastle became a back five out of possession in the first-half.
And Wright said: “Like Eddie Howe said, they seemed to be chasing the game. That ball what he’s trying to play there (Schar before Spurs’ second goal), it’s Hollywood.
“And Dan Burn’s challenge there, can you just hold him up? He’s just left him to get on with it.
“Now you see (Ryan) Fraser, he doesn’t seem to have the same willingness to go and mark (Doherty). He sensed that danger (in the first-half), but he didn’t do it.”
Wright then said it was ‘really strange’ that Newcastle didn’t immediately sit on their one-goal lead, being a team away from home.
Shambolic defensive display that Newcastle must now get out of their system
Newcastle really were appalling in that second-half, and Howe has work to do this week on the training pitch.
It is absolutely paramount that Newcastle become hard to beat again, before things start to unravel.
It’s three losses on the spin now, and another against Wolves on Friday could prompt panic stations, especially if other results go against Newcastle.
At least though, Newcastle’s next three Premier League games are at St. James’ Park.
One gets the feeling the team could really do with a home crowd behind them right now.