OPINION

Newcastle United slumped to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of Leicester City on Saturday and there were few positives to be found for Rafa Benitez.

The Magpies hardly tested the Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and seemed resigned to suffering another loss and going another week without registering a win this season.

It’s clear that the managerial genius which is Benitez must go back to the drawing board urgently as his current plans are not paying off.

Nothing But Newcastle have picked out three things we learned about Newcastle v Leicester City  below:

Joselu causes his own problems

Joselu constantly got drawn into dropping into a deeper position in order to touch the ball and it meant he wasn’t in the right place when the Magpies did go forward. It’s admirable the forward wants to work so hard for the team and cover so much ground, but it means he fails to do his job. The Spanish forward, who stands at 6ft 3in tall (Source: Transfermarkt), is meant to be the Magpies’ main attacking threat and he’s causing his own problems by asking too much of himself. Sometimes he needs to stay in a higher position and rely on his teammates to win the ball back as then he’ll be in a position to help his side score when they’re successful.

Atsu looked capable

Christian Atsu showed signs that he could aid the Magpies’ cause in the Premier League even if it was only glimpses. The winger usually looked unable to flourish in England’s top-division however he showed on Saturday that he might have the skills needed to succeed in his locker. While his performance against the Foxes wouldn’t have taken your breath away at least he looked able to contribute. Atsu on several occassions demonstrated his tricky feet as well as his ability to put in decent crosses and it was a hard task to look good while wearing a Magpies shirt on Saturday as everyone struggled.

Shelvey must do more

Jonjo Shelvey, who earns £70,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), may still be recovering from the effects of his recent spell on the sidelines but he must do more. The midfielder coasted through the game and only showed his immense passing ability at times. Given that the Magpies needed a player to step up and grab the game by the scruff of neck, he really should have risen to the occasion. The only highlight is that Shelvey contributed was when he registered his side’s first shot on target by blasting the ball at goal from inside his first-half. While it actually wasn’t the worst effort by any means, he just appeared to be coasting on Saturday and letting his side down. If the 26-year-old wants to remain a fan favourite than he must start doing more for his side even when they’re struggling.