OPINION
Many Newcastle United fans are no doubt basking in the 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday.
The Magpies mounted an inspired comeback after going 2-0 down in the first half and you would find it hard to fault anyone’s performances in the second half.
Well, that is apart from Matt Ritchie, who has been operating as a left-back in recent times – but on Saturday, he was a shadow of his usual self, and this is no doubt rather concerning for boss Rafa Benitez.
The 29-year-old is usually the most consistent player on the pitch, but on Saturday, he was a far cry from that. His poor clearance led to the Toffees scoring their opener, and he lost the battle with Andre Gomes that led them to score their second.
His poor penalty effort pretty much summed up what a dire afternoon he was having, and many fans must have thought that the team were only going to decline from there on in.
However, it was Ritchie who disappointed on Saturday, as it now means that Benitez will have to turn to Paul Dummett. Dummett drove the team forward and inspired their comeback and he looks a likely contender to start next time if Ritchie is dropped.
His display simply is not good enough for someone with 31 appearances this season and he no doubt recognises that there are some improvements to be made, especially with Dummett lingering in the wings.
He did move to the midfield but this was to no avail in the slightest, so it was no surprise when Benitez took him off in the second half.
Either way, Benitez must have alarm bells ringing after this powderpuff display from one of his most consistent performers.
