Rafa Benitez a couple of months ago cut a figure who was determined to stand up for the fans and keep the club in the Premier League despite having to work under the tyranny of Mike Ashley. However, he seems to have got a few things wrong in the last few weeks and the fans are rightly questioning him, with his decision to hook Salomon Rondon yesterday being the latest.
46' – A change for United at the break, with Joselu coming on for Rondón. The second half is underway at Selhurst Park. 0-0. #NUFC
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 22, 2018
The Magpies were going toe-to-toe with Crystal Palace and at half-time, it was anyone’s game. The Geordies were delighted with how Benitez had set them up from the get-go as Rondon and Jonjo Shelvey returned after only making the bench against Arsenal. However, the Geordies quickly lost hope in getting a result when Joselu was brought on at half-time and there was some real confusion as to why Rondon was hooked.
The fans have assumed it was probably due to injury and a report in The Chronicle has today confirmed that he was feeling a bit of tightness in his squad and Benitez didn’t want to risk him. The fans still aren’t happy, though, and would have liked to have seen the big Venezuelan stick out for a little bit longer in the second half as they all believe he can make more of a difference than Joselu can, with the majority blaming Benitez for it.
You can see what the Magpies make of Benitez here:
Sorry but,,,, Rafa out
— Steven (@StevieBee86) 22 September 2018
https://twitter.com/newman0204/status/1043518457181097984
You finally get the player but yeah take him off at half time for a guy that can’t hit a barn door in josulu
— James Fernie (@JamesFernienufc) September 22, 2018
Rafa out that's all I'm saying
— Harj Clare (@harjclare) September 22, 2018
Too negative. Play both of them up top!
— Shay (@Shay26862611) September 22, 2018
Rafa too negative playing for a draw
— Nav Vij (@nav_vij36) September 22, 2018
WHY??? Unbelievable!!
— Stephan (let retreat to Bluesky finally begin) (@st_prm) September 22, 2018
The Magpies are understandably frustrated but calling for Benitez to leave is no doubt the wrong thing to do at the moment for the club.
