Rob Elliot has been at fault for a number of goals this season. It is time for Newcastle to turn to their very capable reserves.
Newcastle United were dominant against Southampton on Sunday, but the fear was always that the hosts would take their chances when they came at St Mary’s – and they did.
Goalkeeper Rob Elliot has so far avoided universal criticism in the early weeks of this season, despite being at least partly at fault for a number of goals against the Magpies.
Both Xherdan Shaqiri and Philippe Coutinho benefited from the Republic of Ireland international’s poor positioning and slow footwork, while the same was true of Manolo Gabbiadini’s first goal on Sunday.
Elliot is capable in one-on-one situations but, as well as struggling with shots from the edge of the box, his distribution has been wasteful and his command of the area non-existent.
What makes these difficulties so bizarre is that Rafa Benitez has alternative options in reserve, with both Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman potential Premier League goalkeepers.
Darlow starred in the Championship last season before bizarrely losing his place to Elliot, while Woodman won the Under-20 World Cup with England in the summer and has huge potential.
Both players must be frustrated as they see Elliot continue to make basic errors in the first team.
Surely the time has come for Benitez to hand a chance to one of his two understudies, with Woodman – in particular – set to be a key man in the future.
To risk upsetting a top prospect while retaining a keeper who is floundering in the top flight would make little sense and will only continue to cost Newcastle points this season.
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