Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Katherine Lucas takes aim at Sean Longstaff’s decision-making in Wolves draw

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Image for Newcastle United: Katherine Lucas takes aim at Sean Longstaff’s decision-making in Wolves draw

Katherine Lucas of i news, has taken aim at the decision-making of Sean Longstaff in Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw at the weekend.

The Magpies left it late to respond to Ruben Neves’ long-range effort in the first half, but they responded in emphatic fashion as Allan Saint-Maximin’s unstoppable volley found the back of Jose Sa’s net to equalise in the 90th minute.

It was a sub-par performance from Newcastle on the whole, who were without key men Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimarães. Yet, to their credit, they still managed to earn a point and extend their unbeaten run to four games to start the Premier League season.

However, Lucas was left critical of the 6/10 Longstaff, saying in her player ratings: “Teamed up well with Saint-Maximin and could have won a penalty but guilty of a few poor decisions.”

TIF Thoughts on Sean Longstaff…

It was a difficult afternoon for Longstaff, who was asked to do the job of filling in for the absent Guimarães. It was an opportunity for the academy graduate to re-establish his place in Eddie Howe’s side after failing to start against Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City. Yet, it looks as though he failed to take that opportunity.

Longstaff did have a tricky time at Molineux, having lost the ball 16 times during the 90 minutes, recording just one successful ground duel from his four attempts and failing to provide a single key pass (via SofaScore).

It will be interesting to see just how much game time Longstaff manages to earn under Howe this season, given how well the midfield trio of Joe Willock, Guimarães and Joelinton had started the season, prior to injury issues disrupting that collective.

One positive that Howe can take from the Wolves game is the fact that despite changing the midfield, Newcastle remain unbeaten in four Premier League clashes so far this season.

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