Newcastle United’s lacklustre season continued in similar fashion as Eddie Howe’s first game as gaffer was exciting and frustrating.
Newcastle moved a point in the right direction after an entertaining 3-3 draw with Brentford. However, there’s not a lot to celebrate for the Toon Army, who know that it’s more two points dropped than one gained.
Whenever you’re able to score three times in a home game, you expect to win. That wasn’t the case for Howe and his side, with the manager absent from the stadium after a Covid 19 test coming back positive.
Matt Ritchie was a player who stood out to the Magpies faithful, with fans not holding back with their opinions.
What did the Newcastle fans have to say?
“Ritchie at fault for the cross that ended up in a goal for Brentford. How can they score two goals in 30 mins?” @Arbygh
“Ritchie – Shocking!” @kanskelucas
“Ritchie as a wingback isn’t good enough.”@Idkidkidk12_
“Ritchie just can’t defend.” @kafeitiere
“Get Ritchie off the pitch man he’s so bad!” @cody91287149
“Matt Ritchie should never play another professional game of football again” @anacondanufc
Evidently Ritchie is the villain to many Newcastle fans currently, but a potential change in system under Howe after working with the squad for longer could have a good outcome.
Howe has previously worked with Ritchie at Bournemouth, so will have a good idea on how to get the best out of him. If he changes to a four at the back system, playing in an advanced role would suit Ritchie who is definitely more of an attacking player.