Sven Botman’s almost super-human run of form came to an end for Newcastle United on Saturday, though replacement Fabian Schar impressed.
Botman has been in brilliant form for Newcastle United since fully recovering from a spate of injuries and, in truth, is allowed an off day.
Indeed, the Dutchman certainly wasn’t alone in being sloppy on the ball but did almost cost the Magpies against Fulham on Saturday.
A loose pass found its way to Sander Berge, who played it into Emile Smith Rowe. Nick Pope, however, ended up saving a rather tame shot.
It was an unusually sloppy outing from the 25-year-old, although the fact he’s been playing so often of late may explain it.
Schar, however, proved he’s not giving up in the battle of the Newcastle pecking order without a fight.
Fabian Schar poses with a ball during Newcastle United's Champions League photoshoot.
Photo by Pat Elmont – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Fabian Schar impresses in Newcastle United comeback
The Swiss defender has not been able to reclaim his place in the starting lineup since returning from a head injury.
Schar replaced Botman in the second half of Newcastle’s win over Fulham on Saturday after the Dutchman took a knock to the head. Thankfully, Eddie Howe later revealed that Botman was suffering from a cut rather than a concussion.
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Losing Botman for the final period of the game did not impact Newcastle. Howe was impressed with Schar, who as per FotMob data, made four clearances, two interceptions and two ball recoveries.
On the ball, he had 35 touches in 29 minutes and made four passes into the final third.
That was Schar’s 200th appearance in the Premier League and he provided a timely reminder of his quality on a landmark day.
Michael Bridges calls out Sven Botman for Newcastle United mistake
Botman has been hailed as a “beast” by Howe and one reasonably poor performance doesn’t change that.
He’s hardly put a foot wrong all season but the strength of the Newcastle United squad always means there is pressure on players to keep their levels high or risk a teammate coming in to take their place.
Newcastle were lucky that some of their stray passes did not lead to more convincing Fulham attacks.
Botman wasn’t the only one loose on the ball, but Premier League pundit Michael Bridges was unhappy with the defender’s reaction when he did give it away.
Bridges told the Premier League’s official website: “Nick Pope’s come to the rescue of Botman. He gives the ball away and doesn’t react. He’s too late to react and allows the space for Smith Rowe. If you give the ball away, your instant reaction should be to defend.”
Botman will no doubt improve but Schar’s impressive comeback should put pressure on him to quickly do so.