SUPER MAC United need fresh legs to end the season well
NOW MAY BE THE TIME FOR FRINGE PLAYERS TO SHINE
RAFA BENITEZ has a job on his hands as Newcastle United face up to their last three matches of a Premier League season.
No, I am not talking about being lightweight up front because of Islam Slimani’s three-match ban.
That is embarrassing as well as downright stupid as far as the player is concerned because in that one kick across the back of the legs of Craig Dawson he finished his career at Newcastle.
No, Benitez’s biggest concern at Watford is what to do with the team because I felt the heroes who brought about guaranteed survival looked emotionally drained in the shock defeat to West Brom.
I would never accuse this bunch of not trying because safety had been attained. It was more a case of being a young side they have to work hard to compete at Premier League level and when they fall short they are bad. Very bad. Now Benitez has to somehow recharge batteries or change the personnel of his team, giving fringe players their chance in the hope fresh legs and a clear mind will bring about extra energy. Watford have not produced a win in seven but they have not played that badly and they took United apart earlier in the season. This is a test, no question, but even harder is to come with the season brought to its completion with games against Spurs and Chelsea next week.
Slimani has done himself no favours whatsoever. There is no way Benitez will sign him permanently now because, apart from the stupidity of the ban and the annoyance of his persistent injury when he first arrived, he has not in the fleeting appearances we have seen shown us anything to make us want him long-term.
He certainly does not have pace nor a great touch or finish. To do what he did when he knows a Premier League ground is filled with countless TV cameras which catch literally everything is so ridiculous it is untrue. Maybe the referee wll not see it, maybe his nearest assistant will not either, but the probing eye of the camera most certainly will. There is no loyalty in football. What you get is what you deserve and the rest of Newcastle’s players have to remember that too because if they finish on a losing streak which matches or betters their recent four wins on the trot then all hope and joy will evaporate as the summer looms and becomes a time to fret. They have to make certain the rot does not set in.