Matthias Jaissle made a critical selection error in his Newcastle United midfield as they were thrashed 4-1 by Leeds United.
That’s the view of talkSPORT host Adrian Durham, with former boss Steve Bruce also highlighting their lack of defensive judgement on a night to forget at Elland Road.
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A chaotic period which saw three goals get scored in 14 minutes meant Newcastle were all but downed by the break on Monday night.
A Lewis Miley own goal was met with finishes from Jayden Bogle and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, before Noah Okafor wrapped it up for Leeds by the hour mark.
Newcastle, who scored a late consolation via Bazoumana Toure, were dealt an early blow when Nico Gonzalez went off on 19 minutes through concussion, with summer signing Sean Steur replacing him.
However, Durham did not understand the decision from Jaissle, hinting that his midfield duo lacked experience given they have played in a combined 63 league matches – 59 of which are from Miley.
“Nico Gonzalez has had to go off,” he explained on talkSPORT. “Okay, fair enough, as he’s already got Lewis Miley out there at 20 years old.
“He put Sean Steur on with him in central midfield, 18 years old. He’s got Jacob Ramsey sitting on the bench who’s 25 and over 150 Premier League appearances, and these two babies in centre mid are being exposed badly because he’s maintained the four up front.
“I think it’s a massive managerial coaching mistake from Jaissle. I don’t get it.”
Jaissle told talkSPORT afterwards that, although he was named on the bench, Ramsey could not play, saying: “He felt his thigh during the warm up so that was a reason why there weren’t too many alternatives actually for that position.
“In general we trust the young lads but we also saw that they need time.”
‘Naive’ Newcastle at Leeds
Bruce agreed with Durham and then took issue with the Newcastle back line as they extended their conceded goals tally to eight.
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“It’s certainly bold in his selection that’s for sure and it’s bold in the selection throughout. The no.10 for example, they’re not dropping in and playing a no.10.
“They’re playing two out and out centre forwards and they’ve got two out and out wide players which leaves the middle of the pitch and they’re trying to press the ball high up the pitch.
“They’re a little bit naive in the whole defensive outlook of what they’re trying to achieve. It looks great when it comes off and but when it goes badly wrong it’s awful to experience because they’ve just been so naive.
“And you’re right about youngsters. I mean, they’ve also got Joe Willock, who’s had a really good start to the season.
“He’s sitting on the bench too. I do believe if you’re coming to somewhere like Leeds and go out and out attack, play two centre forwards and two wide players. For me it’s a very, very big call.”
Jaissle suffers first Newcastle defeat
Since replacing Eddie Howe just 18 days before their league opener, Jaissle has endured a positive start to life at Newcastle.
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Three wins and from six in all competitions has come after a summer of upheaval that saw Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes all leave.
A 2-2 draw against Liverpool and 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur are among these results, but Jaissle’s unbeaten run is now over.
The loss is Newcastle’s first against Leeds in the Premier League since January 2021, ending a six-match streak.
It has put them 12th in the table with just one win and a sole clean sheet from four.
Newcastle were hit with blow in attack ahead of kick-off as it was revealed that Anthony Elanga has picked up an injury.
“Unfortunately, he is injured,” Jaissle said. “We need to investigate further and in more detail to find out how long he will be out.
“We will miss him and hope he is back to play quickly. It could be (long-term).
“We hope not. He will get another MRI next week, and we will see.”
The Carabao Cup has given Newcastle the most success this season as they have beaten West Brom and Millwall to reach the fourth round.
Newcastle will learn their opponents during the draw on Wednesday.