Alan Pardew questions Eddie Howe decision after shocking Newcastle United defeat to Sunderland
The aftermath on Newcastle United’s dismal 1-0 defeat to Sunderland is spicing up - with Eddie Howe's starting line-up under question.
Alan Pardew believes Joelinton should have started for Newcastle United against Sunderland.
Eddie Howe revealed in the build-up to the Tyne-Wear derby that the Brazilian picked up a groin problem at Bayer Leverkusen. Joelinton was an unused substitute as the Magpies were humbled by their bitter rivals on Wearside.
Lewis Miley came in after his Champions League goal from the bench but made little impact. When turning to his bench, Howe introduced Joe Willock to the engine room, perhaps hinting that Joelinton was not fit enough to play.
Alan Pardew questions Eddie Howe call
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Toon boss Pardew said: “Joelinton played during the week. I did the game in the week. He was a little bit tight. He didn't look at his best and Miley came on and scored the goal.
“But I was still surprised not to see him out there today. Because I do think he has that kind of ability in those types of games. To just slow it down and create a moment.”
‘Sunderland for top 10’ - Alan Pardew
Pardew also backed Sunderland to make a potential charge for the top 10. He added: “I wouldn't bet against that Sunderland finishing in the top 10, the way they've played that first half of the season. They've been absolutely terrific. I mean, the game was what I thought it would be. People are so uptight, so tense, so nervous.
“It's so stressful for the playing staff of Newcastle and Sunderland. There's not a lot of quality - and there wasn't a lot of quality. There weren't a lot of fluid movements and people taking people on. It was all a bit nervy and edgy. And Sunderland edged it. Fair play to them.”
Eddie Howe on Sunderland defeat
Howe pinned the defeat on a “bizarre moment” that saw Nick Woltemade head into his own goal. He told reporters post-match: “I thought we defended pretty well today. Through the games, again, there were really few chances for both teams. Unfortunately, one big moment goes against us.
“It was a bizarre moment really to use the game with, but it happened and we weren't good enough to open them up. “The first 60 minutes, we didn't pose a threat at all. I don't think the openings were there. I think there was one or two moments with a better decision or a better pass that could have led to more, but our quality was not there in that phase of the game.
“We tried to be very honest at all times, tried to be honest with you guys and hold our hands up and say that wasn't going to happen. Then when we made the changes, the substitutes came on.
“I thought they made a difference and had a positive impact on our performance, but we didn't work their goalkeeper anywhere near well enough, we didn't sustain pressure well enough and ultimately, then we couldn't force the openings that we needed.”