- Jamie O’Hara hits out at Newcastle United players
- Crystal Palace pounce on more Magpies defensive mistakes
- Ex Tottenham man sympathises with Eddie Howe
Newcastle United defenders have been slammed by former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie O’Hara following ‘shambolic’ defending at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Magpies fans returned to Tyneside angry and disappointed with their team’s result yesterday. William Osula put Howe’s side ahead, but a collapse in the second half saw Jean-Phillippe Mateta score twice from the bench.
Pundit Jamie O’Hara called out the Magpie players in the game, as he’s left wondering what they were doing, and their manager will be asking similar questions.
On Sky Sports, he said: “What are Newcastle doing at the back? Shambolic defending, they’re all over the place, I don’t know what they’re thinking. Eddie Howe will be fuming when he watches it back.”
Both of the goals for the Eagles came from individual errors, which leaves the Magpies with a slim chance of qualifying for Europe.
O’Hara addresses Newcastle United defensive weaknesses
While many people have stated that the St James’ Park outfit’s attack has been cause for much concern, their defence has arguably been worse.
Howe’s troops held Chelsea goalless at Stamford Bridge last month, but their last clean sheet before that came on October 5th in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at home.
Once again on Sunday, they found themselves one goal ahead with the clock counting down, but defensive mistakes have cost them, with Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the heart of both goals for Oliver Glasner’s side.
The Dutch defender has received a lot of criticism for a lapse in judgement as he pulled a Palace player down in the area late on, something O’Hara was quick to make an assessment on.
He said: “What is Sven Botman doing? The last minutes of the game, and you’re grabbing the shirt. You know what referees are like, they’re itching to give a big decision.”
Mateta’s record from the spot is immaculate, having scored every single one he’s taken in the Premier League, making the 26-year-old’s decision even more foolish.
Newcastle players are letting fans down
The English manager has been at the centre of fan discussion recently, with many asking for him to step down to save his relationship with the Toon Army.
While there is no doubt that the 48-year-old hasn’t been up to standards this campaign, the same can be said for several players.
Botman and Livramento are experienced defensive stars, but they let their team down yesterday, which meant they walked away without points.
There are also a handful of other players who have the knowledge to help the team and drag them through this period, but they aren’t doing it.
It’s been tough for new signings like Nick Woltemade to adapt, but the established group hasn’t helped them settle into a team where the pressure isn’t on them as much.
O’Hara’s comments are true, and Howe might feel that it is truly the end of the road for him at the club, not just for his choices, but also for the actions of his players.
In other news, Newcastle United target Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia as Alexander Isak replacement.
