Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer picked out Nick Pope, Nick Woltemade, and Kieran Trippier for criticism following their game against Manchester City at the weekend.
The Magpies suffered a 2-1 defeat against Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday, further denting their chance of qualifying for European football this season.
City opened the scoring through Nico O'Reilly, who struck from range into the corner, with Pope only managing to get a hand to it.
Lewis Hall hit back for the North East club with a deflected effort, but O'Reilly headed home to score what turned out to be the winner in the first half.
Alan Shearer Unhappy With Newcastle Defending
TV Pundits and former players Alan Shearer, Nicky Butt and David Ginola
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast after Newcastle's defeat against Man City, former striker Shearer criticised three of Eddie Howe's men for their involvement in City's two goals.
Shearer picked out Pope, Trippier, and Woltemade, claiming they all should have done better in the game at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
"I think both goals could have been avoided. I think Pope should perhaps do better for O'Reilly's first goal. Woltemade should do more in trying to stop Semenyo. Obviously, Trippier's positioning is all wrong, the full-back, when the ball comes in."
Howe made a bold decision once again to deploy Woltemade in a central midfield position. The German international has struggled of late in attack, with Howe opting to make a change to try and get the best out of him.
It certainly didn't work out against City, and it will be interesting to see if the towering forward lines up in the middle of the park once again at the weekend.
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Tricky Run Incoming for Newcastle
Eddie Howe
It doesn't get much easier for the Magpies over the coming weeks as they aim to climb into the top half of the Premier League table. Up next domestically is a home game against Everton, and the Toffees secured a 1-0 win last time they made the trip to St James' Park.
Newcastle then host Manchester United, who are in electric form under Michael Carrick, before facing Manchester City again in the FA Cup.
Howe's side then travel to Chelsea, before ending March against their North East rivals Sunderland.
The Magpies will be looking to bounce back, but they can take confidence from the City game knowing they made it tricky for Guardiola's men.