Newcastle United supporters have been slightly more buoyant in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side come back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with West Brom on Tuesday night, in turn ending a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats.
Rafa Benitez’s men made a decent start to life back in the top tier by winning four of their opening nine games, but then embarked on a woeful run of form by losing at the hands of Burnley, Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Watford. And the managerless Baggies threatened to add their name to that list when Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Field gave them a 2-0 lead, only for a Ciaran Clark header as well as a Jonny Evans own goal to seal a point for the Magpies, who moved up to 12th as a result.
Consequently, there have been many satisfied Newcastle fans in the Tavern this week, many of whom are eagerly anticipating their team’s trip to champions Chelsea on Saturday, where the North East giants will seek to record their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2012.
And many of our resident Magpies supporters have been discussing what changes Benitez needs to make ahead of their clash with Antonio Conte’s men, and Rolando Aarons is one man being backed by many to earn a starting role in West London.
The 22-year-old has been on the peripheries of the first team for much of the campaign so far and has made just three senior appearances for the Magpies, although one of those came at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night in which his substitute cameo helped get Benitez’s men back into the contest.
The former England Under-20 international replaced Jacob Murphy and immediately set about making life difficult for both Matt Phillips and Allan Nyom down the Baggies right hand side.
The winger was direct, full of energy, and wasn’t afraid to use his pace and trickery to create openings down the Newcastle left, arguably offering more in his 26-minute cameo than Murphy did in the preceding 64 minutes.
And given that one of his other two appearances this term saw him score and lay on an assist in their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, the 22-year-old often makes a difference when on the field, and could be exactly the pacey outlet they need at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Ultimately, Benitez’s side are unlikely to have much of the ball against Chelsea and as such when they do get it they have to use it effectively, and unleashing Aarons on the counter or using Joselu’s hold-up play to bring him into the game could be an efficient option for the North East giants.
And after his encouraging efforts against West Brom on Tuesday night, the young winger must get the nod in West London on Saturday.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
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