OPINION
Newcastle United were undoubtedly hoping to get three points on the board against Cardiff after they were defeated 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.
However, that was not the case, as they saw off a very mediocre 0-0 draw with Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.
Kenedy missed the opportunity to put the Magpies ahead in stoppage time after failed to convert a penalty, but it is not the loanee star who has himself to blame for the result.
Step forward midfielder Mohamed Diame, who rarely made a touch yesterday and failed to make any sort of impact on the game.
Boss Rafa Benitez needs to drop him for their important match against Chelsea next Sunday, as he is just a liability when he is on the pitch.
The enforcer – who is on £45,000 a week [Spotrac] – was caught in posession too many times, which is worrying prospect considering he was up against a side who have just been promoted.
He was a formidable force in the second half last season under Benitez, becoming a regular fixture in the first team after a dismal start to the 2017/2018 campaign.
The 31-year-old went on to make 31 appearances in total for the Toon last season, proving what a reliable player he could be if given the chance.
However, he looked a shadow of that player in this clash with Neil Warnock’s side – and he must be binned ahead of their next game against the Blues.
If Diame got found out in midfield by a team new to the Premier League this season, then it is worrying to think how he would get on against Chelsea’s star-studded counterparts if he is selected to play.
The Spanish boss must not take that chance, and he is only going to cost them points – and Newcastle have already dropped five points already.
After his dismal antics yesterday afternoon, Benitez must wield the axe on the first teamer – otherwise he will face the backlash.