Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez says he did not send on Aleksandar Mitrovic as a substitute as he didn’t think the Serbian offered enough movement for the Magpies.
The Spaniard played 4-4-2 against Bournemouth in an attempt to increase the team’s attacking potency, and although Newcastle had their chances in the first half, they struggled to maintain a grip on the game in the second 45 minutes.
In a bid to change the game at 0-0, Benitez opted to send on Ayoze Perez in place of Joselu on the 68th minute instead of Mitrovic. Explaining his decision after the match, Rafa said:
“I thought Ayoze could give us some good movements. They are different kinds of player, different movements.”
The continued absence from first team duties, even with the Magpies playing two up top, suggests that the Serbian is not trusted by Benitez. The 23 year old’s former club Anderlecht are reportedly interested in re-signing the striker in the January transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether the forward will be allowed to leave the club.
