Rafa Benitez’s puzzling substitutions cost Newcastle United at Bournemouth

In a game that Newcastle United controlled for large periods, Rafa Benitez proved why you cannot afford to take your foot off the gas.

With a comfortable two-goal lead and all three points in sight, it was looking smooth sailing for Rafa Benitez’s men to continue their winning ways at Bournemouth, following the 1-0 victory over Manchester United almost two weeks ago.

Fielding the same lineup that provided a rock solid performance against Jose Mourinho’s side, it was a remarkably positive approach from Rafa Benitez’s men that put Newcastle in control of the game. Whilst the home side were sloppy and retreated into their shell, the Toon were positive in their approach and were rewarded with two first-half goals.

However, as the game progressed it was obvious that Newcastle had yet to seal the victory. Rafa Benitez opted to use his first substitution in the 64th minute, replacing the largely ineffective Chelsea loanee Kenedy for Christian Atsu. To Benitez’s credit, the pace of Christian Atsu seems best utilized off the bench when he can run at tired defenders and this substitution was a like for like swap on the left wing.

Atsu was predictably direct, offering a useful counter-attacking outlet and created a glorious chance for Jonjo Shelvey in the 79th minute. Unfortunately, Atsu’s proficiency in counter-attacking marked a defensive tactical change from Rafa Benitez, as shortly before Shelvey’s missed chance Dwight Gayle was substituted for central midfielder Isaac Hayden, leaving only Ayoze Perez to lead the line for the final period of the game.

Perez, who had missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 in the 72nd minute, was having a far worse game than two-goal man Dwight Gayle. This substitution left the Toon sitting far too deep, unable to get control of the ball. Benitez was clearly aiming to add an extra midfielder to frustrate and break up Bournemouth attacks, but the decision backfired as Bournemouth were able to advance into the final third of Newcastle and dictate the play.

After Bournemouth’s Adam Smith made it 2-1 in the 80th minute, instead of encouraging his team to push higher up the pitch, Benitez made another defensive gamble that reinforced Bournemouth’s dominance.

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Former Cherry Matt Ritchie was replaced in the 84th minute by fullback Javier Manquillo and the impact was even worse. Ritchie had already provided an assist for Gayle’s first goal and his industrious defensive work is a hallmark of his game.

For this reason, it seemed bizarre to replace the winger with a fullback who has been in poor form. The young Spaniard slotted into what became a shaky back five for the last 6 minutes of the game. Manquillo could be on his way out of Tyneside in the summer and, whilst it would be unfair to blame the loss on the player himself, he did not make the impact Rafa Benitez was hoping for.

With Bournemouth already on the ascendancy, adding a 5th defensive player simply compounded the issue, as former Newcastle United player Dan Gosling was able to scramble home a goal deep inside the Newcastle penalty area – a position afforded to him by the fact that Benitez’s team had lost control of the match and much of the game was being played on the edge of the Newcastle United box.

The running theme this season has been Newcastle United’s inability to hold on to all 3 points, and the Bournemouth result was a clear microcosm of this trend. Rafa Benitez has always been a pragmatic coach, yet he must show adaptability and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. Far too often do his Newcastle side take the lead, only to sit back and invite pressure in the second half.

Of course, had Perez or Shelvey finished their chances all 3 points would have been taken, but it is not enough to presume any lead is safe in the Premier League.

In replacing two forward players for defensive-minded substitutes, Benitez allowed Newcastle to lose control of the game, and ultimately make disappointment out of what was a chance to reach 11th place in the league table. Instead, the Toon sit 15th and only two points above the drop.