Nick Woltemade and two others – Who Eddie Howe must axe vs Fulham after Tyne-Wear embarrassment
Eddie Howe needs to turn his attention to the Carabao Cup immediately after the embarrassing defeat to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Unsurprisingly, Granit Xhaka was key to Sunderland’s success at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 14 December, with the only goal coming from Nick Woltemade, but at the wrong end of the pitch.
Dan Burn was forced off with an injury, suggesting that he could be sidelined for the foreseeable future, joining the likes of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and William Osula in the treatment room.
The Magpies appear to be running out of options in defence, with Fabian Schar the only experienced centre-half on the bench against the Black Cats, but it was Howe’s attack that let him down the most.
With just two shots on target, the visitors created an xG (Expected Goals) of 0.24 [FotMob], struggling to build any momentum. While it was a painful defeat, focus must now turn to Fulham on Wednesday, 17 December.
Nick Woltemade
Having started each of the Magpies’ last five games across all competitions, now would be the perfect chance for Howe to rest the German international.
Yoane Wissa has now returned from injury an in desperate need of valuable minutes. The 29-year-old netted 19 Premier League goals last season, so it is only a matter of time before he gets firing.
Osula is also set to return near the end of December, so he could be available as Newcastle welcome the Cottagers to St James’ Park.
Anthony Elanga
Newcastle fans have not been impressed by Anthony Elanga since his big-money move from Nottingham Forest, and he clearly does not have the backing of the manager either.
The winger was hooked just before the hour mark, having created zero chances, completed zero dribbles, failed to register a shot, lost 100 per cent of his duels, and was dispossessed once [FotMob].
Anthony Gordon
As well as Elanga, Anthony Gordon did not see the hour mark, being replaced by Harvey Barnes, meaning that his goal streak came to a very sorry end at the Stadium of Light.
He had scored in three previous games, taking his total to seven for the season across all competitions, but there is absolutely no excuse for his poor performance against the club’s biggest rivals.
Barnes and Jacob Murphy are more than capable of filling the winger spots in the Carabao Cup, and Howe will be keen for his team to retain the trophy after beating Liverpool in the final last season.