Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to express their annoyance over Nabil Bentaleb’s performance against Arsenal. The 35-cap Algeria international was making his second Premier League appearance of the campaign for his new side since arriving on loan from Schalke in January, having made his debut in the 0-0 draw against Norwich. Unfortunately, the former Tottenham man is yet to taste victory in England’s top-flight with the Magpies, as the Tynesiders succumbed to a 4-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday with Bentaleb playing the full 90 minutes. The 25-year-old made just one key pass, and was also dispossessed twice while looking well off the pace throughout the game – in fairness to him, he didn’t make a first-team appearance for Schalke this term before leaving last month. Bentaleb did also manage to make three tackles, two interceptions and two clearances, so his defensive work throughout the game was respectable – however, he doesn’t appear to have done enough to dazzle a portion of Newcastle fans on Twitter. Let’s see what they’ve been saying about the Algerian midfielder… Playing Bentaleb in place of Hayden is madness – he offers absolutely nothing – bang average #nufc — Michael Gallon (@MichaelGallon) February 16, 2020 I’m still trying to work out what Bentaleb adds to this team? #nufc — Maximo Beerbelli (@285tb) February 16, 2020 To kick off the reaction, Micheal said that playing Bentaleb ahead of Isaac Hayden is “madness” as the January arrival “offers absolutely nothing” and is also “bang average” – ouch. Maximo was also in doubt as to what the midfielder offers, stating that he is still wondering what the player adds to Newcastle. Bentaleb anyone?? Not good enough for me #NUFC — Lee Gibson (@Leegib81) February 16, 2020 Again, track Bentaleb in the build-up to that goal. Absolute disgrace. #nufc — Neil Farrington (@Neilfarrington) February 16, 2020 Elsewhere, Lee said that Bentaleb is “not good enough” for him. Neil then referenced the on-loan man’s part in one of Arsenal’s goals, calling him an “absolute disgrace” for tracking back with little effort. Bentaleb has been here about 6 weeks now and I still don’t know what he brings to the team? #nufc — Natasha 🏳️🌈 (@NatashaNUFC) February 16, 2020 I hope theirs no obligation to buy. — Angel🎅🎁🎄 (@01dunnn) February 16, 2020 Lastly, Natasha said that she doesn’t know what Bentaleb brings to the team having been at St James’ Park for around six weeks now. IS LIFE UNDER ASHLEY REALLY THAT BAD? MAYBE THIS QUIZ WILL CHANGE YOUR MINDS, NEWCASTLE FANS… Then, Angel said that they hope there’s “no obligation to buy” in the loan deal – very harsh indeed. In other news, Steve Bruce has been speaking about Newcastle’s transfer strategy… #NewcastleFans #SteveBruce #NabilBentaleb
