BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks was impressed by the performance of Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles in the 1-0 win against Huddersfield on Saturday.
Salomon Rondon’s goal proved to be the deciding factor at the John Smith’s Stadium, allowing the Magpies to walk away with all three points – and despite not getting on the scoresheet, Crooks was full of praise for United ace Lacelles.
Although Crooks thought that the defender could have been sent off, he believes that he managed to turn around his performance to help the Magpies to an important three points.
“Lascelles was very lucky to have finished the game against Huddersfield. Referee Anthony Taylor thought his tackle on Laurent Depoitre was nothing more than a bookable offence,” he told BBC Sport.
“I must say I wasn’t sure but what I do know is that everything the defender did thereafter was commandingly brilliant.”
OPINION
Lascelles arguably was not the most convincing of players in their 2-1 loss to Wolves last weekend, but he has improved considerably since then. Like Crooks said, he was “commandingly brilliant” after the point where he thought he should have been sent off. Yes, he was lucky to have still been on the pitch for what would have been a red card offence – but Saturday appeared to be his day. He does have his bad days and he certainly has his good days, and Newcastle was fortunate enough to have him on one of his good days. Overall, United defended well on Saturday, even if Huddersfield did not have much to offer in the attacking department. This was a good omen for Newcastle, as they really needed these three points. In a nutshell, Lascelles had a rather good game, and Crooks is right to heap praise on him for it.
