Regular duo must be axed: Three things learned in Newcastle win v Crystal Palace
No service – no goals
While Joselu has not hit the goal scoring trail as much as fans would have liked, there are 10 other players on the pitch who need to be supporting the front man.
He cut a lonely figure up top against the Eagles but that was due to a lack of service from those behind him.
Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu both put in sub-par performances on either flank, offering very little in terms of worthwhile chances, while Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez also struggled to have an impact.
There is no doubt that Benitez prides himself on his side’s defensive performances, but you cannot win without netting a goal and Newcastle did not look like doing so against Palace.
In the end it was a set piece, the Magpies’ saviour so many times this season, which broke Palace’s back line, but it was an unconvincing performance otherwise.
Click ‘4’ below to see the third thing we learned in the clash with Crystal Palace