Newcastle could do nothing to stop Liverpool extending their lead at the top of the Premier League as they slumped to a resounding 4-0 defeat on Boxing Day and any pre-match frustrations over Rafa Benitez’s team selection were surely amplified after the loss.
It is a well known fact that the Spaniard has been given very little to work with by club owner Mike Ashley as the funds which he is granted remain minimal, however Benitez has done well with his limited resources by bringing in Salomon Rondon on loan and the Venezuelan has finally begun to find his feet on Tyneside.
It was, therefore, a huge surprise to many when the big hitman was benched against the Reds and Joselu came into the starting XI – Benitez’ countryman has scored just twice this season in 14 appearances but could have added to that poor tally as the Magpies created a rare chance before Jurgen Klopp’s men broke the deadlock, however he couldn’t find a finishing touch.
It’s safe to say that the Toon Army were less than pleased with Benitez’s decision to drop their best striker, as they made their feelings known on Twitter…