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Benitez explains why ever-present defender was left at home

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Image for Benitez explains why ever-present defender was left at home

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has said that he left Chancel Mbemba out of the squad against Aston Villa on Saturday as he felt he needed centre halves with more physical presence to face Roberto Di Matteo’s side.

The Magpies boss opted to start former Villa man Ciaran Clark alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles in the centre of defence, while Grant Hanley was given a place on the subs bench. Talking to the Evening Chronicle, Benitez explained his thinking behind the decision:

“Mbemba was fine. I thought for maybe these kind of games Hanley could help in the final minutes but I did not want to make a change in the last minute because we were defending more or less and to put another player on, another defender, would be to invite them to continue attacking.”

“I thought we could create something on the counter attack but that was not the case. To have Hanley on the bench instead of Mbemba was because of the size of him – he is strong. I wanted to have another option just in case.”

Mbemba has started six of Newcastle’s nine Championship games this season but his own goal against Wolves in the 2-0 defeat two weeks ago may have moved him down the pecking order. With DeAndre Yedlin’s injury against Aston Villa however, he may have been a better option rather than moving across Isaac Hayden into an unfamiliar position. With Yedlin struggling for fitness alongside fellow full back Jesus Gamez, and Vurnon Anita suspended, Mbemba may be used as a full back for the next match against Norwich.

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