5 THINGS WE LEARNED LAST NIGHT
1
ANY manager would do well to survive after a fifth consecutive home defeat, Newcastle worst run since 1953. But Rafa Benitez is bulletproof in these parts and there was not a single voice calling for him to go last night as fans appreciate he has been let down by owner Mike Ashley.
2
THE sight of Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany limping off with a calf problem after 10 minutes could well send Pep Guardiola shopping in the transfer window. This was Kompany’s ninth appearance of the season and his frustration was clear as he thumped the roof of the dugout after coming off.
3
GARETH SOUTHGATE was at St James’ Park to watch six English starters and at least Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles had plenty of chances to showcase his defending. But the England boss would not have been too impressed as Lascelles failed to show enough urgency in closing down Raheem Sterling for City’s winning goal.
4
SPARE a thought for City goalkeeper Ederson. On a bitter night the Brazilian was a virtual spectator and, at one point, was rubbing his arms in an effort to keep warm. But the cold did not stop a sell-out crowd of 52,311 turning up.
5
NEWCASTLE cult hero Aleksandar Mitrovic looks to have played his last game for the club after saying in an interview in his native Serbia: ‘I loved Newcastle but it’s time for me to look more to myself, to find the best solution for my career.’ Mitrovic has featured in only seven games this season but the club will do well to get close to the £13million they paid Anderlecht for him in 2015.