There was a particular talking point to come from Newcastle United’s trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley for the Monday evening television slot and it didn’t have anything to do with the final result.
Manager Rafa Benitez’s side secured a 2-1 victory with an early Ben Mee credited own goal and an effort from Republic of Ireland international defender Ciaran Clark, and having held on for the win it was our third Premier League victory on the spin.
Had we not taken all three points given the control we had on the tie for large parts of the game it would’ve been disappointing, but undoubtedly the margin of victory should’ve been slightly larger because winger Matt Ritchie had a gilt-edged chance to add his own name to the scoresheet.
DeAndre Yedlin provided the delivery and the £12million former Bournemouth man somehow conspired to miss from two yards out when presented with an open goal.
Reaction on social media, most fans simply couldn’t believe it and the expected jokes came out.
It is the worst I’ve seen! Makes Rosenthal and Steve Stones misses look like half chances!
— Boaty McBoatface (@mcunningham978) November 26, 2018
Just about deserved that win, but we made bloody hard work of it! That miss from Matt Ritchie… ???????? #NUFC
— Chris Ward (@Chris_Ward7) November 26, 2018
NASA can put a small probe on a planet 33.9 million miles away but Matt Ritchie can't put the ball in the net from two yards #BURNEW
— Thomas Jones (@tomj191) November 26, 2018
Just saw the miss from Matt Ritchie ????
— Scott Kirkpatrick (@skayr100) November 26, 2018
I thought Matt Ritchie was excellent tonight, barring the ludicrous miss.
I'm not sure what games people were watching.
— Stu Kennedy (@stukennedy) November 26, 2018
He could be forgiven brilliant again! miss was poor but what he gives ficking brilliant Howaythelads!
— BasherBate (@basherbate) November 26, 2018
Apart from his Miss, Ritchie was quality tonight. Offered so much more than his usual inverted right-wing position. Wasn’t as predictable. Would love to see him at wing-back again
— Callum Irving (@NUFCIrving1010) November 26, 2018
Misses like that happen, you have to laugh and move on but good to see his efforts overall get some praise despite that moment.