OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez might see his side sitting at the very foot of the Premier League table heading into their 10th game of the season but the Spaniard will feel he has a couple of excuses to call upon to explain himself.
Firstly, injuries have not helped, with Florian Lejeune a long-term absentee and the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Jamaal Lascelles and most recently Salomon Rondon – all who are key members of the starting XI when fit – forced to spend time on the sidelines.
Secondly, the Magpies’ opening fixture list was a nightmare – games against Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United made up five of their first seven games, and they all ended in defeat by a one-goal margin.
However, it was the defeats to Leicester City and Brighton at St James’ Park which have really put the club in the mire, and with a clash away at struggling Southampton up next, it represents a real chance to bounce back with their first win on the season – and the excuses are starting to dry up for Benitez.
As reported by the Chronicle’s Mark Douglas in a live question and answer (24/10, 13:57), the manager is set to welcome back both Rondon and Jacob Murphy back to the team, with the Venezuelan hitman said to be set for a place on the bench.
It has been a lack of game changers which have let Newcastle down this season, with an evident inability to hurt Brighton last Saturday, and that needs to change – Murphy and Rondon representing exactly what Benitez needs.
There are now no excuses for Benitez to call upon after this important piece of early team news, and victory at Southampton is almost a must in their hopes of survival – even if it would still keep the Magpies a point behind the Saints.