TYNEBOMB Trouble for Rafa as Ashley’s only concern is protecting Prem riches
of sustained austerity in the boardroom, plus a side that is lacking substantial talent and drained of confidence, has brought in the relegation fog to hover over the Tyne.
Yesterday could prove to be a defining afternoon for the Benitez empire, as Brighton ended a run of 17 away league games without a win thanks to a first-half deflection from Beram Kayal (inset).
No wonder there was a fist-pump from a delighted Hughton at the final whistle. This was his first win here in the opposition dugout.
The Geordies take their place in the record books, only the fourth team to lose their opening five home league games in the history of the top flight – along with Manchester United (1930-31), Portsmouth (2009-10) and Bolton (201112). It’s all a million miles away from the days of Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’.
Now it’s Benitez’s ‘Survivors’ – maybe they should call in Bear Grylls to lend a hand? The chants from the Gallowgate End still serenade Benitez – no current player is afforded a song, although that’s a bit harsh on Jonjo Shelvey who conducts an orchestra that’s missing a few key sections.
Shelvey probed like a master locksmith trying to open up a Brighton defence that was superbly glued together by Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.
Salomon Rondon was again missing. Newcastle seem to make a habit of bringing in on-loan injured strikers – remember Islam Slimani last season?
A strikeforce of Yoshi Muto and Ayoze Perez was largely ineffectual. Old Supermac, Malcolm Macdonald, perched in the media seats, couldn’t
have done any worse, with his dodgy knee. And when Muto was hooked 16 minutes from the end for Joselu, who doesn’t exactly keep the replica-shirt name printer busy, the boos came raining down from the stands. Frustration or not, Rafa was being openly questioned by his devoted followers.
“It’s a difficult task,” he said. “But we have to keep going and I’m confident we can succeed.” The chances came and went. So did Ashley after attending his fourth successive game after a long period of abstinence.
You wonder what lies ahead, because a man who wants desperately to sell knows the asking price will plummet if the Toon plunge into the Championship.
No such worries for Brighton. Their house appears to be completely in order with a fine mixture of spirit and skill, epitomised by keeper Mat Ryan who turned out to be Shelvey’s nemesis.
Their boss isn’t bad either. Please note, Mike Ashley.