Southampton beat Newcastle United at home to deepen their relegation crisis.
The Magpies are seemingly rooted in the bottom three, with no end to the misery inflicted on fans in sight. Their 3-1 loss was particularly damaging for the manner of the defeat.
The spineless, heartless and gutless way the Toon defence opened up and allowed Shane Long, Graziano Pelle and Victory Wanyama to score would have troubled manager Rafa Benitez.
More from Editorials
- Can Newcastle United repeat the success of the 2022-23 season?
- NUFC midfielder called up to the Brazil National Team
- Newcastle vs. Manchester United: what should you expect?
- Allan Saint-Maximin: A struggle for consistent play
- Newcastle United’s starting lineup for the rest of the season
Steven Taylor, in particular, had a terrible day at the office – and was replaced by young centre back Jamaal Lascelles at half time.
Andros Townsend scored a cracking consolation goal for Newcastle in the second half, but it wasn’t enough and the side barely threatened Fraser Forster in goal.
After the game, the BBC reported that Benitez said: “The anxiety is killing us sometimes.
“At home we have the fans behind us and we need them. We have six games to play and each one is important.”
“It important that everybody continues to believe. If we can control these things then things will change. It’s not the time to criticise.”
Click through the slides below to see how players and pundits reacted to the defeat.
Next: Paul Hayward