No Ritchie, no party: Three things we learned from Newcastle v Brighton
No Ritchie, no party
Newcastle have not been subtle in demonstrating who their key man is this season, with Matt Ritchie having played a part in the majority of the Magpies’ goals.
However, Brighton demonstrated what happens when you nullify the Scottish international, and the results were not pretty for the Toon Army.
It was a performance lacking in creativity and attacking threat from the visitors, and that all stemmed from Ritchie being marked out of the game.
Chris Hughton and his side will have been proud of their efforts, while Benitez will be furious his players were unable to find a way through a resolute, but not impenetrable, Brighton back line.
The Magpies will have to show more guile against Liverpool in a week’s time – or at least figure a way to bring Ritchie back to the forefront of their attacking play.
In other Newcastle United news, Benitez’s priority in the winter transfer window has been revealed.
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