Garth Crooks criticises Florian Lejeune after Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat versus Leicester

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BBC pundit Garth Crooks has criticised Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune’s role in Ayoze Perez’s goal in Leicester City’s 3-0 win at St James’ Park on New Year’s Day.

Crooks was not impressed by the defender on an afternoon where injuries compounded a poor, tired display against Brendan Rodgers’ impressive side.

He said: “James Maddison’s sixth goal of the season and Leicester’s second away at St James’ Park was a screamer and enough to put Newcastle on skid row. There is a time for everything in football and players need to know when and when not to play.

“It would seem that Newcastle failed to observe that basic rule against Leicester City. Florian Lejeune should be docked a week’s wages for playing the ball across his own 18-yard box, the result of which cost his team the first goal and ultimately the match.”

TBR’s View – Newcastle must stop playing themselves into trouble

Steve Bruce promised a more attractive style of football when he arrived at Newcastle but took his side into mid-table with the same conservative tactics as Rafa Benitez.

Over the festive period, against Leicester and Manchester United before that, Newcastle simply gave up goals with slack passes in deep areas.

They are in danger of combining the worst assets of modern passing football – risky giveaways in their own half – with a lack of the benefits – more scoring chances and being better for fans to watch.

It threatens to be a close relegation battle and Newcastle won’t be able to count themselves safe if they keep giving easy goals up.