£52m Newcastle United duo must start vs Brentford & Premier League sent X-rated message

It all felt so predictable. Big game, Newcastle United disappointment.

When will the Magpies break through the seeming invisible barrier that just sees them fall so disappointingly short on the big occasion?

You all saw the game and the result - but here’s our five major talking points from the encounter.

Why are Newcastle a different beast away from home?

Look, let’s be honest about this, Newcastle have not been playing well for weeks. They have, yes, picked up positive results, and scored goals, but bar Tottenham, the Magpies have been way off it. Maybe, it’s been like that all season - it is hard to tell, however, as things have been so up and down.

I don’t know the answer. Atmosphere and support matters, of course, but Newcastle have to be better on their travels. It is a major, major issue for Eddie Howe to address in the summer - and it could well prove to be the harshest lesson of a bruising season.

Ticket for the lottery - got to be in it, to win it

It’s not quite Wonka’s golden ticket, but Newcastle need to sweeten up significantly at Brentford on Sunday, if they’re to keep their Euro dream alive and kicking.

They’re not quite needing snookers, but the likeliest scenario is a equalling Man United’s result and then hoping for a Man City cup win. It’s alive, even if it feels like it died a slow death in Salford on Wednesday evening.

Fitness defines the game - AND the season

We all know about Newcastle’s fitness struggles, they’re the most documented excuse of the campaign. But they continue to plague the Magpies.

Newcastle needed Callum Wilson fit. He wasn’t. They needed Joelinton and Nick Pope in the team. They weren’t fit enough.

My biggest issue with the latter pair is that if they’ve been fit enough to be on the bench, game after game, surely they come into the team? That has to change on Sunday. No question. Play. Your. Best. Eleven.

Hats off for Hall

It wasn’t a positive night. Nothing is going to change that. However, it would be remiss of me not to talk about the major plus point of the night - HOW GOOD WAS LEWIS HALL?!?!

Up and down, all night. What an engine. Quality with the ball and did his defensive work without it.

He showed levels of maturity, well beyond his years and scored a fantastic goal. A sweet, sweet left peg. Really coming into his own as the season peters out.

F--k VAR

Aye, I said it. And you know what, it isn’t even the technology I have an issue with the knackers who use it.

Unless the Premier League are going to put serious resources behind getting proper people to make proper decisions using the tech, it may as well go in the bin. Anthony Gordon knows it too well. I think we all stand with you, Anthony.