While Matt Ritchie has not been at his best of late, he is key to Rafa Benitez’s side.
Matt Ritchie’s usual high standards have dropped of late and it has not gone unnoticed for many Newcastle United supporters.
Fans at St James’ Park have been muttering their discontent at the Scotland international’s performance, with two particularly poor showings against Watford and Chelsea adding fuel to the flames.
Against the Hornets, two of the visitors’ three goals came when Ritchie failed to cover DeAndre Yedlin, leaving the full back exposed.
Then, at Chelsea, Ritchie lined up on the left-hand side of a back five and was at fault for two more goals as the champions cruised to victory.
But both games saw the winger criticised for his defensive input, which is hardly what he should be in the team for.
Ritchie has provided five assists, while two more goals have arrived from his set-pieces; without the midfielder, Newcastle would be in even graver danger of the drop.
Admittedly, the former Bournemouth man has yet to find the net this season, but he similarly made a slow start in the Championship last term before hitting form after Christmas.
Newcastle’s struggles should not mean Ritchie is thrown under the bus as he remains one of their more talented players.
He has been key when the Magpies have impressed this term and surely will be if they do so again.
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