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#4 Matt Ritchie's cameo asks questions
Coming on for Christian Atsu in the 53rd minute, Matt Ritchie took no time to ask questions as to why he was left on the bench in the first place. The 28-year-old, in his 40 odd minutes on the pitch, mustered 2 shots, 2 key passes, and a total of 34 touches.
Considering that Atsu spent 53 minutes on the pitch, taking no shots, making no key passes, and managing just 28 touches, the question does beg to be asked. Why was Ritchie coming on for Atsu and not the other way around?
The lively Scot was ostensibly a breath of fresh air once he came on, and is perfectly capable of inspiring this seemingly lacklustre Newcastle side. The Magpies will visit West Ham next weekend, before then hosting Manchester City and Brighton before the end of the year, and Rafa Benitez will undoubtedly be praying for the best.
Will Matt Ritchie be the answer to his prayers? Only time will tell.
