TOON SHOWING ‘NO SHAME’

ROB ELLIOT has defended boss Rafa Benitez’s tactics – to avoid Newcastle being “annihilated”.

The keeper (left) said his team were “not ashamed” of their display against Manchester City.

Toon conceded 80 per cent of possession to City, as they lost 1-0 on Wednesday night.

The 10-men-behind-the-ball formula has opened up a debate about the gulf in class between the top and bottom of the Premier League.

But Elliot said: “We can’t go toe-to-toe with City. If we do that, then we’ll get absolutely annihilated like teams have done already this season.

“We’re not ashamed of that.”