Newcastle United: What happened at home to Fulham, and what do we do now?

We paid for players like Murphy and Gamez, we might as well get our money’s worth.

What in the world happened today? Not only did Newcastle United not play well, but Fulham weren’t amazing either!

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United could not hold up the ball well, Shelvey was lackluster at best, and when we did distribute the ball we didn’t make anything of it. Matt Ritchie put in 12 crosses (of 28 team wide) and we did nothing with them. It seems we pretty much lack fight at home. This needs to be addressed. This is not a one-off thing. It’s a bad habit that could cost us the title, and even promotion.

I always say “praise good behavior and don’t acknowledge bad behavior”. While I still stand by those words, I have also said “don’t critique if you aren’t going to offer a resolution to the problem.” So, let’s go for it. We have a home turf issue. Whether it be psychological or tactical, we aren’t winning at home like title winners.

Karl Darlow didn’t have a bad game, but our defense was mediocre. Ciaran Clark was probably our defensive highlight, and Gamez coming into play showed his experience and hold-up play (which we needed more of), as well as his football intellect and understanding, unlike many of our junior players.

We paid for players like Murphy and Gamez, we might as well get our money’s worth and utilize their strengths, as well as giving the youth something to compete with, and learn from. Fans call for Murphy to start matches, and this just backs up my point. We need experience!

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Jesus Gamez of Newcastle United (27) holds the ball above his head during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers at St.James’ Park on November 26, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /

When “Murph” came on, the goal he scored showed great hold-up, control (turning), and sage discipline in his strike. He didn’t belt it, he just placed it in the bottom left corner, calmly and smoothly like a scarred veteran Sergeant of past times. This guy needs more game time. He is experienced in this league, and we need his solidarity.

So what Newcastle needs to do (Rafa Benitez) is utilize experience… Daryl Murphy, Jesus Gamez, and even Grant Hanley in some cases. Paul Dummett was atrocious yesterday, could we replace him with Gamez and put Yedlin back in Right Back (when healed) to mix experience with speed and attack? Of course we could. But as we know, Rafa Benitez will come up with some tactical genius that nobody ever expects.

Diame did not have a good game at all. A prime example of how experience, in this case, means nothing. He’s inconsistent. Ayoze Perez has been performing better as of late, and his speed could complement Murphy’s “target man” status to annoy defenses.

Where do we go from here? Experience, experience, experience! We have psychology issues at home games. In times of war, we require the cunning of Sergeants, to lead the naivety of our Corporals (my quote). Bring on Murph, Jesus, and Gouffran, and allow Lascelles, Mitrovic, and Atsu the thought that they need to not only fight for their place, but also to learn from the veterans.

If you have ten minutes, please watch my verbal post-match analysis of the game against Fulham.

Next: Newcastle United gets outclassed at home against Fulham

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