3 Things we learned: Newcastle 1-2 Leicester

Brendan Rodgers’ game management needs work

One problem the Northern Irishman hasn’t solved is his awful substitutions. Naturally, this game was nothing like the Bournemouth fiasco of last year, but it nearly ended up costing his side a two-goal lead.

Whilst Leicester City hadn’t created a lot of openings, Steve Bruce’s men offered no attacking threat. With James Justin dealing quite competently with Joelinton, their big No.9, all game.

However, when the Brazilian was replaced by Andy Carroll, Rodgers decided to take Maddison off for the returning Soyuncu. This was a 3-0 game, with Newcastle having to come out in search of a goal, the pace Leicester had could have made it a comfortable afternoon.

But a defensive substitution because of one striker who hadn’t scored in three years seemed quite bizarre given how quiet Joelinton was. And sure enough, Newcastle scored from a scrappy set piece and then it’s back to walls stuff; when instead Leicester should be looking to add to their goal difference.

Obviously it didn’t have an effect on the match result, but Rodgers clearly hasn’t changed his thinking after last year. His decision in game could cost the Foxes valuable points if he not careful.