Newcastle United suffered a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday and Ciaran Clark was one of many players criticised for his performance. The 32-year-old was handed his first start after being sent off 1-1 in November’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City, but he had a bad afternoon at St James’ Park.
Clark hesitated with an aerial ball in the box which allowed Ruben Dias to head home just a few minutes into the game, he was slow getting out to Joao Cancelo’s long-range effort and he failed to get to a cutback that Raheem Sterling tapped in. As a result, fans on social media weren’t happy.
Against Man City, Clark played for 90 minutes, had 37 touches, completed 100% of his 30 passes, made one tackle, blocked one shot, made one interception and had two clearances. Being somewhat culpable for three goals may lead to Eddie Howe taking him out of the side.
The Republic of Ireland international has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, grabbing one assist. He was initially a regular under Howe but missed three games after the Norwich clash. Clark was suspended in the 1-0 win over Burnley, was left out of the matchday squad in the 4-0 defeat to Leicester City and was an unused substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Howe is probably regretting bringing him back to solve Newcastle’s defensive woes, so Clark’s days at St James’ Park may be numbered.
In other news, fans on social media hail ‘immense’ Joelinton for ‘unreal’ performance
