Three things learned about Newcastle v Manchester City: This man the Magpies’ dark horse
Rafa refuses to rule out rotation
When the team news came out an hour before kick off, there were several notable absences from the starting XI, demonstrating that Rafa Benitez will stick to his guns over rotation.
The festive period can have a real effect on the stamina and fitness of a side, and with a squad as threadbare as Newcastle’s the boss will have had to make some tough decisions.
However with some crucial fixtures coming up over the coming weeks, Benitez appeared to sacrifice this game in favour of what will be viewed as more winnable ties, and he will be hoping those rested will repay him with wins further down the line.
Click below to see the second thing we learned in Newcastle United’s clash v Manchester City