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Newcastle’s Lack Of Options Exposed

12 years ago
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Newcastle United got off to a bad start at Wigan…then things got steadily worse!

A Hatem Ben Arfa inspired twenty minute spell made for an improved showing in the second half but it was too little too late.

This isn’t a doom and gloom piece but I think we have to recognise that a major weakness is that the only chance of turning things around on Saturday was through the eleven who started.

When you looked at the bench I think you’d have been hard pressed to make a case for any sub coming on and inspring a fightback.

When people have talked about our squad players making a difference this season, in reality they have started matches or came on as substitutes, to battle away while hopefully our better players create a winning situation.

Of the six outfield players at Wigan; Ferguson is still feeling his way, while Perch has got his head down and done his best to put his foot in.

Gosling has been a major disappointment, while Ryan Taylor’s general play is unlikely to create much despite scoring a couple of crackers.

Up front you have Best and Shola who are ok to bring on and help see the job finished off but you’d not have great expectations of them as impact players, apart from Shola’s interventions against Spurs and the mackems.

Guthrie maybe has it in him to make a difference off the bench but has struggled to make any impact on his odd sub appearance, while maybe our best bet will be Marveaux who is at least reaching match fitness – previous to his injury he’d shown some. decent touches

Obertan potentially could be a real impact option with his pace and finished things off at Blackburn but he seems to have a massive struggle with confidence.

Actually there was one player who you could look forward to coming off the bench for the unexpected but Alan Pardew only then went and put him in the first team….so the solution? Find another Hatem Ben Arfa!

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