Newcastle United returned from the international break with a loss to Brighton, and there's one area of concern
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United have returned from the international break with a loss to Brighton, with some poor individual performances ensuring that the Seagulls kept up an unbeaten track record against Eddie Howe's team - but some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section say that their manager must be willing to make use of all of his tools in midfield to ensure results.
Danny Welbeck struck to cap off a poor first half from the Magpies, but Nick Woltemade was able to level the scores with a clever back-heel in the latter half of the game.
They were unable to hold on for the point, however, as 34-year-old Welbeck cut through a porous Newcastle defence for the second time shortly afterwards.
Howe opted to start his standard midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes, who had been away on international duty, rather than turn to the rest of his squad for fresh legs. It was a decision that backfired, as highlighted by Alan Shearer on Match of the Day.
Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga also turned in some poor performances on a day to forget for much of the team. Now, with Sandro Tonali suffering an injury scare, changes could be afoot.
Some fans say that it's obvious where the improvements must come from. Commenter Wolfredo says: "The narrative that we have the best midfield in the Premier League is a joke. Botman, slow Dan Burn, not up to scratch. Four wingers not doing enough."
Reader Malaga01 writes: "The more rested players should start at this time, then replace them when necessary. Where is the rotation? Osula didn't get many opportunities this time either."
Lexusslk says: "Joelinton needs a rest, I’m sure he’s carrying an injury, fetch Miley in his place. This next one is not going to please everyone but I’m trying to be honest - that is Woltemade, who scored a fantastic goal, but his challenges are only half-hearted and rarely wins the ball.
"I would love to see him apply more pressure in his challenges and its obvious that he’s tall but doesn’t always use his height to win balls in the air. Let’s hope this is all put right for Benfica."
Tooncrazy thinks they have an improvement: "Might be in the minority here, but for me, Joelinton, Bruno and Tonali just don't work. There is zero creativity. We desperately need to play a number 10 in the centre, and I believe we have the options to do so if we switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Tonali and Bruno holding."
Some supporters were also down on Anthony Elanga in particular, who has not had the brightest start to life in black and white. Tooner says: "Elanga is just not with it. But also Barnes, Murphy, Joelinton and some others need to get back to themselves. Maybe Eddie got it wrong bringing some internationals back too early, as said there’ll be a few with jet lag."
Whywouldyou writes: "Elanga, just not good enough! No midfield again, too easy for Brighton to play through us time and time again."
Harry Ramp says: "It's clear Murphy should be starting if fit, Elanga at the moment should be an impact sub. His confidence is shot, give him a break. Murphy is very consistent, and will contribute more at the moment, I don't understand why he's been benched."
Have your say! Who deserves to start when Eddie Howe picks his lineup against Benfica in the Champions League? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
Watch Newcastle vs Benfica on TNT Sports
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