As Sandro Tonali trudged towards the touchline Eddie Howe looked momentarily puzzled. Then comprehension dawned. As boos, albeit a gentle smattering, greeted his decision to withdraw the Italy midfielder, Newcastle’s manager received a reminder that the widespread adoration he commands on Tyneside is no longer unconditional.
It was last Saturday at St James’ Park and, with 65 minutes gone, Newcastle were heading towards a 1-0 defeat against Brighton. If the outward show of dissent was muted, plenty of home supporters disagreed with the decision to replace the influential, if tiring, Tonali. Significantly, a manager who prides himself on an ability to read the room conceded his introduction of Joe Willock had failed to exert the desired effect.
