After months of speculation and hype over Newcastle’s to the 2016/17 Championship season the night ended in disappointment – as the Championship favourites lost 1-0 at Craven Cottage.
On a night which brought the North East team back down to earth, it saw the Cottagers end victorious after a 44th minute Matt Smith header.
The Geordie fans followed their beloved Newcastle on the ‘Rafalution’ road to the Capital in their thousands, filling both the away and neutral zones with 7,000 hopeful fans, only to watch a side lack creativity, pace and near to no shots on target.
The Magpies started the game off brightly keeping the majority of passion and looking quite solid at the back. Chances from Gayle and Perez arose early on in the game but neither were taken.
However, Newcastle fans can feel punished as overall two clear penalty shouts should have been awarded. Just after the half-hour mark, a fantastic Matt Ritchie cross from the left side was stopped by the hand of Ryan Tunnicliffe.
As the game progressed Benitez subbed on Aarons, Shelvey and Armstrong but no-one was able to pave a clear-cut chance for United to level it up.
This defeat does not damn Newcastle’s Championship season, but it does put a damper on proceedings. There are still 45 fixtures left to play this season, but questions are starting to arise on the early tactics used, future signings and our finishing capabilities.
A much-needed reality check for anyone who thought we would walk the league.
Below are the ratings we feel fairly sum up the teams and the individual player’s performances.
