Newcastle fans have had to endure their fair-share of ups and downs in the last five seasons, but they’re currently enduring some of the darkest days since they were relegated in 2009.
Led by Steve “Wally with the Brolly” McClaren, they’re marooned near the foot of the Premier League, having only won two of their 13 games so far this season.
At the time of writing, their 13 goals scored is the joint-third worst in the division. They currently trail Crystal Palace 4-1, meaning their defence has now conceded 29, the worst of out all 20 sides.
Nothing has typified their on-going confusion at the back quite like today’s game. All four goals were eminently preventable, but the worst of the bunch was this 17th minute strike by Yanick Bolasie that saw them fall 2-1 behind.
Coloccini and Mbemba both failed to clear the ball, with the captain literally falling over it rather than kicking it. Once the ball arrived at Bolasie’s feet, the outcome was never in doubt.
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There are just ten minutes to go in the tie, and the prospect of a miraculous Newcastle recovery is beyond bleak. There are certain to be serious question marks over the future of Steve McClaren, with several of the fans running out of patience with the former ‘Boro boss.
He seems to be unable to inspire or improve his troops, and failure to make a managerial switch before it’s too late could cost Newcastle dear in the summer.