Kevin Campbell delivered a damning verdict on Newcastle United’s performance against Watford as he claimed the team had already got their flip flops on.
The Sky Sports pundit awarded the Magpies a grade of C- for their display against the Hornets, but did highlight one positive for Rafa Benitez’s side by pointing out they did try to fightback.
“Newcastle also look like they have got their flip flops on in a sense, because they are already safe,” said Campbell when grading every Premier League side’s latest performance on Sky Sports’ website.
“But Rafa Benitez teams are always difficult to beat and they did come back into the game in the second half and tried a fightback.”
The Magpies suffered a 2-1 defeat on Saturday at the hands of the Hornets, with Javi Garcia’s side getting both of their goals in the first 30 minutes of the game.
OPINION
A lot of pundits have suggested that the Magpies have been on the beach ever since guaranteeing their Premier League status, with Campbell being the latest to make the accusation. It’s hard to argue with that view point as it stands as Benitez’s side have slumped to three losses in a row after previously winning four on the bounce. If the performances had been better during the defeats suffered it wouldn’t be so bad, but Saturday’s game against Watford was the worst first half performance by the Magpies this season. While Campbell is right to positively praise the fact that the side tried to muster a comeback, it’s simply not good enough. It’s great that the club have avoided relegation this season, but the season isn’t over until the final whistle is blown on the Magpies’ last game of the current campaign. Hopefully Benitez is able to get some players focused on the games that remain, as supporters won’t be able to stomach another woeful performance after Saturday.
