Opinion

Why bring on these Newcastle United substitutes, these key players,  at the end of the Tottenham cup game?

Wednesday’s win against Tottenham with a team of mostly squad players, is exactly what we need this season, but why bring on Joelinton, Trippier, Bruno and Gordon for short cameo’=s when the game was won ?

The unnecessary risk is palpable: a stray tackle or an innocuous slip could bring a red card or serious injury, potentially costing us a key senior player for months.

Newcastle are in four competitions this season and many of our players are regularly playing for their countries during international breaks. So 60+ high intensity games for a player across a season is an impossible ask. Player rotation is essential to ensure we spread the load and have our best players fresh and fit for the most important games.

Is it a coincidence that Sandro Tonali was man of the match against Tottenham, having played only 20 mins over the previous two games ? He was literally everywhere on the pitch on Wednesday, not once easing up or looking tired. There are obvious benefits to resting senior players and having them fit...