Fewer touches than goalkeeper: Howe must axe 3/10 Newcastle dud who lost 100% duels vs Man City

Newcastle United suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, a match that exposed significant weaknesses in their performance.

From the opening whistle, the Magpies appeared second-best, unable to match the intensity and precision of their opponents. The heavy loss underscored the challenges Newcastle faces in competing with the Premier League’s top sides and marked a missed opportunity to climb into the top four.

The tone of the match was set early when Omar Marmoush delivered a moment of brilliance in the 19th minute. The forward capitalized on a defensive lapse, lofting a clinical finish over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to open the scoring.

That strike was only the beginning of Marmoush’s impressive evening. In a span of just 14 minutes, he completed a remarkable hat-trick, etching his name in Premier League history with the fourth-fastest treble ever recorded by a Manchester City player. His lethal finishing left Newcastle’s defense scrambling and ensured that the visitors entered halftime with a daunting 3-0 deficit.

While Newcastle hoped to regroup in the second half, their efforts to stage a comeback were largely ineffective. Manchester City maintained control, and James McAtee added a late fourth goal to seal a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

For Newcastle, the result was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly as they missed the chance to make a significant move up the league table.

Manager Eddie Howe will undoubtedly feel frustrated by the collective underperformance of his team, but certain players’ displays were particularly concerning. Kieran Trippier, one of the more experienced members of the squad, endured a night to forget.

Starting as a right-back in such a crucial encounter, Trippier struggled to make an impact and became a focal point of Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities. His inability to deal with a long ball over the top allowed Marmoush to score the opener, and he was again outmaneuvered by the same player shortly afterward, leading to City’s second goal.

Trippier’s struggles extended beyond those pivotal moments. Substituted at halftime for Tino Livramento, the veteran defender finished the match with a performance that fell far below his usual standards.

He managed fewer touches than Dubravka, Newcastle’s goalkeeper, and lost every duel he contested. Adding to the frustration, he committed three fouls, lost possession on multiple occasions, and failed to register a single tackle. While he recorded one interception and one clearance, these contributions did little to offset an otherwise dismal outing.

The lackluster display from Trippier raises questions about his place in the starting lineup for Newcastle’s upcoming matches. As a player with considerable experience in high-stakes games, his performance at the Etihad was a stark departure from what fans and his manager have come to expect.

Howe may feel compelled to reevaluate his defensive setup, particularly with Nottingham Forest next on the schedule. A change in personnel could be on the horizon as Newcastle seeks to rebound from this heavy defeat.

Despite the scoreline, the loss serves as a critical learning moment for the Magpies. Competing against a team of Manchester City’s caliber requires not only technical skill but also mental resilience and tactical discipline—qualities that were sorely lacking in this encounter.

Howe will need to address these shortcomings in training and make adjustments to ensure his team responds positively in their next fixture.

For Newcastle fans, the disappointment of such a comprehensive loss will linger, but the season is far from over. While this defeat highlighted areas for improvement, it also provides an opportunity for the squad to regroup and refocus.

The road ahead will not be easy, but with the right adjustments, the Magpies can aim to regain their form and push for a stronger finish in the Premier League.