Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Kelly slams Wood for being taken off despite no other strikers available

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Image for Newcastle United: Kelly slams Wood for being taken off despite no other strikers available

Journalist Ciaran Kelly has slammed Newcastle United’s Chris Wood for his recent performance where he was bought off in the 65th minute, despite being the only recognised striker in the side. 

The Magpies were unable to capitalise on their good form this weekend as they only managed to pick up a point after a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw. Throughout the 90 minutes, they struggled to find the back of the net without star striker Callum Wilson.

In his place, former Burnley man Wood started for Eddie Howe’s side, but after a poor display from the Kiwi, he was bought off midway through the second half for Ryan Fraser, with Allan Saint-Maximin put up front.

As a result, the striker was slammed by Kelly, with the journalist stating he had ‘not had a sniff’ throughout the game against Wolves and his substitution – despite being the only striker available – was ‘telling’.

While the Toon were 1-0 down Kelly wrote for The Chronicle: “There were still 25 minutes to play but a little telling Chris Wood was taken off despite being club’s only recognised available striker.

“Not had a sniff. Allan Saint-Maximin playing through the middle with Ryan Fraser out on the left. Visitors need a moment of magic.”

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TIF Thoughts on Woods’ performance…

It is not surprising Woods has been slammed for his performance. This was his opportunity to show the manager that he has something after the signing of Alexander Isak, and can challenge both the Swede and Wilson for a starting place.

Wood only managed 65 minutes and a 6.7 match rating during the Wolves defeat (as per SofaScore). During this time, he had just one shot on target – which was blocked – and had no other attempts. He also did not make a single dribble attempt throughout the entire game.

He also failed to win any of his three ground duels and despite being 6ft 3in, he only managed to be involved with two aerial duels, winning just one. He was also disappointing on the defensive side of the ball, as he lost possession three times and committed two fouls without drawing a single foul himself.

Wood has found it difficult to get a start for Newcastle when Wilson was fit, and now they have signed Isak, he is only going to find it more of a challenge. Performances like this are going to show that he is just not capable of playing at the Premier League level anymore, let alone for a team like Newcastle, who are looking not just to push for the top 10, but a place in Europe.

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