Matt Ritchie is a player with obvious limitations but he has made a massive difference since coming back into the side of late and his brilliant assist for the winning goal against West Ham United might prove to be absolutely crucial.
Since returning to the side in the left wing back role, Newcastle have picked up an impressive seven points from three games and Premier League status looks all but confirmed even before the possibility of six sides being kicked out.
Ritchie is a popular figure on Tyneside and that status will never change after his colossal contribution in guiding the magpies back to the top flight at the first time of asking in the 2016/17 season but its his mannerisms on the pitch that make him such a fan favourite.
You just have to look at some of his celebrations when United score a goal, often putting his own teammates in danger with the enthusiasm and aggressive nature, he is all of us every time the mags score a goal.
Many fans have noticed something brilliant in the way Ritchie’s reaction to Joe Willock’s winning goal on Saturday, not only was his cross near perfect, he jumps up to head the ball after and then runs a way with his arms aloft in reaction. Brilliant.
Today on Matt Ritchie watch: #nufc pic.twitter.com/B6H4cJCBfK
— Adam Stoker (@ADStoker) April 17, 2021
Fans were also quick to take the 31-year old’s side when he had a bust up with the unpopular Head Coach Steve Bruce and his vocal nature on the training ground in this incident should tell you all you need to know about Ritchie. If he feels their is something wrong or someone is not pulling their weight, he will say and this is why he should have the armband in Jamaal Lascelles’ absence rather than Jonjo Shelvey