Newcastle center-back Florian Lejeune had a rough afternoon on Saturday. He had trouble keeping up with the pace of Everton’s Moise Kean and Richarlison, especially in the first half.
Bruce tweaked the system to get Almiron over the left, which helped a bit, but it was still a struggle for the Frenchman. While he’s not the quickest of players, Lejeune was starting his third game in a week and second in just 48 hours.
For a player who had not played in over 8 months, it proved too much for the 28-year-old. However, he never gave up and continued to give his all until Steve Bruce brought him off in the 74th minute.
Bruce was very sympathetic towards Lejeune after the match. He had little choice but to start the defender with three other center-backs out injured.
After the game, Florian took to Instagram to give a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support despite him having a difficult time.
This is the message that he posted to the fans.
We don’t think any Newcastle fans would be too harsh on Florian Lejeune. He was a victim of circumstance but did the best he could. He was obviously struggling to play his third game in a week.
We just hope that Paul Dummett or Ciaran Clark can come back into the team on New Years Day to give Florian at least a full week of rest.
Who Was Newcastle's Best Player In 2-1 Defeat To Everton?
- Andy Carroll (38%, 525 )
- Joelinton (15%, 207 )
- Martin Dubravka (13%, 180 )
- Miguel Almiron (11%, 158 )
- Jetro Willems (7%, 94 )
- Fabian Schar (6%, 80 )
- Isaac Hayden (2%, 33 )
- Jonjo Shelvey (2%, 25 )
- Federico Fernandez (1%, 20 )
- DeAndre Yedlin (1%, 16 )
- Florian Lejeune (1%, 12 )
- Dwight Gayle (1%, 12 )
- Christian Atsu (1%, 8 )
- Sean Longstaff (1%, 8 )
Total Voters: 1,378
85 comments so far
magpie6699
Dec 29, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Comment #81Charlie – I believe the first offence (offside) would invalidate anything after that – other than (say) violent conduct e.g. a punch or head-butt which would obviously be a red card (but still no penalty).
lochinvar
Dec 29, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #82West Ham likely to appoint Moyes as Manager
He had a lower win rate at West Ham than Pelligrini.
Looks like they’re preparing for the Championship.
When then go there do we the taxpayers get a refund on their stadium while they move to a ground share with Leyton Orient or the like
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Dec 29, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Comment #83Magpie
Which beggars the question it’d going to happen in some game and someone is going to get a bad injury or sent off when it could easily been avoided. Me rather see the flag go up!!
Lindisfarne
Dec 29, 2019 at 11:12 AM
Comment #84Charlie
They should follow the time line but VAR is not allowed to halt the game, which creates some confusion about which events are analysed. The question is if Dubs actions were too forceful in stopping Vardy, would he be punished for violent conduct or would the offside take precedence.
Mad Frog Boom 22
Dec 29, 2019 at 11:32 AM
Comment #85Whos fault, Ashley out?! #supporttoon22