To a vast number of Newcastle fans, Chancel Mbemba is without doubt the club’s finest centre-half. But he suddenly has competition from within the ranks.
Another day, another win for Newcastle United. Dwight Gayle (below) netted twice more, taking his tally to five in three, while Jonjo Shelvey once again staked his claim to be the most gifted footballer in the division with a sublime controlling performance from the base of midfield.
However, it was the Magpies other goal-scorer that got fans talking post-game. Like its ice cream alternative, the selection headache is usually a form of pain that signifies a good thing. And, after years of persisting with Fabrizio Coloccini and Mike Williamson, Newcastle fans, and Rafa Benitez, will certainly feel the benefit of having a few decent centre-halves to choose from for once.
Now, Ciaran Clark’s arrival from Aston Villa in the off-season hardly had fans relentlessly trawling through YouTube compilations. After all, he was the central cog in one of the worst Premier League teams in living memory last season. Yet, as he nodded home the opener from another Shelvey assist, the Republic of Ireland international suddenly finds himself in favour at St James’.
Rated as Newcastle’s best performer this season by WhoScored, ahead of Shelvey (below), Gayle, Yoan Gouffran and co, another solid Clark performance alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles is great news for Newcastle. Less so, however, for Chancel Mbemba.
Unquestionably rated as the club’s most talented defender by the majority of the Geordie faithful, the injury that ruled Mbemba out of Saturday’s clash could leave him sidelined longer than expected with Benitez growing more impressed by the week with his in-form summer signing. Typically, the fans are divided on the future of one of their favourite adopted sons.
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