Newcastle United came away from the Amex Stadium empty-handed again as their search for a Premier League win at Brighton continues.
In the second half, Newcastle failed to turn their dominance into goals and ultimately paid the price as Brighton were simply more clinical when presented with their chances.
However, it wasn’t just the forwards who were misfiring for Newcastle as Alan Shearer pointed out on Match of the Day.
The former Toon striker pointed the finger at Newcastle’s often impeccable midfield trio as being well off their game.
Alan Shearer criticised Newcastle’s midfield
Newcastle’s midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton has often been regarded as one of, if not the best, in the Premier League, but they simply weren’t at it on Saturday, and Shearer noticed.
“They are brilliant players, but they didn’t function well today, but I don’t think the team did.
“When we conceded the second goal, we were the dominant team. We responded really well in the second half.
“They (Brighton) didn’t have many attacks in that spell, but they did go and score.
“Newcastle, I thought, were too easy to play through at times.
“Newcastle covered six kilometres less ground than Brighton out of possession.
“It was unusual for Newcastle, the first goals they have conceded away from home.”
Is it time to drop Joelinton?
We can give a little bit of leeway, given that the trio had just returned from international duty with the Brazilian pair having jetted off to Asia and back, while Tonali only returned to Newcastle on Friday.
However, as Eddie Howe pointed out after the game, Brighton also had players who had been away on international duty, so it’s a feeble excuse.
We hate saying this, but it might be time to drop Joelinton. He was completely anonymous yesterday, and when he did turn up, he gave the ball away in dangerous positions. Jacob Ramsey is fit again, so it’s time to see what the lad can do. Sorry, Joey.
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