Newcastle fans want position change after defensive nightmare

Newcastle United managed to stop the rot last night and bring an end to their run of four consecutive defeats in the Premier League but there’s certainly still room for improvement.

A 2-2 with West Brom at The Hawthorns saw the Magpies fight back from two-goals behind to snatch a point, a response that should be praised, but the defensive performance was lacking and fingers can be pointed at the defensive display.

Newcastle looked particularly vulnerable down the right side, where a mixture of poor defending from DeAndre Yedlin and no tracking back from Matt Ritchie left the Magpies defence looking very exposed.

It certainly didn’t go unnoticed amongst supporters and many flocked to social media to share their views on the performance, with a fair number suggesting that American international Yedlin should be playing further forward.

Citing a lack of defensive prowess but praising the ball he provided for Aleksandar Mitrovic’s disallowed goal, many feel he would be better utilised as a winger.

https://twitter.com/MarkBurdis/status/935802956137496577

https://twitter.com/Proteinmonk/status/935797069964554240

Looking back at yesterday’s game – if I was Rafa Benitez, I’d be getting DeAndre Yedlin & Matt Ritchie working extra on the training pitch.

— Andrew Musgrove (@ADMusgrove) November 29, 2017

I'm happy with the draw. Promoted team that didn't spend, need to be realistic. Yedlin was awful, at fault for both goals and poor in previous games as well. Just need to stick with it until the takeover.

— Toonali (@ToonArmySun) November 29, 2017

https://twitter.com/Laird83/status/935667457074675713

https://twitter.com/BenArfaChance/status/935659898452529152

Awful defending again for their 2nd goal too. Yedlin looks all over the place at the minute, Lascelles missed badly too by the looks of it #NUFC

— Rory Faulds (@rory0120) November 28, 2017

Yedlin and Clark in particular looked all over the place for WBA opener tonight. Ritchie even tells Yedlin to close in on Gibbs and he stands there gormless until it's too late #NUFC

— Rory Faulds (@rory0120) November 28, 2017

Positives tonight – coming back from 2 down, the impact of the 3 subs, fans stuck with the team when behind Negatives – Joselu totally lacking confidence, Yedlin's defending, Conceding before the interval again, Chancel struggling at left back #Nufc

— Davey Boy (@23FenhamEusebio) November 28, 2017

I love Mbemba. He's one of my favourite players. But he didn't have a good game. Too easily beaten and not blocking the crosses. Repeat for Yedlin. Teams are targeting our FBs a lot. Time for Pauly D

— allez les chapardeurs 🏴🏳️ (@ABientotTiote) November 28, 2017