A number of Newcastle United supporters have been suggesting that midfielder Sean Longstaff might need dropping from the starting line-up following his performance in their 5-2 thrashing at Leeds United.
Steve Bruce’s side headed into the game off the back of successive wins and that looked like it may be extended when they took the lead after 26 minutes through Jeff Hendrick. However, the Magpies were often penned into their own half by Leeds and they ended up capitulating in defence in the second half, shipping five goals and falling to a deserved defeat.
Longstaff was one player who endured a particularly torrid evening at Elland Road, with the 23-year-old losing possession on 15 occasions and maintaining a passing accuracy of just 69% (Sofascore). The midfielder was found wanting in the middle of the park on too many occasions, which allowed Leeds to dominate the match and exploit the Magpies in key moments.
The midfielder’s form in general so far this term has been below what Newcastle would have been expecting from Longstaff, who was the subject of interest from Manchester United just a few months ago. The 23-year-old has averaged just 0.7 interceptions and tackles per game and is also losing possession on average 6.3 times per match this season (Sofascore).
Newcastle fans react to Sean Longstaff’s performance against Leeds
Many Newcastle fans were keen to point out how much the midfielder has regressed so far this season, with many suggesting he should now be taken out of the starting line-up. There were also some fans blaming Bruce for the 23-year-old’s “shocking” decline in form.
Embarrassing. Woeful defensively tonight. Improvement needed. Sean Longstaff better not be anywhere near that team on Saturday after that performance. At fault for two of the goals and didn’t have a great game overall but that can be said for entire squad collectively! #NUFC
— Benjamin McGee (@BenjaminMcGee98) December 16, 2020
Don’t like to be negative about individual players on here but Longstaff and Lewis need dropped ASAP. They’ve been absolutely dreadful. #NUFC
— Dan Blackwell (@DanBlackwell77) December 16, 2020
Sean longstaff needs to have a long hard look at himself tonight. Woeful in possession. Woeful in going forward. We should have snapped man u's hand off for £30 mil. #NUFC
— Ryan Ross ®® (@RyanRoss52) December 16, 2020
Also late to the party but how bad does sean longstaff look these days #NUFC
— Jake Turnbull (@JakeRTurnbull) December 16, 2020
what does Sean Longstaff actually bring to the team, no pace, can't beat a man, takes far to long on the ball and can't tackle. Don't care if he is a local lad he's not good enough at this level. #NUFC
— Rob (@Robnufctoonarmy) December 16, 2020
Just a disgrace from start to finish. Sad to see just how awful Longstaff looks now #NUFC
— Evan Kiropoulos (@evan_kiropoulos) December 16, 2020
Lost. Poorly coached. Shadow of himself. He’s been absolutely shocking for the most part this season
— Sam (@sxmnufc_) December 16, 2020
Shockingly poor shouldn't be anywhere near the first team on this performance. Matty twice the player he is
— Foster_9 (@Fosterndlilly) December 16, 2020
