Newcastle United: Nabil Bentaleb’s performance against Oxford in the FA Cup attracts criticism from supporters

During Newcastle United’s dramatic 3-2 victory away to Oxford United in the FA Cup on Tuesday evening, many Magpies supporters flocked to social media in order to lambaste new loan signing Nabil Bentaleb’s performance in midfield – with some fans hinting he was ‘missing‘ during the contest.

Bentaleb, who signed on loan from Schalke in January for the rest of the season, played the full 90 minutes before being substituted in extra time – despite completing 85% of his passes during his outing.

The Algerian, who also managed to give the ball away 10 times (SofaScore), has attracted criticism from a section of Magpies supporters for his performance regardless of the eventually welcomed outcome of the encounter. Goals from Sean Longstaff and Joelinton in the first half put Newcastle in cruise control, but two Oxford United strikes in the final ten minutes disrupted the party and set up a tense period of extra time – with a piece of individual brilliance from Allan Saint-Maximin needed to send Steve Bruce’s side into the fifth round.

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Even though their away tie ended favourably despite a late scare, these Magpies supporters couldn’t believe Bentaleb’s ‘donkey‘ showing – find all of their best comments from Twitter down below.

Must be watching a different game mate he’s been missing most of the game and giving the ball awy

— Alex W (@WesterosMagpie) February 4, 2020

Been lazy with passes and gave the ball away when not under pressure.

— Craig Ferguson (@Fergie_1984) February 4, 2020

1 good pass been donkey other than that

— Lee Manvell (@lee88manvell) February 4, 2020

Must be watching a different player to me, 3 times he’s blindly passed the ball… twice straight to Oxford

— Cory Jay Graham (@Coryjgraham) February 4, 2020