Newcastle fans credit Matty Longstaff despite Manchester City defeat

Newcastle United suffered a defeat away to Manchester City on Saturday night – but some of the club’s fans on Twitter did give credit to midfielder Matty Longstaff for his performance.

The Magpies were beaten 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, with Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres both on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Steve Bruce’s side are 12th in the Premier League table after their loss and they managed just 24 per cent possession in a game that opponents Man City dominated.

They host Premier League leaders and defending champions Liverpool next at St James’ Park in their final game of 2020, which is set to be another extremely tough fixture for them where they will surrender possession.

(Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

A selection of Newcastle supporters on social media believe that Longstaff was one individual out on the pitch that deserved praise, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow another that kept to his high standard in net.

Aged 20, Longstaff is an exciting talent to come through the academy system, but he’s been down the pecking order in Steve Bruce’s plans so far this season.

The all-action central midfielder was making just his second Premier League appearance of the season and he showed great energy, but ultimately his side were made to work a lot out of possession.

Here are some Newcastle fans discussing Longstaff:

Idk what it is. But I like watching Matty Longstaff play

— Greg Troxell NUFC (@nufc_greg) December 26, 2020

Matty Longstaff making a compelling case to stay in this team…. clearly fitter than his brother and shelvey

— Ben (@Bengn87) December 26, 2020

Matty Longstaff didn't do much wrong tonight. Very tough game for his first start, but he completed the most passes of any #NUFC player, had a 90% pass success rate, and made his fair share of tackles and interceptions, too.

But he needs a loan if Bruce won't give him game time.

— NUFC (@ScoutNUFC) December 26, 2020

Matty Longstaff actually pressing all the time not happy to just sit behind the ball…. how has he not been playing?!

— MadMag (@toonmadmag) December 26, 2020

Matty is so much better than Sean Longstaff #NUFC

— mike (@MikeBakr) December 26, 2020

30 mins in. How Matty Longstaff hasn’t been in this squad even this season is disgraceful from Bruce. Bags of ability. Throwing himself about tonight. 👏 #NEWMCI

— Leigh Ralph (@leighralph) December 26, 2020

Only ones to come out of this with any credit are Murphy and Matty Longstaff #NUFC

— Marc Stewart (@marcuus50) December 26, 2020

One positive = Matty Longstaff #Nufc

— Shane Rout (@shaneyr34) December 26, 2020