Newcastle United’s winless run in the Premier League was extended to seven games at the weekend, with the Magpies losing 3-2 to Leicester City.
The result leaves Rafael Benitez’s side just two points and two positions above the relegation zone, with the Magpies entering the busiest period of their season- and their most crucial flurry of games in the Premier League so far.
The Magpies face Everton, Arsenal and West Ham before Christmas, then tackling Manchester City, Brighton and Stoke City over the New Year period- and it’s entirely feasible that they’ll occupy a spot in the relegation spot by then.
Therefore, Saturday’s loss to Leicester could be extremely damaging and BBC pundit John Hartson has slated goalkeeper Karl Darlow for his performance, particularly for Riyad Mahrez’s equalising goal.
“It’s a great strike but Darlow has got to save it. He really, really has – its gone through his finger tips. When he sees that he’ll be disappointed, a player in the Premier League should be able to stop shots like that.”
Darlow recently replaced Rob Elliot as Newcastle’s first-choice stopper and it will be interesting to see whether the decision will be reverted in the wake of the defeat, whilst Benitez is known to be seeking a new goalkeeper in January.
