The three Newcastle losers from win vs Benfica, one completed just 18 passes
Newcastle dominated proceedings as they demolished Benfica 3-0 in front of a delirious St James’ Park.
The 2-1 defeat to Brighton on 18 October had seen former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively tell Football Insider that Eddie Howe needed to quickly turnaround Newcastle’s form.
That request was heard as the Magpies flourished on 21 October in a comfortable result against the Portuguese outfit.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes were both on target for the Toon on what was a joyous European night, but Football Insider considers those who also underwhelmed.
Newcastle thrive in Anthony Elanga’s absence
Football Insider demanded that Jacob Murphy start instead of Anthony Elanga and that is exactly what the Newcastle boss did.
The Swede has been a disappointment since he arrived in the summer and the performance from his right-wing competition will put his starting spot in even greater jeopardy.
Murphy was relentless down the right-hand side for 63 minutes, delivering one key pass and creating one big chance, picking up the assist for Gordon’s opener.
As demonstrated by the goal sequence graphic from Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, the ex-Norwich City man picked up a driven ball from Bruno Guimaraes to put the ball on a plate for his teammate.
Murphy is outplaying Elanga in every way possible and, crucially, is picking up goal involvements which his competitor cannot deliver.
The United academy graduate could only muster eight minutes off the bench late on in the match as he sweats over his starting role moving forward with Howe clearly no longer blinded by his eye-watering price tag.
Jacob Ramsey fails to take advantage of rare chance in Newcastle midfield
The exertions of multi-competition football saw the former Bournemouth manager ring the changes in the midfield with Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey entering the fray.
Breaking up the rock solid trio of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali is a rare feat, yet the ex-Aston Villa man failed to take advantage of the golden opportunity.
The 24-year-old managed 63 minutes, finding just 18 passes in that time as he was often seen chasing shadows.
Moreover, he won just three of his seven ground duels, highlighting his inferiority to the Brazilian and the Italian in the central role to break up attacking play.
Midfield partners Miley and Guimaraes put in much more measured performances, highlighting why Ramsey is no where near ready to rupture Howe’s golden trio anytime soon.
Nick Woltemade off colour in front of goal
Football Insider tipped Nick Woltemade to be the key to Newcastle’s Champions League success this season, yet he was not at the races on 21 October.
The 23-year-old could only amass two shots during his 85 minutes on the field with neither of them finding the target.
Whilst his starting spot is still guaranteed due to Yoane Wissa still being out injured for Newcastle, any further dips in form will certainly raise Howe’s eyebrows.
The ex-Brentford talisman will be hungry to break into the Magpies set up and the German must rectify his goal-shy performance in the Premier League on the weekend.