Momentum between a growing number of Toon Army believers about the inevitable end of Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle United managerial tenure is growing faster than an old jack-rabbit can outrun a young competitive companion.
Brighton Battering?
Brighton did not batter United albeit it, the result felt like they did. Perhaps a lackluster performance would have been a suitable word. Nevertheless, the club is spiraling towards the Championship, whether you like it or not.
Toon Army Delighted
Those who want to see the back of Benitez must be lovin’ it. I mean, there is no way Mike Ashley will wish to sell the club if Newcastle is playing in England’s second tier – he won’t get anywhere near the number of spondoolies he is hoping for.
Rafa’s days are numbered!
Rate the players
Does anyone have the appetite to rate Newcastle United vs. Brighton players?
FAN – Alexa, what do you think of Newcastle United
ALEXA – Words fail me.— David Armstrong (@geordieboy1956) October 20, 2018
Post-match
The inevitable post-match Newcastle United bashing began as soon as the final whistle blew. However, we are not going to go there.
https://twitter.com/ToonArmy_News0/status/1053920349715398661
@bbcnewcastle how long do Newcastle United fans need to wait before realising that Rafa's tactics aren't working. As much as I respect Rafa, I think it's time for a change
— David Allcock (@DavidAllcock3) October 20, 2018
Instead, I will write a positive piece first thing in the morning.
St James' Park
Premier League
21/10/2018 4:00 pm
Attendance: 50329
Referee: Andre Marriner
| Newcastle United | Brighton & Hove Albion | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B Kayal (29) | |||||||
| Martin Dubravka | Mathew Ryan | ||||||
| DeAndre Yedlin | Bruno | (68) | |||||
| Jamaal Lascelles | Shane Duffy | ||||||
| Federico Fernandez | Lewis Dunk | ||||||
| Paul Dummett | Gaëtan Bong | ||||||
| Matt Ritchie | Alireza Jahanbakhsh | ||||||
| Jonjo Shelvey | Dale Stephens | ||||||
| Mohamed Diamé | Beram Kayal | ||||||
| Robert Kenedy | José Izquierdo | (80) | |||||
| Ayoze Pérez | Solly March | ||||||
| Yoshinori Muto | (74) | Glenn Murray | (16) | ||||
Substitutes |
|||||||
| Fabian Schär | Yves Bissouma | (80) | |||||
| Jacob Murphy | Jürgen Locadia | (16) | |||||
| Isaac Hayden | Florin Andone | ||||||
| Javi Manquillo | Anthony Knockaert | ||||||
| Joselu | (74) | Leon Balogun | |||||
| Karl Darlow | David Button | ||||||
| Christian Atsu | Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior | (68) | |||||
Game Statistics |
||
| 27 | Goal attempts | 8 |
| 6 | On Target | 2 |
| 10 | Corners | 2 |
| 13 | Fouls | 18 |
| 0 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 68 | % | 32 |