OPINION
Newcastle United roared back against Huddersfield Town as they recovered from a woeful first half to secure a 1-0 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.
Despite not going behind, the Magpies produced one of their most dire first half displays of the season, before producing a fine performance after the break to claim all three points.
A terrific finish from striker Salomon Rondon ensured that Rafael Benitez’s side would be returning to the North East with the win.
As usual there is plenty that can be gleaned from the game, and Nothing but Newcastle has rounded up three things that can be learned from the fixture.
Benitez’s Rondon-Gayle gamble paying off
These are the sort of games that Rondon was signed for. Benitez took a risk when he shipped Dwight Gayle to West Bromwich Albion in exchange for the Venezuelan international, and it looked like a mistake when the Baggies man started the season in sensational form.
Rondon has proved the genius of Benitez’s decision in recent weeks, however. He is absolutely crucial to this Newcastle team at the moment and is integral to the way they’ve been playing this season.
He works incredibly hard for the team and does a lot with the little ammunition he receives from his team mates. He made the difference on Saturday with a calm finish to secure victory, and Benitez will feel vindicated.
Kenedy’s loan should be cut short
This is becoming a weekly occurrence now. Kenedy was woeful once again against Huddersfield and he is becoming a net negative on the left hand side for Newcastle.
The 22-year-old has had a horrible season and the Magpies are getting next to no production from the Brazilian. Benitez would do well to take stock of the situation and terminate the Chelsea man’s loan in January.
That would enable him to bring in another loan signing from a Premier League team, such as Kenedy’s fellow Blue Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The England international would make a much bigger impact than Kenedy at St James’ Park, and Rafa needs to pull the trigger on the winger’s stay on Tyneside.
Schar a positive offensively and defensively
Fabian Schar produced a solid performance at the back once again for the Magpies, and he must be recognised as an excellent summer signing for Newcastle.
Not only is he a fine defender, however, he is also a major threat going forward. He is yet to score for his new club, but he contributes massively when bringing the ball out of the back and spraying passes around.
He looked a legitimate goal threat in the first half on Saturday and was consistently trying to start attacks with his balls out from the back. The Swiss international faces stern competition for his starting spot, but he did his chances no harm on Saturday.
