It was a familiar feeling of disappointment for Newcastle United, but thankfully not accompanied by the usual sense of despair at this stage of the season. The Magpies have crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle to lower-league opposition for the second year in a row under Eddie Howe.
Alexander Isak's long-awaited comeback from injury was the only real positive to take from an otherwise dismal Saturday night at Hillsborough. The Sweden international stepped up his return with an encouraging first-half display, and will hopefully be pushing for starts once more sooner rather than later.
However, it was an otherwise bruising evening for Newcastle who have now been given a timely reminder about the rebuild still facing Howe. Perspective is required, as the Magpies remain third in the Premier League as they now prepare for a winnable Carabao Cup quarter-final home tie against Leicester City.
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Yet a congested schedule led Howe to make eight changes to his starting eleven, and the fringe stars selected failed to deliver. Wednesday's clinical edge stood in stark contrast to the profligate visitors, with Elliot Anderson, Isak, Jacob Murphy and Chris Wood all guilty of missing good chances.
Javier Manquillo was steady in Kieran Trippier's absence, but Jamal Lewis did not offer a performance which suggested he could usurp either Dan Burn or Matt Targett anytime soon. Howe has often talked up the strength of his team, but on this occasion admitted his hands were tied by the 'small squad' at his disposal.
Newcastle's superstar recruits coupled with the rejuvenation of stars such as Miguel Almiron and Joelinton has raised the bar significantly in a matter of months. This rapid revival has evidently come too quickly for the squad as a whole, as the result against the Owls proves Howe can not afford to make wholesale changes.
Simply put, Newcastle are not yet ready to make a sustained challenge on three fronts. The challenge of competing every three or four days is too much for a squad which is only two transfer windows into a major overhaul.
Alan Shearer has previously criticised Premier League clubs for making significant changes when it comes to cup ties. But on this occasion, Newcastle's all-time goalscorer admitted he understood the 'situation' Howe currently finds himself in.
Shearer told BBC Sport: "I’ve always been critical of teams over the years, but you’ve also got to look at the big picture. Look where they are on Tuesday evening in the quarter-final of the League Cup.
"He believes he’s got a big enough and strong enough squad to do it. I would like it to be a stronger squad, but I understand the situation and where they are."
Having spent in excess of £200 million in the last calendar year, Newcastle are not expected to be too busy in this current window. Howe has warned he does not want to 'handcuff' the club's future business by investing heavily this month.
However, the latest FA Cup defeat must surely prompt the club's hierarchy to at least consider a rethink of this current transfer strategy. Newcastle have enjoyed a stunning season so far, but a relentless schedule is a worry for a team punching well above their weight right now.
The Sheffield Wednesday loss could ironically help in this regard with the fixture list, although that will not help Howe's 'bitter disappointment' right now. Absences for the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson combined with the demands of an unexpected top-four race proved too much on this occasion.
Newcastle have been precise and sensible with their recruitment so far, and they must continue to walk a tightrope in order to avoid costly setbacks in their bid to disrupt the 'Big Six'. Yet the failed auditions at Hillsborough has proven Howe also has his hands tied when it comes to the squad rotation which could prove so decisive in the run-in.
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