Newcastle United must solve the problem of Bruno Guimaraes' absence between now and the Carabao Cup final. The Brazilian is one game into a three-match suspension following his cup red card and the Magpies struggled to dominate West Ham's midfield as he watched on from the St James' Park stands on Saturday.
Former England international Jermain Defoe was one of many who noticed the lack of control by Newcastle during the 1-1 draw, highlighting this on Optus Sport. “It was electric and you’re going to get that playing there [at St James' Park],” Defoe said.
“The manager demands it and the place demands it and we’ve seen that all season. They get the first goal early on but they didn’t get a second and well done to West Ham for that but the second half in contrast to the first… they didn’t create anything. There was no control. That’s a thing that would worry me.”
READ MORE: Newcastle may benefit from alleged Man City spending breach with points deduction possible
Joelinton slotted back into midfield effortlessly following his recent attacking exploits of late. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff also worked tirelessly to try and get things going for the home side. Newcastle weren't helped by the fact Declan Rice dominated the midfield with a standout performance, with calls for Newcastle to break the bank to secure his signature.
Newcastle are desperately light in the middle of the park and look noticeably less efficient when Bruno is not involved. Newcastle have not won any of the four league games in which the 24-year-old hasn't started, drawing three and tasting defeat once.
The priority this summer is finding another quality midfielder to add much-needed depth in that area of the pitch. Eddie Howe seems to already be aware that his side can't currently replace Bruno's quality in the middle.
"I think we missed Bruno today, but we were always going to miss Bruno because he’s so unique and slightly different," the Newcastle boss said after the draw with West Ham.
"But I do think our midfield players who played in his absence all played well. I don’t think it’s a criticism of them – I just think he’s irreplaceable. You’re going to miss him, and I think we missed his creative eye more than anything else."
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15.
READ NEXT
Anthony Gordon has just given Newcastle a glimpse of the future and what Declan Rice told him
Fuming Fabian Schar, Eddie Howe sends message to Newcastle players and 'magical' target hit
Eddie Howe sees 'top quality player' who will cost more than £107m after Newcastle performance
Newcastle have another Bruno Guimaraes solution and exciting Anthony Gordon glimpse - 5 things
Eddie Howe has an 'idea' of next Newcastle transfer as summer plans already start ramping up
