The former Newcastle United midfielder does not have much faith for the remainder of the campaign.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez face a massive challenge this week, as Manchester United visit St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon. The Toon need points to avoid relegation this season, and one former player certainly seems to think it will be a losing battle.
BT Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas told the BBC that he believed Crystal Palace “were the better side” when they played Newcastle this past Sunday, and went on to criticise Benitez’s decision to take off Kenedy in the second half.
The Brazilian was substituted in the 57th minute at Selhurst Park, making way for Christian Atsu.
Jermaine Jenas Criticizes Newcastle United Boss Rafa Benitez & Claims Toon Could Be Relegated in May https://t.co/WtLdCUa7LR
— Newcastle Utd News (@NUFC__Toon) February 5, 2018
“I was surprised by Newcastle, who were on the front foot. Benitez deployed a very attacking side. Kenedy was very progressive, but I was surprised he came off. He was one of the players that could really give Palace some problems. The problem was that Palace were that good, that Rafa needed to make changes. I’m concerned about them , they simply don’t score enough goals.”
Ultimately, Jenas has a point in wanting to see more from Kenedy. The 21-year-old has been excellent in his first two games for United. However, Benitez is also likely working him up to full fitness as well.
SUB: Atsu on for Kenedy (57'). #NUFC #CRYNEW
— Newcastle Toons (@NewcastleToons) February 4, 2018
Kenedy did not feature often for Chelsea and manager Antonio Conte, and to assume that he was physically prepared to play two full matches in only five days would be optimistic at best.
Goalscoring numbers
Jenas is fair to be concerned about the Magpies’ ability to score goals this season, as 24 goals in 26 Premier League fixtures is not good enough.
The addition of Islam Slimani should help the attack, and there is reason to believe that the Toon have enough for top-flight survival this term.
Next: 5 things we learned from the draw vs. Crystal Palace
Jermaine Jenas may feel that Newcastle United will take the drop. But with the bottom-half of the table as competitive as it ever has been, it is too early to know for sure.