OPINION
If you were to sit and write a list of the worst things that can happen to a footballer in a single half of football, being largely at blame for an opening goal and then missing a penalty would be very high on that list.
Both of those things happened to Matt Ritchie, and to be frank, he was horrendous against Everton on Saturday afternoon at St. James’ Park.
The Scottish international has been converted into a wing-back by Rafa Benitez in recent times, and it has to be said that for the most part, he has done excellently in his new role.
Against the Toffees, however, he looked rushed and reckless, in both his defensive and attacking work.
The clearance he put in prior to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s towering header was almost unforgivable, and the penalty that he thumped straight down the middle of Jordan Pickford’s goal was saved more through ineptitude from the striker as opposed to skill from the stopper.
Things didn’t get much better from that point onwards for Ritchie, and despite his side staging an incredible comeback to win 3-2, he must personally feel disappointed with his own performance.
In truth, however, Ritchie’s nightmare outing is no cause for concern, and should be swept under the carpet as soon as possible.
The 29-year-old has been one of the brightest sparks in an otherwise fairly dreary campaign for Newcastle United, and when all is said and done, he is only human.
The Magpies should recognise a bad performance when they see one more than most, but that doesn’t mean that Ritchie should be lampooned for one off day.