After being in horrendous form all season under Steve McClaren, the directors’ board finally decided that enough was enough. With 10 games to go, the Newcastle United hierarchy decided to relieve the former England manager of his duties, along with a few of his backroom staff.

I have been writing that McClaren should have been sacked for months now; truthfully it all started after the Everton defeat. There was a moment where Newcastle United had two games in three days over the festive period and McClaren didn’t use any substitutes until the 85th minute in the first match, yet started the exact same team two days later. That was just one of many little things that baffled a lot of fans and writers.

On Friday, to the delight of many supporters, Newcastle United appointed Rafael Benitez as manager and what a spectacular coup it was. THE Rafael Benitez, the same manager who was coaching Real Madrid a few months back. From Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema to Paul Dummett, Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita! First, we see Mike Ashley spending money and now appointing world-class coaches; is the world coming to an end!?

1) First, the game itself was somewhat dull. The Magpies looked good, but this was the type of win that will solidify a league winning championship for Leicester. A very tight, gritty 1-0 win for the home side; a game in which Newcastle could’ve easily stolen a point but could not convert their opportunities. The match was there to be had but that’s what happens when one team’s confidence is high and the others is low; you get the lucky bounces.

2) You can’t blame Benitez for not being able to form a decent back four. It is still mind-boggling that the club did not invest in a CB during the January window. The Saivet signing was always a bit odd, seeing as to how many CMs the club already has. You can make the argument that Tioté was supposed to be sold in January, which makes the Saivet signing a little bit more understandable.

3) What is going on with Moussa Sissoko? Is he looking forward to leaving Newcastle this summer after already giving up on the season? It surely seems so. Does he not realise that the Euros are taking place in a few months and his performances are being scouted? How can Deschamps honestly justify his inclusion in a very talented French side? He does not deserve it, in my honest opinion.

4) After the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, I wrote

this:

5) With nine matches to go, the upcoming one is undoubtedly the most important game of the season and the biggest Tyne Wear derby in history. At the moment, NUFC are in 19th place with 24 points, Sunderland are in 17th with 25. Both clubs have played the exact same amount of games and are in a relegation battle.