Newcastle United supporters are growing increasingly frustrated at the decision not to sign a midfielder in January. Jonjo Shelvey was allowed to leave for Nottingham Forest despite the Magpies already being light in the engine room.
Bruno Guimaraes’ red card in the Carabao Cup semi-final meant that, against West Ham United and Bournemouth, Newcastle started the game with no midfielder on the bench. Disaster struck early on at the Vitality Stadium as Joe Willock was forced off holding his hamstring.
Eddie Howe introduced Anthony Gordon from the bench - forcing his system into a rethink. The new arrival usually operates on either flank but was tasked with playing the number 10 role behind Alexander Isak.
